2011年6月17日 星期五

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy - What is It?



One alternative to the sometimes harmful synthetic hormones is the use of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). These are much more effective due to the exact match of the hormones naturally produced by the body. Bioidentical hormone therapy has afforded a near identical match to the natural hormone with the use of a soy and wild yam base. Unlike (BHRT), synthetic hormones are foreign to the body and in turn cause a palette of potential adverse reactions.

The human body produces hormones through body cells. These hormones target a destination and travel through the bloodstream carrying important messages to and from cells throughout the body.

Testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen deficiencies are common in women both before and during menopause, or if they have had their ovaries removed. Mood-swings, vaginal dryness, headaches, achy joints, and sleep disturbances are typical symptoms involved with a lack of hormone production. BHRT is referred to as a successful form of treatment used to rid women of these symptoms.

Andropause, the male version of menopause, usually affects men during their aging process. Hormones production is slowed during this time and a testosterone deficiency is a common occurrence. Low levels of testosterone (in men) are usually the cause of a reduction in bone density, muscle mass, and sex drive, along with irritability, insulin resistance, and depressed feelings.

Bioidentical hormones can be applied as topical creams, or orally/sublingually taken in a pill form. It usually depends on what form of treatment the patient prefers. The cream is a slower-absorbing form of therapy, while the other forms are quickly absorbed.

Disease prevention is the target goal of using bioidentical hormones. If left untreated or improperly managed, severe symptoms and conditions may develop. It is important to gain control of hormone regulating to successfully combat and prevent disease and illness. Prompt management helps prevent the development long-term conditions and life altering symptoms. The result of treatment is a substantial improvement in health and an improved quality of life.

Researchers have provided an extensive amount of information on the different affects of BHRT on the human body. There have been many positive results, but they have also found connections of this treatment with an elevated risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer. This has causes debate between health professionals for many years, which is why only some of them offer this form of treatment.

Hormone deficiencies affect many people and can go unrecognized for a long time. Hormone imbalances that are left undiagnosed and untreated can cause many serious complications for the person with the condition. It is important to seek professional advice from an endocrinologist or an internal medicine doctor if symptoms of hormone loss develop. These doctors have more in-depth experience in dealing with hormonal issues than family doctors, and are capable of providing a quick diagnosis with simple blood tests. Many doctors offer BHRT, but there are a large percentage of them that are against it due to the different risks that are involved with their usage.








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2011年6月16日 星期四

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Considered Ideal By Many



Women experience many transformations throughout their lives. The pre-teen and teenage years present many challenges, both physical and emotional. Over time, bodies change. In what seems to be a blink of an eye, a girls grow into women. As life progresses, falling in love, pregnancy, and raising a family dominates. While busy earning a living and raising a family, menstruation ceases and perimenopause begins. Thereafter periods cease and women are considered to be in menopause. The next challenge is deciding whether to take on bioidentical hormone replacement or stick with synthetic hormones.

While many women may say, or may have said, that menopause is welcomed with open arms, there are other physical changes that may not always be so pleasant. This is when physicians may introduce the idea of estrogen replacement. During menopause, the body stops producing estrogen and progesterone, leading to a variety of changes that may not always be viewed as satisfactory.

A woman is said to be in menopause after she has not had a period for one straight year after the approximate age of forty-five. This stage of life may lead to hot flashes, moodiness, susceptibility to osteoporosis, heart palpitations and more. Symptoms vary from woman to woman. Traditionally, hormone replacement therapies were given to alleviate these symptoms. However, other unwanted symptoms and conditions arose as a result. Specifically, breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease increased. In an effort to find a better alternative, a system that was more suited to each woman's chemistry and less likely to cause unwanted effects was introduced.

In an effort to be open and fair, there are individuals who oppose this treatment and believe there is not enough evidence in support of it. On the other side of the coin, just as many people have benefited from it. Staying on the positive side, this form of natural hormone therapy makes use of hormones that are identical to those naturally produced by the human body. The alternative option, the traditional stand-by, is taking synthetic hormones which are made from horse urine.

During the past decade, the use of natural hormone therapy has become center stage though it has been around for much longer than ten or fifteen years. Television talk shows, books, and radio programs have highly advertised this topic as true pioneers are interested in sharing what they have learned.

Natural hormones are made in a laboratory. They are only administered after a hormone panel is done. Depending on the results, a certain amount of progesterone, estrogen, and DHEA or testosterone will be given. The most easily used form comes in a cream. With each pulse the topical hormones enter the bloodstream, circulating until next dosage time.

The processes of the human body are inter-connected. Following a healthy diet and lifestyle supports natural hormone treatment plans. A healthy lifestyle supports the endocrine system which in turn helps the replacement hormones work at their best.

Understanding menopause is a necessary step as it goes hand-in-hand with understanding how bioidentical hormone replacement therapies work. In many women, memory becomes sharper and energy levels increase. There are standard formulations available made by drug companies for doctor's to prescribe just as there are certified offices that will customize ingredient dosages to match a woman's exact needs. This is very exciting for women who do not do well with the synthetic version.








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Are Your Hot Flashes And Menopause Keeping You Up At Night?



Maybe your hot flashes and menopause symptoms do not keep you up at night, but they might wake you up very early and prevent you from getting a restful sleep. This is quite common, and many women have found some simple and practical remedies.

Zzzzz...you are dreaming of a beautiful spring day near a river, the sun is shining and everything is just prefect. For some reason, the sun is getting hotter and hotter, until you wake up in a night sweat. Oh, those dratted night sweats again. Now you won't be able to get back to sleep until just before your alarm clock goes off!

