For Menopause Symptoms Treatment, My Wife Is Now Undergoing Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

After several visits to her physician, and two blood tests for Thyroid function my wife was very frustrated. She has almost every symptom of Hypothyroidism. Her tests both came back in the normal range for Thyroid. But very low in the normal range. These symptoms that she has would also indicate that her hormone levels have really gone out of wack the longer she has been perimenopausal. We have researched the Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT) pros and cons and the Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Treatments (BHRT) being used today by specialists groups, and we have questioned why her physician did not test her for hormone production levels in her body.

We have decided that many primary care physicians do not want to get "out of the box" concerning treatment of menopausal women, unless the situation is dire or dysfunctional. So, women are not getting the attention that they probably need to live a life more normal and similar to the way they were before starting the menopausal cycle.

She made two visits to a medical group that specializes in BHRT. The first was to do blood testing for hormone levels. She was way out of the range in all but one of 7 hormone categories. A series of capsules were prepared to be placed under her skin, in order to give her body a "time release" supplement of the hormones designed to balance her hormonal levels out. The very small capsules were placed under the skin of her buttocks. These capsules are designed to last one month. She will visit the clinic in one week to look for problems and then return for another round of treatment after the month is up.

We are researching now, what her levels show on the range of this medical group, and what it means. We are also going to research, what other medical groups consider "normal" and how these numbers all compare. Of course, we are also going to see if there is a good, bad or no reaction to how she feels and performs.

I plan to write weekly articles in EzineArticles over the next eight weeks to let women who are interested in this subject know how this treatment appears to be working for her. I will also tell you the costs of the program and how much of the cost, if any, is covered by our health insurance.

If you have wondered about the details of this treatment and how it might help you. Watch for the weekly reports under my name in EzineArticles.

Danny Hammond is an author, who writes articles dedicated to helping couples communicate, research and cope with the devastating effects that menopause symptoms can have on relationships of marriage, family, friends and co-workers. He is currently working with others on a website featuring these subjects. Please visit this website for advice on strategy and products dealing with menopause.

http://www.mymenopausehormones.com/

Hormone Imbalance: Take the Challenge: Change One Thing

There's nothing I appreciate more than a tiny change in perspective that can recolor my entire outlook. That is exactly what happened when I began to look outside the traditional method of hormone therapy to treat symptoms of hormone imbalance. When I was first introduced to herbal medicine I was skeptical yet desperate, but to my surprise, herbal medicine turned into an unexpected dose of inspiration. At the time, my only goal was to get back to feeling like myself again. However, I received much more: I developed a brand new outlook on life.

Circumventing hormone imbalances can be as uncomplicated as making minor changes in food choices, daily routine and attitude about PMS and menopause symptoms.

Many of you might have read articles posted on this site or in magazines about the downside of using sugar, caffeine and alcohol in excess. And it's no secret sometimes its tough to put our knowledge where our mouths are. Pre-menstrual symptoms, hot flashes and insomnia are exasperated by poor eating habits, yet on the other hand, cutting back on the culprits can make a difference in how you feel during the day and night and can help you get a better night's sleep.

Stress can trigger symptoms such as insomnia, hot flashes, anxiety, heart palpitations and uterine cramping. An easy fix could be a few minutes of gentle deep breathing. It will relax your mind and body and in turn calm down symptoms.

Exercise may be the single most valuable gift you can give yourself. Ahhhh yoga. Okay, I realize many have never tried it but yoga has shown very positive results with even the most severe of perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

Get outside and take a walk for 15 to 30 minutes several times a week. It is a great way to let go of stress, lift fatigue, guard against weight gain and quite symptoms. It's a way to get fresh air and it's free.

Perhaps it time for a change in perspective. Somewhere in the learning process it became acceptable to blame menopause for bad hair days and be the excuse for terrible moods among other rationalizations.

It's very easy to tell ourselves I'm busy or I'm too tried. But if we could get a glimpse into our future and the possible consequences of the decisions we make today, I think we would be motivated to make different decisions for our health and the care of it.

We should all be blessed to experience a naturally occurring menopause but symptoms unfortunately for some are the result of surgery or medical treatments. In either case you still have a choice of how to manage them. Speak with your doctor and learn about your options. Ask about using an herbal treatment as a first step for symptom relief. There are some very good ones available that have been clinically tested and show significant results.

Because of the risks of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke and blood clots found from taking HRT, an unprecedented number of women question using any form of prescription Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or BHRT. They also are not enthusiastic about using medications they feel they don't need. If these are your thoughts you are not alone.

Anti depressants will not cure your hormone imbalance and neither will hormone replacement therapy.

The FDA and Women's Health Initiative warn the negative effects of HRT outweigh any benefits.

Stay current with the facts. Presently the FDA tells women who decide to use HRT, to take them at the lowest dose possible, and only for a short time. The FDA has also issued statements regarding bioidentical hormones hand mixed by pharmacist. They are not FDA approved or standardized, and the FDA explains to consumers that there is no scientific data to say that they are any safer than traditional HRT.

Sabina E. Fasano is the founder of Solutions for Women, the developer of Femmerol?, a patented, clinically tested micronized herbal formulation for addressing hormonal imbalance due to menopause, perimenopause, and monthly hormonal fluctuations. Femmerol is manufactured by the Capsugel Division of Warner-Lambert. To learn more about Femmerol visit http://www.solutionsforwomen.com or call 1 + (800) 846-0866

Women in Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy - What Should They Do?

Hormones are chemicals produced in your body. The hormones role is to influence tissue or organs within the body. Some hormones we produce are Thyroid, Insulin, Growth Hormone and the sex hormones Testosterone, Estrogen and Progesterone. In the last 20 years the list has grown to over 100 different known hormones.

Menopause is the cessation of the menstrual cycle for one year. The estrogen that had been abundantly produced previously, is now at a much lower level. Symptoms occur as the hormone ratios change. Women who have experienced this know that they can experience:


liability of emotions
sleep disturbances
temperature regulation problems like hot flashes, sweats and chills
change in sexual desire
loss of the ability to orgasm
inability lubricate enough to enjoy sexual activity
Some women complain of word finding difficulty they sometimes call "Foggy Brain". These symptoms are a great source of discomfort and anxiety for many women.

Not that many years ago it was recommended that women take hormones to "replace" those they no longer produced. Over time it was discovered that these pharmaceutical grade hormones predisposed the individual prescribed them to some serious problems. These problems seem to be related to the


dose,
ratio,
length of time taken,
age of the patient and
smoking habits
as well as hereditary risk factors.
Bottom line, they made symptoms go away but caused blood clots, breast and uterine cancer. They did not prevent many of the diseases for which they were being taken. The pendulum swung completely away from hormone therapy. Then women began taking hormones from plants but those plant estrogens might cause some of the same problems.

Now enter "bio-identical hormones". These are hormones derived from plants and chemically altered to "exactly" resemble human estrogen and progesterone. Also, about the time these bio-identical hormones became available, new studies indicated that topical use and use up to age sixty probably solved some of the symptom problems but did not cause the side effects.

Some studies suggest nonidentical progesterone actually predisposed a woman to greater inflammation and possibly increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The task force reviewing the evidence suggested a woman be informed and then be allowed to participate in the decision making process. The information available on the web is conflicting because some of it is old. Some of it is accurate but the context of the information is not known. To get a handle on this, you need expert information and in context. Then you can discuss your needs with your health clinician and make informed decisions. To help you do this I suggest you sign up for a free 30 day Basic Membership trial at http://femalemenopausementors.com/basicmember/.

Top 6 Natural Estrogen Replacements!

Try these natural estrogen replacements rather than using hormone replacement therapy!

These herbal supplements contain plant estrogen, or phytoestrogen, which produces estrogen like effects in your body and can help to relieve your symptoms of menopause.

1. Angelica Herb

This herb is also called, "don quai." It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat not only symptoms of menopause, but also hypertension, and heart, liver, and spleen issues.

Women can take it as a pill, liquid extract, or a tea to treat vaginal dryness, menstrual cramps, hot flashes, digestive problems.

2. Licorice Root

This herb has been used by the Greeks, Hindus, Chinese, and Egyptians. It balances hormones and helps to treat fatigue, vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, headaches, and digestive issues.

You can get your dose of licorice root in the form of drops, capsules, or teas.

Although the licorice candy is quite delicious, know that it does not contain any of this beneficial herb. Most licorice candy is flavored with anise, not licorice.

3. Red Clover

The isoflavones in red clover suggest that it can reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. More good news? It may help reduce our risk of developing osteoporosis by boosting bone density.

People also use red clover to treat skin problems like eczema and psoriasis.

4. Black Cohosh and Menopause

This is one of the most popular herbs for menopause. Women use it to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, depression, and menstrual cramps. Native American women called this "cramp bark" because it was so beneficial in treating menstrual cramps.

As with the other herbs here, you can take black cohosh in a liquid or pill form.

5. Soy Estrogen

Getting soy estrogen can help treat hot flashes, vaginal dryness, migraines, and symptoms of PMS. It can also help to prevent osteoporosis and lower your cholesterol.

You've got options if you're looking to boost your estrogen with soy estrogen. You can drink soy milk, eat tofu, soy nuts, edamame, or mix some soy protein powder into your fruit smoothies.

6. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are so good for you! They contain phytoestrogens, omega 3s, and fiber.

In order to get the most benefits from flax seeds, eat ground flax seeds. You can buy them already ground at most health food stores (keep them in your refrigerator), or you can buy whole flax seeds and grind them yourself in a coffee grinder or flax seed grinder.

Elizabeth A. O'Brien invites you to visit her website http://www.estrogensource.com to learn more about naturally balancing your menopausal hormones.

Boost your low hormone levels naturally. Visit http://www.estrogensource.com

Soy Estrogen - 5 Easy Ways to Get This Natural Estrogen Replacement

You know the many benefits of soy estrogen, you are trying to incorporate this natural estrogen replacement into your diet, and you're looking for easy ways to do it. Read on, my friends!

By eating 50-100 mg of isoflavones (the plant estrogen found in soy products) a day, you can reduce your hot flashes and night sweats, help stop your PMS symptoms, and start to have healthier skin, hair, and nails.

So, here are five easy ways to get your three daily servings of soy.

1. Soy Milk

It's time to rejoice, ladies! Getting your daily soy intake is a great excuse for drinking a lovely, cold glass of chocolate soy milk-- full of that great soy milk estrogen! If you don't like chocolate (Do people like that even exist?), then you can drink the vanilla soy milk or the unsweetened soy milk. I find that the chocolate and vanilla are great on their own, but if you are going to drink the unsweetened soy milk, you might need to give it a boost of flavor. You can do this by making a smoothie.

2. Smoothies

If you're looking for an easy breakfast or a refreshing snack, smoothies are a great idea. They are easy to make, healthful, and delicious. Get the soy in your smoothie with soy milk or soy protein powder (you can find this at health food stores). I like blending my soy milk and protein powder with frozen strawberries (It makes a great texture!) or frozen bananas. Heck, you could even go crazy and mix it with frozen strawberries AND bananas! I suggest using fresh fruit that you have frozen yourself. Those bags of frozen fruit from the grocery store taste quite fake, but if you are really in a rush, they will do the trick.

3. Edamame

It doesn't get much easier than this. Just buy these fresh soy beans at the grocery store, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, sprinkle them with salt, and they are ready to eat. If you've never had them before, you may be wondering how to eat them. Don't eat the shell. The shell is not enjoyable to eat. You put the whole pod in your mouth and use your teeth to scrape out the two or three soy beans inside.

4. Soy Nuts

I didn't think it could get easier than the edamame, and then-- it did! Just look for roasted soy nuts at your grocery store. The instructions for eating these? Take them out of the bag and put them in your mouth.

5. Miso

This simple Japanese soup is tasty, and it has at least a serving of soy in each bowl. You can either make this at home (not so easy), or pick some up at a local Asian restaurant (easy).

Elizabeth A. O'Brien invites you to visit her website http://www.estrogensource.com to learn more about naturally balancing your menopausal hormones. Boost your low hormone levels naturally. Visit http://www.estrogensource.com

What is Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)?

As we mentioned in other articles, endometriosis grow somewhere else other than the endometrium also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle, building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. Hysterectomy always is the last resource in treating endometriosis for woman who has exhausted all the treatments without success, or endometrial tissues has become cancerous, her doctor may suggest some kinds of hysterectomy. If the varies were also removed in the endometrial hysterectomy, then estrogen replacement theory may be necessary to restore the level of estrogen in the woman body.

Estrogen is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and reproductive organs in woman's body. The removal of ovaries causes hormone imbalance of reproductive system resulting in all kinds of symptoms of menopause. In that case, your doctor may suggest estrogen replacement therapy (ERT).

I. What is estrogen therapy

Estrogen replacement therapy helps to restore the balance of hormones in the women reproductive cycle caused by menopause state or temporary menopause state or the removal of ovaries after hysterectomy. By giving the additional estrogen to the patient body through injected, oral or patches, it helps to reduce the symptom caused by low level of estrogen.

Since women with hysterectomy may require different amount of estrogen intake, please make sure check with your doctor to see which form of estrogen therapy is worked well for you.

II. Types of estrogen hormone

1. Estrone

Estrone is produced by adrenal glands mostly in body fat and muscles. Without supporting from the ovaries, the level of estrone is dropped significantly causing hot flush.

2. Estradiol

Estradiol is produced by the ovaries. Since the ovaries are removed, level of estradiol also is dropped significantly. Therefore, you doctor may suggest entinyl estradiol, which is a synthetic estrogen to be taken because its effects are similar to those of estradiol. There are other kind of estrogen, such as plant base or animal mixture of estradiol and estrone (conjugated estrogen) which can be converted to estradiol by our body including sodium estrone sulphate and sodium equilin sulfate cenestin, enjuvia, premarin.

3. Estriol

Estriol is another estrogen hormone that is produced by placenta. It is produced in great amount during pregnancy. Estriol is an important indicator of a fetus's well-being.

II. Benefits and Risks

Unlike women in menopause, women with removal of ovaries normally only need to take a small amount of estrogen.

1. Benefits

a) Reduce hot flash

b) Reduce vagina dryness

c) Risk of itching around the vagina area

d) Reduce the risk of osteoporosis

2. Risks

a) Increase risk of breast cancer

b) Increase risk of blood clots in lung and leg

c) Risk of heart attach and stroke

d) Increase the risk of live damage

e) And sometimes unusual vagina bleeding.

I hope this information will help. If you need more information of insurance or series of articles of the above subject at my home page at: [http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com]

To read the series of endometriosis visit: http://endometriosisa.blogspot.com

All rights reserved. Any reproducing of this article must have the author name and all the links intact.

"Let Take Care Your Health, Your Health Will Take Care You" Kyle J. Norton

I have been studying natural remedies for disease prevention for over 20 years and working as a financial consultant since 1990. Master degree in Mathematics, teaching and tutoring math at colleges and universities before joining insurance industries.

The Good and Bad of Estrogen Replacement Therapy

As we mentioned in previous articles, endometriosis growing somewhere else other than the endometrium also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle by building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. Hysterectomy is always the last resort in treating endometriosis for women who have exhausted all treatments without success, or if endometrial tissues has become cancerous, her doctor may suggest some types of hysterectomy. After having endometrial hysterectomy, women will be given the choice of estrogen replacement therapy. In this article, we will discuss the good and bad of estrogen replacement therapy after endometrial hysterectomy.