Here are some real world solutions for your hot flashes and menopause:


Learn about some of the safe, tried and proven herbal remedies and begin using them. For some reason, we human beings seem to like the idea of certain things, but just don't take action. You won't get any relief if you just keep doing the same thing over and over again! Unless, of course, it is working.
Keep a thermos of ice water next to the bed. When you wake up in a night sweat, take a long drink of the ice water and it will cool you off. Your body is thinking it needs to survive by giving you the night sweat, and you can help it out by cooling it off.
Keep a towel at the bedside and moisten it with the ice water to cool off your body. Your sweat will disappear and you will feel much better.

What are some of the safe and effective herbal remedies?


Red clover is a simple herbal remedy with a long history. It has been used for centuries to treat many ailments, including hot flashes, insomnia and other menopause symptoms.
Maca is a plant from Peru that has also been used for centuries as a treatment for menopause. It has many marvelous effects, one of the more famous is that of an aphrodisiac. Now, here you re really getting a lot out of your herbal remedy! What more do you want?
Flax seed was recently the subject of a major medical study conducted by the Mayo Clinic. In the study, menopausal women who were experiencing hot flashes were given flax seed in their food. Nearly all of them reported a very noticeable reduction in the severity of their hot flashes.

So, if your hot flashes and menopause are keeping you up at night, or preventing you from getting a good night's sleep, try these simple and inexpensive solutions.








Randy Hough

See our article about maca and hot flashes.

Mother Teresa: "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much."



2011年6月15日 星期三

Ayurveda - Natural Relief For Pitta Menopause Symptoms



For thousands of years woman transitioned gracefully from childbearing days to wise family matriarch with little more than a few aspirin and herbs. In many cultures they don't even have a word for menopause. Only in the west is it treated as an illness or something unnatural.

According to Ayurveda, the 5000 year old healing and medical system from India, a woman's "change of life" is easily managed by a dosha (constitution) pacifying diet and lifestyle. Ideally, if she has implemented pitta pacifying therapies prior to menopause, during the perimenopausal years, she will likely have few or no complaints.

Yet, our western diet and lifestyle is creating an increase of unwanted and unmanageable symptoms for woman in their 40's and 50's. When out of balance the pitta type woman will experience anger, frustration,extreme hot flashes, loss of energy, loss of focus, frequent periods, extreme night sweats, menopausal acne, and even hair loss.

To restore balance the pitta type woman should follow a pitta pacifying diet, especially during the summer months or if she lives in a warm climate. She should avoid foods and activities that are over heating. Swimming is a good exercise choice for pitta type menopause as it promotes lightness and cools the body.

Therapeutic grade essential oils can be very beneficial during menopause instead of hormone replacement therapy. Three oils I recommend for pitta types are:

1) Peppermint: it is refreshing, cooling, reduces mental fatigue, lack of concentration, acne and cramps.

2). Lemon Balm and Rose: are effective at reducing anger, frustrations, and fever and vaginitis. Lemon balm is a natural hormone and blood pressure balancer. and can relieve sweating.

3) Champa: is an aphrodisiac, hormone balancer, and mood enhancer.

These oils can be added to a carrier oil for daily abhyanga massage, or to a bath. Frequent or daily use will provide relief and restore harmony and balance when combined with other pitta pacifying lifestyle regimens.








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From Martha Gesegnet RN, CHTP, CNS, Author of the highly acclaimed book, "8 Steps to Naturally Heal Chronic Pain"

Martha Gesegnet RN ~ The Natural Health Maven and http://www.AyurvedaforHealthandHealing.com



Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Now Proven Safer Than Synthetic HRT

You Are What You Eat

With the media frenzy going on about artificial ingredients and flavors in the food we eat and the resulting negative effects it can have on our health, it would seem to be a given that synthetics are never as good as natural remedies. However, women suffering from the hormonal imbalances of menopause continue to receive synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at an alarming rate, despite the side effects connected with them. If we know better than to fill our diet with synthetic chemicals and compounds, why is it any better to receive injections or supplements with them?

Bioidentical Research is Overwhelmingly Positive

In a recent Worldhealth.net report discussing the benefits of natural hormone replacement therapy, the results of a meta-analysis of over 200 studies all showed the same results: Natural hormone replacement therapy works better than its synthetic counterpart. A list of celebrities, including Suzanne Somers and Oprah Winfrey, have touted bioidentical HRT as a miracle cure for menopausal symptoms. According to the article, bioidentical HRT relieved the hot flash and sweating symptoms in 71% of the patients researched - an overwhelming improvement to the often-disappointing statistics and side effects of synthetic HRT.

So What's So Wrong With Synthetics?

With the expansive list of negative side effects of synthetic HRT, the easier question to answer would be what's right with them? That answer is: nothing. While there is a small percentage of women who experience some relief from their menopausal symptoms due to synthetic HRT treatment, the pros definitely do not outweigh the cons.

Vision problems, chest pain, shortness of breath, breast lumps, dizziness, and depression are all common side-effects from taking synthetic HRT, and can often be more severe and life-altering than the actual symptoms the therapy is meant to relieve.

Horse Urine? Really?

Another problem is that synthetic HRT uses compounds taken from the waste products of animals. Two popular synthetic hormones used in HRT actually contain horse urine from pregnant mares. In contrast, bioidentical HRT contains compounds taken from plant matter, and is completely natural. Our bodies do not see these hormones as foreign matter and adapt much easier (and more naturally) to the compounds.








For more information about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, please visit http://www.genesysinstitute.com To contact the author, or to find out more about the content of this article, call (801) 685-2730 or email me personally at DrMoore@genesysinstitute.com. We serve clients throughout the United States and would be happy to discuss any concerns or questions you might have concerning bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and whether it is the right choice for you.