Hormone replacement therapy is always a very controversy subject, you can easily find thousands of people who agree with it and thousands of other people do not.

Both agree that endometrial hysterectomy is necessary if the endometriosis is in progression state or if the woman has exhausted other treatments, or if endometriosis has become cancerous.

I. The good of estrogen replacement therapy

1. It helps to normalize the level of estrogen caused by removal of ovaries that regulate the level of estrogen in the woman's reproductive system.

2. It helps to reduce symptoms of menopause caused by low level of estrogen in the body.

3. It helps reduce stress and depression to women who cannot adapt to her new life cycle as well as helping to rebuild confidence and self esteem.

4. It helps to decrease the risk of bone loss due to inability of digestive absorption because low levels of estrogen reduce level of stomach acid that is necessary for breaking down foods that enter our digestive system.

5. Increases sexual desire in some women.

II. The bad of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)

1. Study from US Woman's Health Initiate (WHI) shows that estrogen replacement increases the risk of breast cancer.

2. Increases the risk of blood clots in deep veins.

3. Increases the risk of ovarian cancer for women who do not have their ovaries removed during endometrial hysterectomy.

In fact, very few things are risk free. Woman with endometrial hysterectomy may try to explore the compromise between estrogen replacement therapy and other treatments that can help her to relieve the symptoms of menopause effectively without expose herself to unacceptable risk.

I hope this information will help. If you need more information of insurance or series of articles of the above subject at my home page at: [http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com]

To read the series of endometriosis visit: http://endometriosisa.blogspot.com

All rights reserved. Any reproducing of this article must have the author name and all the links intact. "Let Take Care Your Health, Your Health Will Take Care You" Kyle J. Norton I have been studying natural remedies for disease prevention for over 20 years and working as a financial consultant since 1990. Master degree in Mathematics, teaching and tutoring math at colleges and universities before joining insurance industries.

Is Natural Estrogen Replacement Available?

During menopause, natural estrogen levels in a woman's body decline causing symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. For many years, estrogen replacement therapy was recommended to relieve menopausal symptoms. As the egg supply in the ovaries is depleted, they begin to produce less estrogen and finally shut down completely. Other organs produce estrogen as well, so even after menopause it is still present in the blood stream, just at much lower levels than when a woman was young.

In the 1930's, scientists found that they could isolate the natural estrogen from the urine of pregnant women, but continued to search for other sources, in order to make mass production possible. During that decade, researchers learned to create estrogen in the laboratory and isolate it from the urine of pregnant mares.

In 1941, estrogen replacement therapy was approved by the FDA for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Estrogen replacement therapy was very popular until around 1975 when researchers learned that it could cause endometrial cancer. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. Natural estrogen produced by the ovaries causes the lining to thicken, preparing for a fertilized egg. During a woman's reproductive years, if no egg is fertilized, the ovaries produce progesterone, which causes the endometrium to be shed during menstruation. Estrogen replacement therapy caused the lining to thicken, but since progesterone was not present, the lining was not shed, resulting in cancer of the endometrium in many women.

To reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, doctors began to prescribe a combination of progesterone and estrogen replacement for women during menopause. This "combination therapy" was very popular until 2001, when the Women's Health Initiative found that the health risks associated with this therapy outweighs the benefits. Hormone replacement therapy had been commonly recommended, not only to reduce the symptoms of menopause, but also to reduce a woman's risk of colorectal cancer and osteoporosis.

During the five year study, researchers followed groups of women who were using either estrogen replacement only, combined hormone replacement therapy or a placebo (no HRT at all). Researchers had originally intended to follow the women for several more years, but research was halted because of the number of reported adverse events among women using HRT. The adverse events reported were breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots, stroke and pulmonary embolism.

The information collected by the research group indicates that while combination HRT decreases a woman's risk of endometrial cancer, it increases a woman's risk of breast cancer. One group of women in the study was able to use estrogen replacement only, because they had previously had a hysterectomy, thus estrogen posed no threat of endometrial cancer. After comparing the incidence of breast cancer in this estrogen only group to the group using combination HRT, researchers concluded that the combination therapy increased a woman's risk of breast cancer. Topically applied hormones, such as natural estrogen creams, are not believed to carry the risks of orally administered hormones.

Some brands of HRT are advertised as "natural estrogen" because the source of the estrogen is natural; mare urine. Some people refer to bio-identical hormones as "natural", because they are designed to be molecularly identical to the natural estrogen and other hormones created by a woman's body.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is somewhat popular, due in part to a book written by a female TV star, who upon entering menopause was unhappy with everything that went along with it and found a clinic that offers this form of treatment. It is more expensive and not available from all doctors. Basically, bio-identical HRT involves creating hormones in the laboratory that are structurally identical to a woman's own hormones. Compounding pharmacists use plant estrogens from yams and soy, as well as animal estrogens from horses and pigs and "adjust" them, so that they are so similar to the ones produced by the human body, that, theoretically, the body can not tell the difference. To date, no studies have been conducted concerning the health risks associated with the long term use of bio-identical HRT.

Rather than offering the quick fix of estrogen replacement or other types of HRT, some of the best women's clinics begin treatment by counseling women about diet, nutrition, lifestyle and dietary supplements. In many cases, making healthy changes in lifestyle and diet and adding nutritional supplements helps to increase a woman's natural estrogen levels, relieves menopausal symptoms and makes HRT unnecessary. To learn more, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a healthcare professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Visit http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com to learn more about menopause, PMS and natural remedies.

Benefits of Estrogen Replacement Therapy

When a woman reaches the menopausal stage or if her ovaries have been removed, her body stops producing estrogen naturally. As a result, she begins to suffer from menopausal symptoms.

Generally, estrogen production drops drastically after the age of 45, although decline in hormone levels begin much earlier on in life. In the beginning, the declining levels of estrogen in the body are not noticed. However, as women age, the steadily declining levels of estrogen affect the body in more telling ways. Physically, the menstrual period stops. This the beginning of the uncomfortable experiences associated with menopause.

Menopause brings with it many physical and psychological problems. The most popular among these is hot flashes, depression and extreme mood swings. There is also a steady decline in vaginal lubrication. In addition, some women also start suffering from osteoporosis at the time of menopause. This is serious because women begin to lose their bone mass as early as 35-40 years of age. However, in the absence of estrogen, calcium depletion speeds up and bone mass erodes quickly. That is why older women are more susceptible to bone fractures.

The best way to make up for the imbalance in estrogen levels in the body is to replace it as it gets depleted. This is what estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) does.

Estrogen replacement therapy aims at increasing the levels of estrogen in the body. It may be administered through a patch, vaginal ring, gel or skin cream. It has been seen that administering estrogen transdermally is perhaps the most effective way of taking in estrogen. In this method, estrogen enters the bloodstream directly without it being metabolized by the liver.

However, even though estrogen replacement therapy was highly sought after in the beginning, interest in the therapy began to wane as high incidences of cancer, heart problems and other undesirable side effects began to be associated with estrogen replacement therapy. Synthetic hormones, it was found, could lead to serious side effects. That is what led to the development and use of natural hormones in hormone replacement therapies.

Natural estrogen has a number of beneficial effects. Its greatest appeal is its molecular structure which is similar to the molecular structure of human hormones. Natural estrogen also has a modulating effect on the hormones in the body. This allows the even metabolism of hormones in the body. This has potent therapeutic effects.

Specifically, ERT helps cut the risk of developing osteoporosis, colon cancer and perimenopausal symptoms. Other remarkable effects associated with ERT include youthful looking skin, better sex life, sharper mind and lower risk of developing Alzheimer's.

For estrogen replacement therapy to be effective, it is necessary that patients undergo highly customized treatments. It is also true that women who benefit the most from this therapy include those who are most affected by symptoms like hot flashes and those who are most likely to develop osteoporosis due to a slim frame or the regular use of tobacco or alcohol.