2011年6月14日 星期二

Ayurvedic Treatment For Menopause



Women begin to experience menopause between the ages of 40 and 50 and after the last menstruation. Some of the symptoms are depression, loss of self esteem, hot flashes, sweats and sudden mood changes that come along with the lowering levels of estrogen in the body. While this time in a woman's life is considered a time of decline in the west, it is recognized as a time of celebration for the deepening wisdom that it brings in many other cultures. What can make it frustrating for many women is the lack of helpful information on the changes that are taking place in their bodies. Ayurveda, the oldest medical system in the world that has been practiced by millions for thousands of years, lacks a wide following in the west but it is based on many of the same foundations of modern medicine. Many herbs and plants that have been commonly used in Ayurveda are only now becoming accepted in modern western medicine.

Ayurvedic treatment is provided after an evaluation by a trained practitioner and would depend on the symptoms and the makeup of the patient but there is a common and many would say, commonsense, foundation to this treatment. The body's makeup is considered to spring from the five elements of the physical creation--fire, air, space, water and earth, with each of us having a mind-body profile called a 'dosha'. There are three doshas--vata, pitta and kapha and each is a combination of elements with one dominating element. Here is a brief summary of the menopause treatments that are normally prescribed for these doshas:

Vata dosha types have symptoms like nervousness, anxiety, panic, mood swings and insomnia among others and they are advised to eat warm, regular meals, use fennel and cumin seed spices, avoid sugar drinks, coffee and other stimulants. They are also advised to practice yoga and meditation, go to sleep early and walk for exercise. Some of the herbs suggested are garlic, ginseng, hawthorn berries and licorice.

Pitta dosha types suffer from hot flashes, nightly sweats, heavy periods, excessive bleeding and are prone to anger, irritability and a hot temper. They are advised to consume cooling foods like melons and cucumbers, avoid hot, spicy food and alcohol, drink a lot of water and fruit juices. They should sleep in early and meditate to eliminate the anger and resentments in their minds. Herbs suggested are aloe vera, barberry, saffron and golden seal.

Kapha dosha type symptoms include weight gain, sluggishness, lethargy, fluid retention, depression and lack of motivation. They should consume warm foods, whole grains, vegetables and legumes while avoiding meat as much as possible, along with cheese, sugar and cold drinks. Spices suggested are black pepper, turmeric and ginger. Herbs advised are bayberry, cayenne, cinnamon, motherswort and mustard.

Please keep in mind that these are very general guidelines and that any serious treatment should be followed only after consulting qualified practitioners along with your medical doctor.








Jayan writes about yoga, nutrition and weight loss. If you liked this article, please visit Indoor Chaise Lounges and Living Room Chaise Lounges.



2011年6月13日 星期一

Why Is There Media Hype Surrounding Menopause And Hormones



There are over 40 million women in the United States between the ages of 40 and 60. Worldwide, about 25 million women enter menopause annually. Estimates show that by the year 2030, that number will increase to 47 million women per year. Relief of menopausal symptoms such as improved sleep could translate into a more productive woman whether she works or is a mother or spouse. Healthcare dollars could then be spent more wisely than in Medicare reimbursements for constant doctor visits and endless prescriptions and procedures. Quality of life would improve for most symptomatic women. How? By way of hormone replacement, an important choice for women, since estrogens are known to be the only effective treatment for estrogen-depleted states.

In the wake of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), getting hormones is difficult. Doctors are leery of even the "Standard of Care" approved synthetics in this time and place. Getting legitimate insurance-covered physicians to prescribe even bio-identical hormones is a challenge.

The majority of Western medicine has been on a wild goose chase for the elusive proof that being completely hormone-less will save our lives, in the face of massive evidence that even with all of our estrogen blocked at every turn, we still keep dying of cancer. In the burst of the Baby Boomers becoming menopausal, doctors from all specialties have clamored to the forefront to be of service. Few doctors have any idea how hormones should be prescribed for women.

Since 1900, in the developed countries, the life expectancy of women has increase from age 47 to well over age 80, however, the average onset of menopause has remained at 50 as recorded for the last 150 years. That means most women are living at least thirty years longer than they did at the turn of the century. It's estimated that eighty percent of women experience a variety of transiently debilitating symptoms in menopause and 30 percent of those are classified as severe.

About ten years before women ever have a hot flash or a migraine, we have odd, too-short menstrual periods, we're up half of every night and we start to look and feel old. Exhaustion coupled with plummeting sex hormones creates a life in tatters. Our joints twinge and we can't stay asleep. The symptoms of menopause, which can begin for women as early as their late thirties, are the same as the daily challenges the elderly face, and in fact, we get "old and sick" when our hormones start to plummet.

The sick and old in our culture means usually means cancer, diabetes, heart disease, glaucoma, depression, even Alzheimer's. If menopause might really equal cancer, diabetes, heart disease, glaucoma, depression, and Alzheimer's, why is it, then, that no one ever mentions any of the life-threatening disabilities associated with hormonal decline and urges women to accurately replace those hormones that are now missing?

Instead, women are told that the FDA sanctioned hormones from Big Pharma are really way too dangerous to take (WHI) and bioidentical compounded hormones have never been studied (AMA). That's what women in 2003 got from the WHI historic report on synthetic drugs with hormone-like effects, PremPro and Premarin.

These substances were donated by the pharmaceutical company that had sold them since 1942 because the assumption was the drugs would be found safe and effective. Nothing could have been further from the truth. After nearly 800 million taxpayer dollars and 14 years later, the overly emphasized negative results of the Women's Health Initiative were released in May 2002. This study was poorly designed, strangely monitored and incompetently analyzed.

Interestingly, the WHI never looked at hormones, only drugs with "hormone-like" effects that were dosed in a regimen far from that of human replacement. This study has led us to believe that conjugated equine estrogens (from pregnant mare urine) and a synthetic progestin (Prempro) dosed on a daily basis in static doses is clearly very harmful to women after only a few years, and yet, in contradictory reports from the same agency, PremPro seemed to have had positive effects as well. The other drug studied, daily Premarin, seemed to show substantially less harmful effects. Even though the death rate for all arms of this study was equal, the study was dramatically halted early in a very public effort to "save lives."