Estrogen replacement therapy can help relieve symptoms of the climacteric (menopause), including hot flashes. This treatment may help prevent perimenopausal symptoms, colon cancer, and osteoporosis.

Facts You Need To Know About Hormone Replacement Therapy

Women world over dread the word "fifty". While men get naughty at forty, women get confused at fifty! This age is the age when a woman experiences menopause. For many women, menopause is a dreadful period that is marked by hot flushes, profuse sweating, insomnia, vaginal dryness and mood swings. During menopause, a woman's body undergoes great physical and mental changes as well. Diminishing levels of estrogen and progesterone cause a lot of problems for women. These hormones are not only responsible for the menstrual cycle but also protect them from serious diseases of the heart and the bone like osteoporosis. The modern day science has a perfect solution for these problems called the "Hormone replacement therapy".

Hormone replacement therapy can be defined as replacing the natural hormones such as estrogen and progesterone with synthetically manufactured hormones. Hormone replacement therapy is a boon for women who experience the nightmarish symptoms of menopause. The benefits of HRT are many. They include a respite from hot flushes, insomnia and vaginal dryness. It has also been discovered that it can help prevent diseases like Alzheimer's disease, colon cancer and muscular degeneration or paralysis.

However like everything else, HRT has a lot of risks too. There are many side effects, such as atypical vaginal discharge, bleeding, headaches, fluid retention, swollen breasts and an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer. These side effects have raised one of the most debated questions in the history of medicine. Is hormone replacement therapy safe? The answer from the vast amounts of research indicates that synthetic HRT seems to be safe for a window of two to four years and not more. A longer period of synthetic hormone replacement therapy is full of questions and doubts. In such a scenario what is the alternative for a woman who is suffering from the symptoms of menopause?

The good news is that there are alternatives available to counter the effects of menopause and do not cause side effects associated with the hormone replacement therapy. These natural hormone replacement treatments include products like Avmil. Avmil has no side effects and is an ingredient derived from the plant kingdom. It works in the same way as the hormone replacement therapy and has no risks associated with it. Apart from Avmil there are many herbal therapies available these days. These hormones are extracted from naturally occurring ingredients such as soy and wild yam. These substances work in the same way as the progesterone and estrogen hormones.

Hormone replacement therapy aims at minimizing menopause problems and giving women a better quality of life. However, it is fraught with side effects, which can harm women instead of benefiting them. Natural hormone replacement therapy uses plants and their extracts in varying quantities to mimic the feminine hormones. This type of treatment is a great alternative and can help millions of women to lead a natural life without the agony of the side effects.

Rich has been writing articles for nearly 10 years. Come visit the site he and his wife have put together on the topic of Childbirth DVD's which offers insights on such issues as learning about Pregnancy Exercise DVD's. Together they have helped put together several women's health web sites.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy can be carried out in various forms ranging from oral intake of pills to skin patches and needles and even vaginal gels. These products contain replacement hormones that are usually given in the smallest amounts to administer its effects before further continuation.

Menopause is a normal part of aging and every women experiences hormonal variation such as surges or declines in her hormone levels before and during menopause. This is accompanied by a variety of symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness and this the time when HRT comes into play to help women deal with these graveling changes effectively and also to help protect them against osteoporosis, a common disease resulting from insufficient calcium absorption after menopause, Alzheimer's disease and macular degeneration.

To be more precise HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy is a medication that contains either one or many female hormones. The most commonly used hormones are estrogen and synthetically manufactured version of the hormone known as progestin.

If you are suffering from severe menopausal symptoms such as lack of sleep, restlessness, mood swings, night sweats, stress attacks, headaches and migraines and weight gain then taking this hormone replacement treatment after thorough discussion with your doctor is recommended. Women who have made use of this therapy acknowledge improved conditions and relief from pre-menopause symptoms to a significant extent.

On the other hand, hormone replacement therapy also has a few side effects which include increased risks to diseases such as breast cancer, blood clotting, gall bladder diseases and certain cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension and fluid retention are also some commonly known side-effects in most cases. When taking the hormone replacement therapy, it is highly recommended that you maintain a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly so as to keep your body active, heart healthy and bones strong.

Hormone replacement therapy is a commonly prescribed medication to help women cope with the discomforts and symptoms of menopause. Even though the use of synthetic hormones has been shown to provide favorable results and substantial improvement in women health, total reliance on HRT is yet to be established. Hormone Replacement Therapy is accompanied by both its benefits and side-effects that should be discussed in detail with your doctor before implementation.

Even though HRT is being increasingly employed by women to relieve themselves of these symptoms, for long term usage the therapy has yet to be proven cent percent safe. HRT comes along with a handful of risks and the extent of these risks affecting each woman depends highly on her individual health and fitness and more importantly her lifestyle. If you are taking any hormones then make it a point to get yourself checked regularly and the hormones re-evaluated after every six months by your doctor for best results.

At 5min.com you will learn about hormone replacement therapy.

What is Herbal Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Although it is not typically referred to as herbal hormone replacement therapy, there are plant components that have a hormone like effect on the body. The ones we know the most about are called "phytoestrogens", which, as the name suggests, have an estrogen-like effect on the body.

Another term that is sometimes used for advertising purposes is "natural hormone replacement therapy". Pay attention when selecting a treatment plan, because this term can technically be used to describe many different types of therapies.

Traditional estrogen replacement therapy is made from the urine of pregnant mares. You may see reports about studies concerning "equine estrogens", which simply means estrogen that comes from horses. Since the source of the estrogen is "natural", this type of therapy may be referred to as "natural hormone replacement therapy".

If you are actually interested in herbs and plants that provide relief from the symptoms of menopause (or herbal hormone replacement therapy), then you may not be interested in equine estrogens. But, technically, they are natural.

In the mid 1970's, researchers learned that women who took equine estrogens to relieve the symptoms associated with menopause were much more likely to develop cancer of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), than were women who had not taken hormones during menopause. This research led pharmaceutical companies to add a synthetic hormone called progestin (similar to the progesterone produced by the ovaries) to the equine estrogens. This type of combination HRT should not be referred to as natural hormone replacement therapy, but since the initial source of progestin is a plant, some may refer to it as natural.

Theoretically, equine estrogens caused the endometrium to thicken, but if a woman's periods had stopped, then the lining was not shed. Progestin caused the lining to be shed, thus reducing the risk of endometrial cancer. The problem with progestin is that it increases the risk of breast cancer. The Women's Health Initiative recently reported that combination HRT increases a woman's risk of blood clots and stroke. They concluded that the health risks of HRT outweigh the benefits.

Some doctors have expressed confusion about why women care about the source of the hormones used in HRT. But, it is understandable. We are exposed to all sorts of chemicals and synthetic products throughout our lives. We know that some of them cause cancer. We know that some of them shorten our life spans. We know that some of them are unavoidable. Its no wonder that, whenever we can, we choose to avoid products that may endanger our health.

Thus, we seek natural hormone replacement therapy or herbal hormone replacement therapy, in an effort to relieve our symptom, while protecting our long-term health.

Bio-identical HRT, which is sometimes referred to as natural hormone replacement therapy, has received some attention, due mostly to a book written by a 40 something actress. Bio-identical HRT simply means that the hormones a woman takes are designed to be molecularly identical to her own hormones. Is it natural? The sources are natural, but the hormones are modified in the laboratory. Some are created in the laboratory. Is it safer than equine estrogens and progestins? No one knows. There have been no large-scale studies, because, until recently, the therapy was rarely used. It is more expensive than traditional HRT and it is not available from many doctors.

If you truly want all natural hormone replacement therapy, it does not exist. If you want herbal hormone replacement therapy, then you can try products that contain soy isoflavones or other phytoestrogens. You can try increasing soy in your diet. You can try wild yam supplements or red clover.