This confusing and frightening media spin caused millions of women to immediately stop taking their Premarin or Prempro, or any other product deemed a hormone. Physicians also threatened by the negative media reports stopped prescribing them, thus leaving millions of symptomatic women without any reasonable clinical guidance, except the ludicrous exception to the bad news, that lower doses of Prempro, the killer drug, taken for less years is safer. This advice has not left women feeling safe.

What if real hormone replacement could really mimic youthful hormone levels and therefore; was a cure for those diseases? After all, young women don't have those diseases and the difference between young women and old women is reproductive capacity and the attendant hormones. It's logical that the majority of women with normal hormones don't have those diseases.

Common sense is that natural (not synthetic drugs with hormone-like effects) hormone replacement, in and of itself, could not cause cancer. If estrogen and progesterone, or even testosterone, caused cancer, all young women would be dead. So if logic tells us that estrogen doesn't actually cause cancer in and of itself, then there must be more to the story-like what kind and how much estrogen and when to take it.

It's not up for debate whether or not women should replace their missing hormones. Living without them is far too miserable and dangerous. So then, the question becomes "how"?

One Santa Barbara California researcher and author named T.S. Wiley asked, "What if hormone replacement was made of real bio-identical hormones and dosed to mimic the ups and downs of the hormone blood levels in a normal menstrual cycle in a 20 year-old woman, would all of the symptoms and disease states of aging decline or even, disappear?"

Shortly thereafter, she developed a trademarked patent pending delivery system consisting of bio-identical estradiol and progesterone in topical cream preparations dosed in a rhythm to mimic the natural cyclic hormone levels replicated in serum blood produced by a twenty year-old woman.








Kristin Gabriel represents author T.S. Wiley, who is the developer of The Wiley Protocol, a trademarked patent pending delivery system consisting of bio-identical estradiol and progesterone in topical cream preparations dosed in a rhythm to mimic the natural cyclic hormone levels replicated in serum blood produced by a twenty year-old woman.



2011年6月12日 星期日

Why You May Be at Risk of Dying Prematurely and How to Prolong Your Life Naturally



One small change in your health condition can be the first sign of a major health problem. But usually we tend to ignore them until it is too late. You have a wonderful family and good job. But suddenly you notice that you cannot control your temper any more, and you shout at your kids without a good reason and you start forgetting important things at work and making costly mistakes.

You have been passionate with your spouse for many years, but now you do not feel anything anymore. Intimacy is now a chore, not pleasure. And then you start having chest pain when walking. You go to your doctor and get tests done just to learn that you now have a heart disease. Then what is next? How long do you think you will live?

According to the Bible, the first man, Adam lived 930 years. Impossible, of course, for us. But the longest living person on the earth, Jeanne Calment, lived 122 years and 164 days. At least 10 people lived more than 116 years. This means that it is possible to live more than 100 years and to be active. But how? The average life span is about 80 years and does not mean an active life. So what is the secret to live more than 100 years? What is the secret to not die prematurely?

Unfortunately official medicine denies the existence of the fountain of youth. So it was not possible to find it in the medical textbooks or articles. Therefore I decided to do my own investigation to find the answers to only 2 questions:

1. Why we may be at risk of dying prematurely.

2. How to prolong our lives naturally.

I decided to find the proven respectful studies to get the answers. But it was not that easy.

Normally they do medical scientific studies on a huge number of people, who do not know certain information,which can lead to bias in reporting results. The money for these studies is coming from big pharmaceutical companies to prove the efficiency of their new drugs. They want to sell. But there are two problems with these so called scientific studies.

First - is the existence of bias. If you are interested in getting your drug sold, which report are you going to publish: favorable or negative?

Second problem is that "Big Pharma" is about selling drugs. Do you think they are interested in making you healthier and/or prolonging your life naturally? Do you think they are going to give money for this?

Longevity secrets - from real people

First thing I realized was: it can be done. Jeanne Calment, who lived 122 years and 164 days, was pretty active until the every end of her life and was not suffering from any significant chronic conditions. She even smoked until age 117. But how could she stay and achieve health until the very end? In medical school I learned that people die because they are sick. Therefore healthy people do not die. Sounds like an axiom. Turned out I was wrong.

First breakthrough was the Kitava study in 1989.

Can people die healthy?

It started with Staffan Lindeberg, MD from the Department of Medicine, University of Lund, Sweden. He decided to study the population of the Island of Kitava in Papua, New Guinea, which is about 24,000. To his surprise even old people over there did not have heart disease, diabetes, strokes, high blood pressure, cancer and any other health condition we hear about every day. Juptner in 1960 has got the same results. So I thought: this is it! Now i know where to look for my answers. Healthy people do not die! But there was a big problem with Kitava study: the average life span was about 45 years! It means: they were dying healthy! So being healthy does not mean that we live longer!

Same thing with a famous Danish Eskimo study.

Tho Danish scientists Bang and Dyerberg discovered, that Eskimos have almost no heart attacks, our number 1 killer in the world, despite the fact that their cholesterol is not low. But do they live linger? Not that I know of.

Second breakthrough was Blue Zones, areas of the world where people live longer.

Because official medicine does not give the prescription for longevity Dan Buettner from National Geographic went to Japan to learn more about Okinawa longevity secrets. But according to demographer S. Jay Olshansky of University of the Illinois in Chicago, as well as 51 longevity experts in their position statement in 2002 that "There are no lifestyle changes, surgical procedures, vitamins, antioxidants, hormones, or techniques of genetic engineering available today with the capacity to repeat the gains in life expectancy that were achieved during the 20th century."