There are other plant components that the body can use to "create" its own hormones. These are often lacking from a woman's diet. Tribulus terrestris has been shown in studies to increase the levels of hormones circulating in the blood stream and is referred to by some as herbal hormone replacement therapy.

For more information about products that can relieve the symptoms of menopause and provide alternatives to HRT, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Visit us at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com.

News About Menopause Hormone Replacement Therapy - HRT

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was the most common prescribed treatment for women undergoing menopause.

However, around 2002 some findings regarding hormone replacement therapy led to a steep decline in its popularity.

It has been found that hormone replacement therapy or hormone therapy as it is called in Britain may increase the risk of breast cancer, heart diseases, strokes and some other fatal conditions in women who undergo this treatment for any length of time.

How does Hormone Replacement Therapy Work?

Menopause or perimenopause which is the time leading to menopause, is a time of great changes in a woman's body. The ovaries mature and start producing much lesser amounts of some very important hormones.

This fluctuation in the hormone levels can lead to several annoying symptoms that women have to bear during the perimenopause years. Hot flashes, anxiety, stress, cold sweats, and headaches are just a few of the various symptoms that a woman deals with during menopause. Amongst these symptoms hot flashes and night sweats are considered the most debilitating by women.

Hormone replacement therapy may alleviate some of these symptoms by replenishing the declining levels of hormones in the body. The hormone fluctuation, which is the root cause of most symptoms, can potentially be reduced through Hormone replacement therapy.

Generally this hormone therapy has two main hormones, which are administered, estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone is given in the form of a chemical analogue called progestin. For some women who suffer from low sex drive during menopause testosterone might also be administered during hormone therapy to improve the libido.

What are the Kinds of Hormone Replacement Therapy?

There are three main ways in the hormones are administered to a woman.

Sequentially Combined HRT: This involves administering estrogen on a daily basis while introducing progestin on the 10th to 14th day of the month. The actual ingestion of hormones can happen through gels, pills, patches, vaginal rings or in some rare cases through an injection.

Continuous Combined HRT: This kind of HRT involves administering both estrogen and progestin on a daily basis

Unopposed Estrogen therapy: Women who have undergone hysterectomy are generally given a pure dosage of estrogen without any progestin to fight the severe symptoms of menopause faced by them.

What are the Risks Associated with HRT?

HRT is believed to increase the risk of certain fatal diseases.

Cancer: Women who undergo HRT for more than 5 to 7 years are at a slightly greater risk of breast cancer. Endometrial or uterine cancer is highly likely in women who undergo estrogen therapy alone. However, administering progestin along with estrogen decreases the risk of uterine cancer greatly.

Heart diseases and strokes: Estrogen therapy increases the risk of heart diseases in older women and also leaves them more susceptible to strokes

Blood clots: Ingesting estrogen increases the risk of blood clots in women. Women who take birth control pills which contain high levels of estrogen are at a greater risk of blood clots.

Every woman has to get her doctor's advice and weigh the benefits of HRT with its risks and make an informed decision along with her doctor regarding the usage of this therapy to fight the symptoms of menopause.

Monica Nelson writes about health topics, about women's health questions including early signs of menopause and some of the most common pregnancy questions. These health articles are provided as a helpful news service and are not to be considered medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about health issues such as pregnancy.

Hormone Replacement Therapy For Men Over 40

Men can suffer from a condition called andropause a condition similar to woman's menopause; however it can be cured using the Hormone Replacement Therapy. In this condition what happens is the hormones in men like the testosterone, thyroid and adrenal hormones start declining. There are many reasons for this. Some of them could be AIDS, drinking too much alcohol, infection in the testicles, chemotherapy that a man maybe undergoing besides others. It is said that these symptoms develop between the ages of late twenties and early thirties. However other age groups may also be affected.

The symptoms that signify the onset of andropause are decrease in mental alertness; lack of interest in sexual activity, tiredness and low energy levels, increase in weight, mood swings, sleeping disorders etc. if you expect that you may suffer from andropause in the future you can start taking synthetic hormones on your physician's recommendation. Please do not go in for self medication as you end up doing more harm than good. Also taking synthetic hormones may cause many side effects. The side effects of synthetic hormone replacement theory include blood pressure, a number of heart problems, jaundice, reduction in good cholesterol in your body, jaundice etc. hence it is not a good idea to follow this kind of hormone replacement. However a new kind of therapy has been developed. It is called the natural hormone replacement therapy.

In this kind of therapy, the hormones that are a man's body requires are extracted from plants. These hormones are quite similar to the natural hormones that your body may produce hence they are termed as bio-identical hormones. The best part is that it has virtually no side effects as they are naturally produced. Now in order to go for the Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy, the patient is required to get a hormone analysis done. In these tests a sample of the blood or saliva is taken and after conducting a number of tests it is determined which hormone is lacking in the man's body. After the hormone which is found in lower levels in the body is determined, the physician will check your height and weight, your daily diet, stress levels of your body, your metabolism etc. using this as a guideline, he will some up with the ideal program for hormone replacement therapy.

He will then prescribe the required prescription which would easily be available with the pharmacy. Then your therapy starts. It is absolutely necessary for you to take your tablets on time and in correct doses. It should neither be too high nor too low as both of them will be prove to be harmful to you and your body. The medicines should be taken for the time period the doctor prescribes. After you have completed the prescribed duration you would have to visit the doctor again and get the tests done again.

This method to cure Andropause is safe and there is no cause for concern. So if you are suffering from this problem go and visit your doctor.

As a leader in Advanced Preventive and Rejuvenation Medicine, ACG is dedicated to offering successful anti-aging treatment protocols using bio-identical hormones for Testosterone Deficiency and HG H Replacement Therapy and HCG Diet Supplies. Contact us for professional medical guidance, instruction, and incredibly high quality HCG injections!

Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) For Men

Reversing the process of aging is almost impossible. However, with the advent of biotechnological advancement, hormone replacement therapy for a younger & healthier body helps improve life for men who're into their middle age and beyond.

Sexual hormones see a steady downfall with increase in age in incidence and quantity for both genders. So far, however, the reduction in sex hormones has been considered crucial only in women, making them resort to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during their menopause, to help them alleviate drastic menopausal symptoms such as osteoporosis, hot flashes, etc.

In distinction, hormone-replacement therapy (MHRT) for men has rarely been approved for fit, elder men. Current proof advocates that men might be able to stay trimmer, well-built, more contented, and virile for a higher duration of time if they consumed supplements to compensate for the testosterone that is lost as a result of aging.

Testosterone-replacement therapy has been put to test in various groups, and its impact is very evident especially in an overall improvement in functionality and well being. There have been inadequate scientific research of its lasting effects and experts remain worried that hormone supplements might increase the threat of the onset of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The consumption of testosterone by aging men, better perceived as male hormone replacement therapy and more specifically, androgen replacement therapy, has captured the interest of the medical community as well as lay people for the past ten years or more. Although information of the probable advantages and threats of male Androgen Replacement Therapy is greater than before, there is still a good deal that needs to be found out. Though there are a considerable amount of possible benefits of male Androgen Replacement  and statistics regarding the irrefutable impacts of such substitution have built up, but so far there have not been any large scale trials of this therapy.

Being the chief masculinizing hormone (androgen), testosterone stimulates bone and muscle growth and promotes development of male genitalia.

During the onset of puberty in young males, responding to an indicator from the hypothalamus in the brain, the pituitary gland induces specific cells in the testicles to augment the amount of testosterone production in the body. This hormonal rush brings about sex drive and sperm production, induces acne, facial and pubic hair, and cracks the voice. Testosterone is produced women as well but not to the extent to which it is produced in men.

In grown up men, the testicles create about seven milligrams of testosterone on a day to day basis, with production normally being elevated in the early morning than at other time of the day.

For more details on how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help you, talk to our experts at Atlanta Medical Institute, Atlanta bio-identical hormone treatment.

Stefano Grossi
Atlanta Medical Institute

Menopause Hormone Replacement Therapy - 5 Common Questions

Most women going through menopause normally have several, often unfounded feelings about the process and additionally the taking of hormone replacement therapy.

Menopause may easily be a confusing time in a woman's lifetime and a time when they suffer the most change in their bodies. More often than not being worn out, stressed and may also experience panic attacks as well as night sweats.

HRT is frequently recommended to help ease these discomforts so the following are 5 typical things many women ask about.

What precisely is menopause hormone replacement therapy?

HRT is a commonly given prescription medication to help relieve the discomforts of menopause. Synthetic hormones have advantages as well as disadvantages.

A large number of females find that after using replacement therapy for several weeks, the side effects and problems of menopause are generally less frequent. HRT may be administered in a number of diverse forms.

Oral tablets, skin patches, needles and also vaginal gels are all forms of treatment. Women taking replacement hormones are usually given the lowest feasible dose for the shortest amount of time.

So what are the positive aspects of hormone replacement therapy?

There are quite few short and long-term rewards of taking replacement hormones.

Almost all adult females taking hormones normally have an overall sense of well being after taking hormones for a few weeks.

It reduces night sweats, anxiety attacks, vaginal dryness, headaches and migraines.

Additionally there are other long term advantages of having this treatment.

Women taking hormone therapy have a reduced chance of developing osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and macular degeneration.

Women who would like to reduce the undesired symptoms of the menopause ought to do some research and seriously look into taking replacement therapy.

What are the hormone replacement therapy effects?

Indeed. There are both short and long-term side effects of using HRT. Women taking such hormones sometimes report various short-term side effects.

Several of these comprise queasiness, headaches, excessive vaginal discharge and fluid retention.

Weight gain is also noted, and yet researches show that taking hormones can not basically bring about weight gain, it is actually triggered by a reduced metabolism. In addition, there might be some long-term consequences, several of which are continually being researched.

Some analysis indicates that taking hormones has potential to lead to a greater possibility of some forms of breast cancer and endometrial cancer.

Should some ladies refrain from taking replacement hormones?

A few women are discouraged from taking hormones. Women who have inexplicable vaginal blood loss or a background of endometrial cancer should not take hormones.

Besides, females with suspected breast cancer or a history of breast cancer are discouraged from using hormones as well.

Other women who should not take replacement hormones are those with chronic liver condition or those who have a history of blood clots or strokes.

A doctor can help identify which women should and should not take hormone replacement therapy so be sure to obtain professional help.

Do all females take hormones?

No, many women prefer to deal with their symptoms of menopause by means of alternative or natural remedies.

There are numerous natural supplements that are thought to assist with the menopause.

Women might also help aid menopause by having a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and reducing the amount of hassles they suffer from each day.

To learn more about menopause hormone replacement therapy and many other women's or general health issues go to: http://www.betterhealthcentre.com/

What to Expect From a Male Hormone Replacement Therapy Program

Before you begin a male hormone replacement therapy program, most men ask themselves if they have male menopause symptoms. Symptoms of male menopause, also known as andropause, include decreased mental quickness, decreased energy and strength, less desire for activity, decreased muscle, increased body fat, night sweats or trouble sleeping, mild to moderate depression and irritability and decreased sex drive.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, hormone replacement therapy can make you feel like yourself again.

What does a Comprehensive Male Hormone Replacement Program Include?

The basic male hormone replacement program includes testosterone and thyroid supplements. HGH (human growth hormone) may also be used as an optional component to treatment. Please keep in mind that HGH can be expensive, but will provide a noticeable boost to supplement the testosterone treatment program.

How long does will it take for me to feel better?

Most men notice a change in their energy levels and feel better within the first three weeks of treatment.

Week 1:

- You will notice a change in your mental quickness and clarity.

Week 2:

- You can expect your energy levels and endurance to increase. One book on the subject referred to the change in energy as, "getting your MoJo back." If you have been experiencing mood swings and night sweats prior to treatment, you can expect these symptoms to go away within the first week.

Week 3:

- Your sex drive should increase. You should experience an increase in morning erections and possibly night dreams and day time fantasies. Exercise will start to become easier and result will begin to show.

The Following Months:

Over the next couple of months, you should start to feel like yourself again. You will be energized and see improvements in your mood and sense of well-being. You will have an improved quality of sleep as well as improved libido and sexual performance. With proper diet and exercise, you will see an increase in lean body mass and an increase in muscle strength.

Other benefits of hormone replacement include increased bone density and an improved cardiovascular system. Osteoporosis is an increasing problem in men and testosterone therapy has been shown to increase bone mineral density.

Are You Ready to Start a Male Hormone Replacement Therapy Program?

If male hormone replacement therapy sounds like it could benefit you, you can search online for a male hormone replacement therapy program. An andropause treatment specialist will be able to answer your questions and help you identify a physician near you. Lab testing will be arranged near where you live. Once those results are available an appointment will be made with a male hormone treatment doctor.

If you are a candidate for male hormone replacement therapy, your doctor will discuss your treatment options, which include oral tablets or capsules, injections or topical creams. Your doctor will follow-up with you on a regular basis to monitor hormone levels and further optimize treatment.

Summary:

Hormone replacement treatment has benefited the overall-being of many men. It has been demonstrated to have positive effects on mood, energy levels, sex drive and it is safe. Testosterone treatment has been linked to positive effects on fatigue, mood and sexual function and overall feelings of wellness while reducing depression and irritability. With their testosterone levels back to a normal, healthy level, men have reported an increase in lean body mass as well as increased skeletal muscle protein synthesis and muscular strength. Under a male hormone replacement therapy program, you can expect to see an improvement in your physical and emotional well being within the first month of treatment.

Jim Michels is an expert on andropause and testosterone replacement. His company, renewman.com treats symptoms of male menopause with male hormone and testosterone supplements.

Proper Medical Command Is Mandatory To Stay Away From Side Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Well, there really are two sides to a coin, and for that matter every other thing!!! Same is the case with Hormone Replacement Therapy. Over the period of time it has been known to serve as cure for many ailments caused due to lowered levels of testosterone in human body. On the other hand, there has been an array of unwanted side effects associated with it as well, if administered without the supervision of a qualified and experienced medical officer.

Previously, hormone therapy had also been suggested and used for the treatment of prostate cancer quite often. Well, quite recently, according to the findings of National Institute of Health, the use of hormone therapy for prostate cancer has been put under a big question mark.

Earlier, men diagnosed with prostate cancer spreading beyond the prostate gland, or those who have had experienced recurring of the disease had been treated with a specific kind of Hormone Replacement Therapy; it comprises of (sometimes) surgical and more often pharmacological castration.

What it actually did was to contribute towards shutting down the source of male hormones (also referred as testosterone ) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT or 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone; another male hormone that gets converted from testosterone within prostate). Recent research greatly hints towards this practice contributing towards fueling cancer.

This recent study greatly suggests that the side effects of this kind of chemical castration caused by Hormone Replacement Therapy in such circumstances can be of disastrous consequences, majorly including:

Reduced or total lack of sexual drive and desire
Impotence
Increased experience of lowered energy and fatigue
Loss of lean muscle mass
Growth of male breast tissues
Hot flashes
Depression
Deteriorated bone conditions leading to osteoporosis

Research also reveled another biggest of the side effect associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy under these conditions which contributes towards forceful hormone blocking approach in use for treatment of prostate cancer patients dramatically increases the risk of (often fatal) cardiac issues.