Really?

Fortunately to the humankind they did not know that there are a few areas on earth where people simply live longer -- Blue Zones.

What they did to find longevity secrets: they went to Blue Zones

To get the truth about longevity secrets journalist Dan Buettner and other members if his expedition identified the Blue Zones: Sardinia, Italy: Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California, US: Costa Rica. They decided to learn from real people, not from theory, how to live longer. But what did they find?

None of them relied on the modern western medicine. Period. But does it mean that it is bad? Not really. Because with the help of the modern western medicine we are going to discover the secrets of longevity later on.

Also you do not have to go to deserted island to live better - Loma Linda, California is only 60 miles from toxic Los Angeles. But this made the mystery even more complicated: if it is not the place, it is not the specific fad diet, it is not the air, so what is it? That is why the Blue Zone expedition learned and documented what differs Blue Zones from the rest of the world.

Is it really water from the Fountain of Youth?

When a Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon came to Florida in 1513 BC, he was looking for the Fountain of Youth. He did not learn medicine and he did not know anything about genes and vitamins. But he knew: it has to be water. And he was right: they drink plenty of water in Blue Zones, but not too much, especially in Nicoya, Costa Rica. They say that it is because of the high content of calcium in it. But there is plenty of calcium in green vegetables, especially organic. Or calcium OTC pills. But do they prolong life? Not that I know of. Do we have to drink enough water to live longer? Absolutely!

Water is necessary for detoxification: it helps you to get rid of your toxic waste. The question is: is it water itself, or it is something in the water we do not know about?

1550 BC, Venice, Italy there was no modern technology, no Internet and no microscope. But the first Anti Aging manual is written by Luigi Cornaro --"The Sure and Certain Method of Attaining a Long and Healthful Life". Without tools and information he figured out that moderation is the key. He did what he preached and he lived about 90 years and maybe even more. It took scientists more that 500 years to discover that Luigi Cornaro was right. They took two groups of mice. One of them was fed as much as they wanted to. Another group was given food just to keep mice alive. Guess what group lived longer? The mice that were given just enough food to survive. But mice are not people. So they did the same with monkeys and they results, suggestive, that calorie restriction is beneficial for monkeys. But did it do the same to people?

In the Blue Zones they do.

How Much Should You Eat?

Calorie restriction is the main feature of the all Blue Zones lifestyles. But there is a big problem with calorie restriction alone: if you do not have enough calories, how can you combat infection or trauma or other stress situations? In Kitava Island they do not have plenty of food and they die on average at age of 45. So the longevity secret is not only less food to eat. But what else?

If you ask a dermatologist about the sun exposure, he will tell you how dangerous it is. So they did not know how dangerous sun exposure is. And they spent a lot of time in the sun. Do not think they were sunbathing! They did not have time for it. They had sun exposure naturally, as a part of their busy life. Have you ever seen a monkey on the beach?

Not really. Because monkeys know how to do it right. As a child I learned that the sun is good for me. My mom told me that if I did not get sun exposure I would get a bone condition called rickets, because the sun is good for the bones. What I did not know was: sun makes our immune system stronger to better protects us from infection and cancer.

Not all times of the day are good for sun exposure, though. The best hours are before 10 AM and after 5 PM, because at those times you get more UVA and less UVB, which is harmful. But if you have to be in the sun from 10 AM to 5 PM use clothing, umbrellas and hats to protect yourself from UVB, because sunscreens are not that reliable.

It's In What You Eat

What about living longer? They have plenty of sun in Africa, Kitava or Florida. But they do not live that long.

Could the secret be the magic food they eat? Maybe. They tend to eat more tomatoes and nuts. And this is understandable. Nuts are good for your health, because they are good for your heart: They have plenty of omega 3 fatty acids. Like fish, that is the staple of Eskimo diet. They do not have heart attacks. But Eskimo do not live long, either.

Tomatoes are different from nuts. They are the part of a rainbow diet. Think about it: if fruits or vegetables are of bright color, they are actually inviting you to eat them, and they are good for you. And tomatoes are known to be beneficial for your health: they protect from prostate cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer and neurodegenerative diseases as well as harmful ultraviolet radiation. Sounds like they are better than modern western medicine that cannot protect you from any cancer. It can only detect it early.

But what is the secret of tomatoes? If you go online, they will tell you, that it is antioxidant lycopene as well as vitamins A and C, that do the miracle. What they usually do not tell you is that lycopene from tomato is going to your adrenals, testes and liver. Does it have anything to do with longevity?

Or maybe those people in Blue Zones live longer because they know some special ritual, like a dance or meditation? Not likely. They move naturally by doing their chores and getting food. That is why they do not have time to go to the gym. They actually do not have them. But do they need to? I doubt it. They work hard enough. And when was the last time you saw a monkey at the gym.

Instead they have a healthy social life. They have big supportive families. They live together with their children. They support each other emotionally. And it works!

Should You Drink Red Wine?

Also they do not forget to drink red wine. Especially in Sardinia. And France. The last is known for so called French paradox. They eat plenty of saturated fat, but do not suffer that much from heart disease. So scientists looked into it. And they found the substance from red wine, called Resveratrol. High doses of it supposedly is mimicking calorie restriction effect in mice, resulting in longer life. And it can be sold as a pill. But there is a problem with Resveratrol: red wine has such a small amount of it that it cannot explain low incidence of heart disease in France.

Nevertheless because of the publicity the consumption of red wine increased. Wine and Resveratrol manufacturers were happy.

Or maybe there is another explanation of the French paradox?

As per OECD French work much less hours a week than Americans. Only in Norway, Sweden and Netherlands do they work less than in France. That short weekly working hours make sense: human beings are hunters -- gatherers. They did not work that much.

Looks like they enjoyed much more pleasures in their life than we do.