The study conducted under the supervision of eminent epidemiologist Mieke Hemelrijck of King's College in London, observed the records of about 30,642 Swedish males with different states of prostate cancer who got Hormone Therapy as primary treatment for their ailment and established the fact that their risks of getting infected with various cardiac diseases, heart attacks, arrhythmia, and heart failure were as high as 19% to 26% as compared to the individuals who were never treated with such a therapy for prostate cancer.

Their findings indicated that the prostate patients treated with Hormone Replacement Therapy were exposed to significantly higher risks of developing all types of cardiac issues and majority of them were more likely to succumb to those symptoms as a cause of their death as compared to those who never had such a treatment particularly for prostate cancer.

In the past this kind of therapy has been used for dealing with a host of other issues, particularly related to treating various symptoms of aging with great success, and medical specialists can keep doing so with equal significance, only if Hormone Replacement Therapy is applied under strict expert medical supervision in the right areas.

NationWidesi is a clinic that provides Information and treatments on Hormone Replacement Therapy, HGH (Human Growth Hormone) and testosterone for men and women seeking to restore hormonal balance, thus make them feel healthy and younger again. For more detail please visit: http://www.nationwidesi.com/

Andropause and Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy largely benefit women as they enter midlife. HRT and BHRT can be used in the treatment of menopause, depression and sleep problems. Though Hormone Replacement Therapy is mainly for women, it doesn't necessarily mean that it won't benefit men. Hormone imbalance occurs in both men and women meaning anyone with hormone imbalance can undergo Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Once men enter midlife, they are said to be on andropause stage. Male menopause or andropause occurs with the gradual decline of the hormone, testosterone. The testosterone level tends to drop as men age. In some severe cases, the drop on testosterone level may cause alarming health problems. Every system in a man is affected by this lessening of the male hormone. The circulatory system, muscles (including the heart), bones, nervous system and brain are especially affected. Studies show that around 25 million men between ages 35 and 55 experience symptoms of andropause. Symptoms of andropause include reduced energy, tendency to gain weight, less ambition, sore muscles and less masculine drive. When a man experiences these symptoms, he should consider undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy or Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.

First, a man who thinks he needs HRT or BHRT will be evaluated for hormonal imbalance. Usually, Hormone Replacement Therapy and Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy treatment programs consist of two 30-minute visits, general laboratory work and personalized plan of care. Both HRT and BHRT are safe for the body. Hormones which are used during treatments in BHRT are derived from natural sources or bio-identical hormones. After a series of thorough questioning, the doctor will then determine whether or not the patient is to undergo HRT or BHRT. The doctor and the patient need to discuss the possible effects, risks and expectations.

A man can also try the following remedy for andropause:

As a therapy for andropause, a man can do the following: lose weight or regularly keep your weight down. Overweight men produce lower amounts of testosterone. That is due to the fact that the body, as it accumulates fat, makes less testosterone -while converting some of that testosterone into estrogen.

As the muscular strength lessens, it becomes more difficult for your body to burn excess fat. That only adds to the excess weight. This, in turn, causes even less testosterone and more estrogen. The solution is more exercise, and done on a regular basis. As the weight drops, so will estrogen. This will let the testosterone level rise.

Take 25 mg of zinc twice a day. The zinc enables the body to deactivate aromatase, an enzyme which converts testosterone to estrogen. Take also vitamin C for one to two months. The vitamin C also reduces aromatase.

For more information on Atlanta anti aging or to get a free consultation with an Atlanta hormone therapy doctor, please contact the Atlanta Medical Institute.

Stefano Grossi
Atlanta Medical Institute
1-866-343-8362

Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy and Estrogen Use Alone

Combination hormone replacement therapy and estrogen only replacement therapy are not prescribed as much as they were at one time for the relief of symptoms associated with menopause, due mostly to studies performed by the Women's Health Initiative. Those supporting estrogen replacement therapy have noted that these studies focused on the risks associated with long-term use and that no studies have been completed to date concerning bio-identical hormones. Dietary supplementation with herbs and other plant components may provide a safe and effective alternative to women seeking relief from menopausal symptoms.

Many women have questions about the safety of hormone replacement therapy and estrogen replacement therapy for the prevention of hot flashes, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms. The latest research supporting estrogen replacement at lower doses than were prescribed in the studies performed by the Women's Health Initiative indicates that women may experience a 60-70% reduction in hot flash symptoms. Doctors hope that lower dosages of hormones will be safer, but continue to advise that they should be used for the shortest period of time possible. This may leave many women frustrated, since some menopause related symptoms may appear five or six years before the onset of menopause and may continue for several years after their last period.

Research supporting estrogen like substances found in plants, which are called phytoestrogens or isoflavones, show that dietary supplements containing soy isoflavones can reduce hot flashes by 87.8%. This is about equivalent to the relief experienced by women who use traditional dosages of combination hormone replacement therapy and estrogen only replacement therapy.

The health risks associated with combination hormone replacement therapy and estrogen only replacement therapy include blood clots and stroke. Those supporting estrogen use that is bio-identical believe that since the hormones used are molecularly identical to those produced by the human body, it should be safe. Opponents of hormone replacement therapy and estrogen replacement therapy of any kind believe that menopause is a natural part of a woman's life, and that efforts to keep hormones at a level similar to those of a younger woman will ultimately cause health problems of many kinds.

As with many drugs and other compounds created by pharmaceutical companies, the initial research focuses on relief of symptoms and unwanted side effects. Estrogen replacement therapy first became popular for the relief of menopausal symptoms during the sixties and continued to grow in popularity, until a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine in 1975 reported that women using estrogen were seven times more likely to develop endometrial cancer than women who had never used estrogen. The study showed that the risks increased with continued use and that those women who used estrogen for seven years or more were 14 times more likely to develop endometrial cancer.

In order to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, pharmaceutical companies added synthetic progestin (similar to the hormone progesterone) commonly referred to as combination hormone replacement therapy and estrogen only replacement was typically reserved for use by women who had undergone a hysterectomy at some time in their past. Those promoting and supporting estrogen and progestin use theorized that estrogen causes the lining of the uterus to build up, but without progesterone, it is not shed, thus adding synthetic progestin would cause the endometrium to be shed and reduce the risk of cancer.

Opponents of hormone replacement therapy and estrogen use quote studies indicating that estrogen can cause breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and other health problems. The majority of experts now advise that if a woman chooses to use HRT, of any type, she should use the lowest dosages for the smallest amount of time possible. For information about alternative solutions for the relief of menopausal symptoms and special nutritional requirements for women, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Read more at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com.

Menopause, Weight Gain and Hormone Replacement Therapy

With the onset of menopause, there is a possibility of gaining weight due to the changes in the hormone levels. A few symptoms of menopause include vaginal dryness, sleeplessness, dry skin, hot flashes and bladder problems. To be relieved of these symptoms, one can undergo a treatment or a therapy known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

In hormone replacement therapy, estrogen and progesterone are given in either in form of pills, skin patches or vaginal creams. Studies have proven that hormone therapy not only reduces the menopausal symptoms but also the risk of osteoporosis and increases the life span. Hormone Therapy can also be administered on a woman who has undergone hysterectomy. However, only estrogen is prescribed for them. For decades both men and women have used this therapy.

There are basically two types of therapy - estrogen and progestogen-estrogen therapy. In estrogen therapy, a low dose of estrogen is prescribed to prevent or relieve the symptoms of menopause.

While in the progestogen-estrogen therapy, combined doses of estrogen and progesterone is given. Progesterone is given in the synthetic form under the name progestin. This therapy is administered for a couple of weeks every month.

How Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Help Me Lose Weight?

A couple of years before the onset of menopause, the hormone levels reduce and as a result there is an increased craving for sugar or for food rich in sugar. As one nears menopause the body produces less estrogen and the body starts using the estrogen stored in fat cells. At the same time, the level of testosterone declines leading to the reduction of lean muscles. Lean muscles help in burning fat. When there is a decline in the lean muscles fat is accumulated leading to weight gain. This weight gain is due to the hormone imbalances and it is very difficult to shed the weight gained at the time of menopause. Only way to avoid weight gain is through hormone replacement therapy. According to ones body condition with the help of a medical practioner one can choose one of the hormone therapies.