What is means is: French do not have that much stress and human beings are not designed to have that much stress, plus red wine helps you to relax.

Conclusion: less hormone cortisol, which sometimes can kill. Wait a second! May be it is all about hormones? Remember about lycopene from tomatoes? It goes to adrenals, testes and liver to protect your hormone production and proper their disposal by the liver

2008. Long Island, New York. Auditorium in a luxury hotel. A podium is taken by the a young woman in her 30s. She looks astonishing. Her eyes are shining and emit so much energy that it energizes everybody in the auditorium. She is very passionate about what she is saying.

People in the auditorium are breathless and catch every single word she is saying. But her real age is 61. Her name is Suzanne Somers.

I'm listening breathless to what she is saying. Suddenly it strikes my mind: "It is not cholesterol, not cancer, not your high blood pressure that are killing you. It is your hormones," -- she is saying. How could it be? That is not what I was taught in the medical school ad residency program. This is not on the Internal Medicine Board Exam.

But she is not a doctor, she is not a scientist. She is an actress! So what! I still remember the story from the past, when a lot of children were coming to the local hospital with all their hair falling out. All the doctors could not figure it out why. But the nursing aide knew: it was radiation. And she was right: children were exposed to radioactive waste.

Think about it: when you are young, you do not have cancer, heart attack, high blood pressure or cholesterol. Problems start developing when your hormones are low: menopause or andropause, when you cannot make babies anymore. This is because mother nature wants you to leave the space for younger individuals, who can make babies!

And so your hormones go down, making your body weak and unprotected. But it this is correct, how do they trick their bodies in Blue Zones? How did Jeanne Calment do it for 122 years? Was it possible that she was able to maintain a somehow relatively high level of women's sex hormone estrogen? We do not know. But the fact, that she was riding a bicycle at age 100 and she fractured her leg at age 114 means shows that she managed to do so. But how?

As soon as a woman runs out of eggs, her estrogen should go down! Another example: a man -- centenarian from Nicoya. His name is Rafael Angel Leon Leon. He had a lot of girlfriends and finally got married to a woman 40 year younger than him at age 92. It means that at age 92 he still was sexually active and could attract a much younger woman. But it is not possible without having enough sex hormone testosterone. So somehow he managed to keep his hormones up! But how?

When Jeanne Calment was asked how she could maintain her health and youthful appearance, she was always attributing it to olive oil, port wine and chocolate. Could it be olive oil? I knew that olive oil is good for your heart and vessels. What I did not know was, that it contains iodine.

We all know that iodine as well as selenium is necessary for thyroid hormone production. But what about estrogen?

For many years doctors were puzzled because breast diseases often go with thyroid problems. Iodine deficiency, that causes goiter and thyroid cysts, can cause breast cysts as well. Also low iodine was linked to breast cancer. They found that low iodine results in high estrogen level, leading to breast cancer. This does not match with the theory, that olive oil, high in iodine, can increase estrogen level to balance hormones of post menopausal women. So it is not iodine?

Then I got lucky. I knew that they use iodine -- 125 to label certain molecules. What I did not know was: it was estrogen that was marked with iodine. What it means? Iodine is easily incorporated into estrogen molecule. Does it mean that iodine activates estrogen? So far iodine -- estrogen connection remains mystery.

It could be not only iodine that prolongs life. It could be other micro-elements that make hormones and enzymes active. But why do we need them in extra amounts? Don't we get them enough with food? Not at all, because of soil depletion. In fact even if we eat fruits and vegetables, we get 5 to 7 times less micro-elements and other nutrients than we are supposed to. But could people get them in Blue Zones? Could it be from their secret fountains of youth? Or may be from the middle of the earth? From volcanoes for example?

To prove my theory, I started looking for any volcanoes, active or inactive around Blue Zones. Except Loma Linda all of them have volcanoes around. Even if Loma Linda does not it still is the place of frequent earthquakes that can result in increased levels of micronutrients and hence much better body functioning. But is it true? We need more studies about Blue Zones. But none of them are in the near future. The Blue Zones longevity secret still remains the mystery.

Are you at risk of dying prematurely?

If you see a snake approaching you can run away or you can kill it. But what if you are asleep? Then you are dead. Who should you blame? The snake or yourself, because you did not make your home safe?

Same thing is with your health. Do you want to create the safe and health space around you? It is not a rocket science to do this. It is like having car. If you follow your car manual and do maintenance regularly, you will enjoy smooth ride for many years. If not -- you will become the regular customer of repair shops. Follow your body manual: do whatever human being are created for.

Unfortunately it is not that easy. Normally we decide what to eat based on two principles:

1. Food has to be tasty.

2. It is supposed to deliver maximum energy in the shortest possible period of time.

But these principles do not work for us because:

1. Our food taste is so modified from the original, therefore we cannot rely on it. I'm talking about processed food, modified fruits and vegetables, corn but not grass fed cattle, etc.

2. Energy content is much higher because of additives like various carbohydrates, oils etc.

Now you are on your own to pick up your food. You cannot rely on your natural mechanisms. You have to rely on your knowledge to make sure, that you live long enough.

So how can you check if you are at risk of dying prematurely? Check if you are truly following your body's manual:

Are you eating the same food as cave men did?

Are you drinking about the same amount of water cave men did?

Are you getting enough sun exposure to synthesize enough vitamin D to protect yourself from fractures because of weak bones, heart disease, arthritis, autoimmune disease and cancer?

Are you moving naturally?

Are you are a part of your family and community?

Are your food, water and air clean?

Are you exposed to any other toxins like dyes, plastics, fumes, drugs etc.?

Do you go to bed with sundown and get up with sunrise?

This is the basic checklist that might help you to identify if you are following the manual or not, are you at risk of dying.

How to live longer -- Blue Zones checklist:

Get enough sunlight, but not too much to get plenty of vitamin D. Monkey on the beach sunbathing?
Restrict your calorie intake, but still get enough calories to fight infection or stress.
Eat plenty of tomatoes.
Move naturally. Remember monkey in the gym?
Eat handful of nuts regularly.
Drink enough water.
Be social.
Get enough sleep (at least 8 hours a day).
Follow Paleolithic diet -- avoid processed food!
Balance your hormones!

The bottom line is that you need to make one change to get on the path to being healthy. Every commitment you ever made began with one step at a time. Commit to making a change and see where it can lead you. No one that was famous for leading ever just jumped in and led. You have to work to get what you want and you will notice that things can fall, and will fall into place.

You have to be brave and be ready to make a change.

Living a "blue zone" life style isn't that hard. You came across many good ideas to take with you in your new goals. Also you should learn how to improve your health and mind, by learning more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and neurotransmitter balancing. All these components, which we work with in our offices, can be key to giving you the life you always wanted.

You can:

have better intimacy
improve your mood
improve your relationships
get rid of menopause and andropause symptoms
get better working productivity
live longer
look younger

Isn't this worth a commitment?








For more information go to www.doctorkalitenko.com.



Why is it So Hard to Lose Menopausal Fat?





What do you know about menopausal fat? Woman's bodies begin to prepare for menopause as early as mid 30s. Most of women will gain an average of 12 pounds, and their waistlines will expand by several inches by the time we reach menopause. So when we think about menopause belly fat, we think in negative way, because this is what makes us look and feel bad. Menopause fat is the reason woman body shape changes from "pear" to "apple" and makes it more difficult to lose weight.

But not everything about menopause belly fat is bad. In actuality menopausal fat is helping women to go through menopause with lower health problems, by regulating production of estrogen, which is decreasing during menopause.

Estrogen, known as a "female hormone" produced by ovaries, together with progesterone, regulates the changes that occur with each monthly period and prepares the uterus for pregnancy. Before women enter menopause ovaries make more then 90% of estrogen.

Women's fat cells also can produce estrogen, but not as much. That's why overweight women who have more fat cells, have fewer problems with hot flashes and osteoporosis, when they are going through menopause.

The second most important female hormone is progesterone and like estrogen, the ovaries make most of it. During menopause when women start losing estrogen and progesterone, woman's fat cells are trying to compensate the decrease by expanding. The bigger the fat cells become, the more estrogen they can make. But this means increase of menopause belly fat as well as our waistlines.

But that's not everything. Another important hormone produced by ovaries is testosterone.

Deficiency of testosterone during menopause results in loss of muscle tissue and lean body mass. Lean body mass burns calories at a higher metabolic rate, so any reduction of muscle reflects in menopausal weight gain and even higher accumulation of menopausal fat.

So, why losing menopausal fat is hard? I think you already got the picture.

Menopause belly fat produced by fat cells in woman's body is its weapon against lost estrogen. Lack of estrogen makes the menopausal symptoms more sever. Also lower estrogen interferes with the normal action of leptin (protein hormone), which controls appetite, so lower estrogen means higher appetite, more calories to burn and more menopause belly fat to deal with. Decrease in testosterone adds to it, because our metabolism slows down and we burn fewer calories with smaller muscle mass we have.

But this does not mean we have to accept menopausal fat. On the contrary, we have to fight it because fat increases the risk of heart disease, higher blood pressure, breast cancer, diabetes and level of "bad" cholesterol.








Find out how you can fight menopausal fat by making a few changes to your lifestyle. Visit http://www.menopause-weight.com to get simple solution to your menopausal belly fat.





2011年6月11日 星期六

Why Do You Have Uterine Fibroids After Menopause?



Uterine fibroid tumors affect millions of women and in many cases cause symptoms so severe that many will relent and undergo one of the surgical procedures to have them removed.

Most women are told that they can avoid surgery if they are willing to live with the fibroids until they go through menopause. There is a direct relationship between hormones and fibroid growth. Since reproductive hormone levels drop after menopause, this assertion makes sense. Many women do experience diminished symptoms. However, some women do not.

Why is this so? To better understand the condition it is important to recognize the role estrogen plays in the fibroid story. Excessive fibrotic tissue is the result of only two causes: trauma (such as scar tissue build up from an injury) and unopposed estrogen dominance.

This is the all-too-common situation found in most middle aged adults today. High levels of estrogen dominate the receptor sites of cells and do not allow "parking spaces" for other hormones. In men this means a reduction in free testosterone. This can lead to among other things, prostate problems. In women progesterone levels fall off (as well as testosterone too) because the parking spaces are filled by the over abundant level of estrogen. This causes fibrotic diseases such as fibroid tumors and fibrocystic breast disease. Progesterone acts as a natural antagonist to estrogen.

It is true that for post menopausal women, levels of estrogen have dropped. However, the hormone levels are less important than the ratio of estrogen to progesterone. Even if the estrogen level is one third of what it used to be, if the ratio of estrogen to progesterone continues to be out of balance, one can remain estrogen dominant after menopause and continue to grow uterine fibroid tumors and have fibrocystic breasts.

Nature demands that all things remain balanced. The problem is that there are many sources of estrogen in our lives that place us at risk for becoming estrogen dominant. Here are some of the culprits for post-menopausal women with fibroids:

1) Estrogen replacement drugs. Estrogen dominance is also strongly associated with cancer. Most women are warned about the increased risk of breast cancer when they seek estrogen replacement. Estrogen replacement is safe when the bioidentical form of estrogen (estriol) is used in place of the synthetic forms of estrogen found in most pharmaceutical formulations.

2) Estrogen rich foods. The top two foods to avoid are flax and soy products.

3) Corticosteroid medications. These cortisone meds are steroids used as anti-inflammatories, but they play havoc with hormone levels.