Cardiovascular risk and weight-gain are frequently observed at the onset of menopause. Studies have been conducted to prove that HRT or the hormone replacement therapy tends to reduce weight gain during postmenopausal.

The studies have come to the conclusion that hormone replacement therapy not only prevents weight-gain but also enhances weight loss due to the significant increase in the lipid oxidation. It has also been revealed that hormone therapy favorably influences the plasma lipids, insulin response and energy expenditure.

Learn more about hormone replacement therapy from the physicians at the Atlanta Medical Institute, leaders in Atlanta anti aging treatment. The doctors of Atlanta Medical Institute use proven and effective treatments to slow, stop, and even reverse the effects of aging and promote weight loss.

Stefano Grossi
Atlanta Medical Institute
1-866-343-8362

Trouble Sleeping? How Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Help

Trouble sleeping is just one of the problems that women in menopausal phase experience. Other troubles menopausal women might encounter are night sweats, anxiety and depression, hot flashes and thinning of bones. For women whose main concern is to end the trouble sleeping and other symptoms of menopause, a treatment called Hormone Replacement Therapy is available. There is also a similar therapy, the Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Both treatments are performed to alleviate symptoms of menopause like trouble sleeping. To understand why these things happen, let us first be familiar with menopause.

In a woman's life, menopause is just but normal. This stage is characterized by the end of a woman's monthly period. Usually, people use the terms "the change" and "the change of life" to refer to menopause. During menopause, hormones estrogen and progesterone are slowly produced. This slow production leads to the insufficiency of estrogen and progesterone hormones. Most often, menopause happens between ages 45 and 55. Trouble sleeping or experiencing insomnia is caused by lack of estrogen in the body. Low estrogen level is also is the cause of night sweats, vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Anxiety, irritability and headaches are rooted to low level of progesterone.

During menopause, a woman may experience sleep disturbances or trouble sleeping, low sexual interest, vaginal changes, memory loss, headaches, irregular heartbeat and low concentration. Hormone Replacement Therapy for menopause and its symptoms work by giving a woman estrogen and progestin. Hormone Replacement Therapy is advisable for women suffering from menopause syndromes like trouble sleeping. However, this type of treatment should be avoided if a woman has problems with vaginal bleeding, has had blood clots, has liver disease, has had a stroke or heart attack in the past year or has had certain kinds of cancer.

For women who don't have the illnesses mentioned above, it is safe to have a Hormone Replacement Therapy. Hormone Replacement Therapy improves a woman's memory, mood, endurance and skin tone, sleep, increases lean muscles, lowers cholesterol, reduces body fat and muscle wasting. The therapy also diminishes wrinkles, eliminates cellulite, reduces stress level and enhances sex drive.

Hormonal changes will always be a part of a woman's life. From puberty to menopause until she ages, hormone imbalance will come to play. Luckily, Hormone Replacement Therapy has been born, thus making it a bit easier for women to face different stages of life. Through Hormone Replacement Therapy, menopause and its symptoms will not be that prevalent. Women should be really thankful with Hormone Replacement Therapy. Because of this, common problems like trouble sleeping will not be a very big issue.

For more information on Atlanta anti aging or to get a free consultation with an Atlanta hormone therapy doctor, please contact the Atlanta Medical Institute.

Stefano Grossi
Atlanta Medical Institute
1-866-343-8362

Menopause - Common Questions About Hormone Replacement Therapy

Often, females going through menopause have many questions about it related to taking hormone replacement therapy. Menopause can be a perplexing time in a woman's life and a time when they experience much change. Most women feel fatigue and anxiety, and might experience panic attacks and night sweats. To help alleviate these symptoms, hormone replacement therapy is often prescribed.

Synthetic hormone replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is a frequently prescribed medication to assist the easing of menopause symptoms. Synthetic hormones have disadvantages as well as benefits. Women commonly find that after taking replacement therapy for several weeks, symptoms and side effects of menopause occur less frequently. HRT can be given in several different forms. Oral pills, skin patches, injections and vaginal gels are all types of hormone replacement therapy delivery. Women taking replacement hormones are usually given the lowest dose for the shortest possible amount of time.

Side effects of taking hormone replacement therapy

There are both long-term and short-term side effects of undergoing replacement therapy. Women taking these hormones may report one or all of several short-term side effects. These include headaches, fluid retention, excessive vaginal discharge and nausea. Weight gain is also reported, but studies show that taking hormones do not actually bring about weight gain, it is really caused by the slow down in metabolism. In addition, there are long-term effects, some of which are still being studied. Some studies show that taking hormone replacement therapy may lead to a risk of some forms of breast cancer and endometrial cancer.

Benefits of hormone replacement therapy

There are both short and long-term benefits to taking replacement hormones. Most women taking hormones report an overall sense of well being after taking hormone for several weeks. It can reduce panic attacks, vaginal dryness, night sweats, headaches and migraines. Long term benefits of taking hormone replacement therapy exist as well. Women taking hormone have a decreased chance of developing Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, and age-related macular degeneration. Women who wish to assuage the unwanted symptoms of menopause should look into taking replacement hormones.

To avoid or not avoid taking replacement hormones?

Women are sometimes talked out of taking hormones. It is true that those who have unexplained vaginal bleeding or a history of endometrial cancer should not take them. Women with suspected breast cancer or a history of breast cancer are also discouraged from taking hormones. Other women who should not take replacement hormones are those with chronic liver disease or those who have a history of blood clots or strokes. Your physician will help you establish if you should or should not take hormone replacement therapy.

Antoinette Boulay is a writer and contributor to fountia.com You can read more there about hormone replacement therapy and other menopause treatments.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that combines estrogen and progestin to restore the premenopausal levels of estrogen. Hormone replacement therapy is prescribed for protection against osteoporosis and heart disease, and relief of menopausal symptoms.

Benefits

It has been well documented for several decades that Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective remedy for the hot flashes and sleep disturbances that often accompany menopause Hormone replacement therapy has also consistently been shown to decrease vaginal discomfort by increasing the thickness, elasticity, and lubricating ability of vaginal tissue. Urinary tract tissue also becomes thicker and more elastic, reducing the incidence of stress incontinence and urinary tract infections.

Some women and their doctors report that Hormone replacement therapy can be helpful in relieving the depression and mood swings that may occur during menopause and can produce a general sense of well-being and increased energy. Also, some find that Hormone replacement therapy increases skin thickness and elasticity, decreasing the appearance of wrinkles. While Hormone replacement therapy was used initially to reduce the discomfort from short-term menopausal symptoms, recent studies provide evidence that it may also reduce some of the negative long-term health effects of menopause. Scientists are continuing to gather information to define the potential benefits from Hormone replacement therapy and to identify the women for whom it may be most useful. Further research will also be needed to show when Hormone replacement therapy should be started and how long it should be continued to achieve the greatest benefits.

Drawbacks:

While Hormone replacement therapy has potential benefits, it also can have drawbacks. Some of the side-effects of Hormone replacement therapy are: vaginal bleeding, breast pain, nausea, cramping, headaches, fluid retention, vaginal discharge, depression, irritability, weight gain and bloating. A few months adjustment period is often necessary for women beginning this therapy. Every woman entering menopause should have a physical examination and then talk with her doctor about her overall health, her family history and her physical and psychological concerns. Working with your doctor to assess your risk factors accurately should help you determine whether the benefits of this therapy outweigh the risks for you personally. If you are concerned about Hormone replacement therapy, consider other effective non-medical therapies for addressing your needs, and seek a second opinion before initiating a course of treatment.

For more information, visit http://www.MenopauseInfoCenter.com