4) Herbicides, pesticides, the fumes of auto exhaust as well as many chemical solvents. These compounds are known xenoestrogens. They mimic the activity of natural estrogen.

The best natural treatment approach focuses on addressing both the cause and the symptoms of uterine fibroids. Specific supplements metabolize excess estrogen and potent systemic enzymes lyse away the fibroid tumors -- essentially digesting them.

Since fibroids are composed of fibrin, the same material of scar tissue, taking a professional strength systemic enzyme formula will dissolve the fibroid and remove this tissue altogether over time. When combined with the hormone balancing strategy this protocol offers the most rapid natural approach to defeating uterine fibroids once and for all.








And to learn more and locate the proven products, visit http://www.ShrinkFibroidsFast.com and receive a free 55 min. audio recording. Stuart Spangenberg, LCSW, P.A. is a licensed psychotherapist, wellness coach and host of the weekly radio show, "Solutions to Aging" on http://www.HTHRadio.net.



Why Choose Bio-identical Hormones Over Traditional Hormones?



Any woman interested in bio-identical hormones should know the difference between natural hormones (bhrt) and synthetic hormones (hrt). Bio-identical hormones are derived from yams or soy and are the chemical replicates of the exact hormone found in the human body. Synthetic hormones such as Premarin and Provera are drugs made and patented by drug companies. Some of these hormones are derived from pregnant horses urine. The chemicals used are similar to our hormones but have been changed slightly in order to be patented.

Bio-identicals cannot be patented because the drugs have been available for over 15 years. Since bio-identicals can't be patented there is no way for the drug companies to make large amounts of money on them.

Many drug studies have been preformed on synthetic hormones.

The Women's Health Initiative study (WHI) was preformed in 2002 and was stopped early because of the findings. The study involved thousands of women from multiple sites all over the country. The research was done on diet, exercise, calcium supplements, and synthetic hormones. The results were that these drugs should not be given to prevent heart disease, strokes, venous thrombosis, or breast cancer. The findings showed they may increase a woman's risk of developing these problems over time.

The problem with most studies is that the drug companies are funding the study. Therefore, if bio-identicals can't be patented, then the drug companies are not going to spend money on a study.

If you research bio-identical hormones, you can find drug studies on them.

Breast cancer and BHRT

Androgens and Mammary growth and neoplasia

Antiestrogen action of progesterone in breast tissue

Cancer and Hormonal balance

Epidemiology of breast cancer

Hormones in the etiology and prevention of breast and endometrial cancer

This is only 5 examples of the hundreds of studies found on Dr. Rebecca Glaser's website, hormonebalance.org. Dr. Rebecca Glaser also has studies on other topics (not just breast cancer) such as cortisol, estriol, dosage delivery, testosterone and progesterone to name a few.

My belief is that bio-identical hormones bring the menopausal or pre-menopausal woman back to the hormone levels found in a youthful woman. By doing this, the drugs have shown an improvement in heart health, skin, hair, and memory.

Two other benefits are they slightly lower cholesterol and they will keep bone density from decreasing further. Other than relief from the normal menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, etc.) I believe bio-identical hormones can also help with heart, bones, memory and cholesterol. I do not think they will decrease the risk of breast cancer, but taken in the correct dosage amount I think they do not increase the risk of cancer.

In other words, if you are on the correct strengths of hormones there will be no increase or decrease in cancer risk.








BHRT can be a much safer alternative for menopause symptoms treatment. For more information on bio-identical hormones, visit http://www.bhrt-resource.com



2011年6月10日 星期五

Woman and Menopause: Symptoms and Treatment



Menopause is the stage in a woman's life when the menstrual cycle stops. This is not a disease; rather it is a natural process in a woman's life. However, the stage when a woman has her menopause could be a very painful and mentally debilitating stage. There could be several complications.

From an Ayurvedic point of view, menses is the flow of excess pitta from the woman's body. Menses is called as Raja in Ayurveda. For this reason, the stoppage of the menses flow permanently, i.e. menopause is called as Raja Nivrutti, which literally means retirement of menses.

Menopause is a culmination of all the three doshas of the woman's body. The menses themselves are pitta, while the woman may gain in her weight during this time. This indicates a kapha imbalance. Since the woman may become moody and even lose her sleep during menopause, there is a strong indication of the vata dosha at play also.

Menopause can occur in women after the age of 45 years, though this widely varies from one woman to another. The average menopausal age could be taken as 51 years. It must be made clear that menopause is not an abrupt end to the menses. The decline of the menstrual flow occurs gradually as the months progress. Generally, a woman is said to have had her menopause if there has been no menstrual flow for at least one year.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Menopause

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is more popularly known as Indian Ginseng for its believed aphrodisiacal properties. In the case of menopause, this herb is usually prescribed to cure insomnia and mood swings.

2. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

Beetroot is found to be extremely effective in making the menopausal experience less painful. It should be taken as a salad, in which the beetroots are boiled with their peel on. The peel must be removed before eating.

3. Indian Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)

Known popularly as the jatamansi in India, this is another herb prescribed to cure insomnia and mood swings. For such benefits, this herb is prescribed to be taken along with ashwagandha.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Menopause

The complications during menopause can be reduced by bringing about changes in the dietary patterns. There are some very beneficial points that can be followed:-

4. Bitter foods are good dietary indications. The dark green leafy vegetables are mostly bitter in taste. They must be regularly incorporated in the diet as a woman is moving towards her menopause.

5. Astringent foods are also advantageous. These foods include beans, soybeans, potatoes, cabbages and poultry foods. Both the bitter and the astringent foods help in reducing the excess heat in the woman's body that is produced during menopause.

6. Foods that are sour, salty and pungent are contra-indications for menopause. Onions, garlic, mustard and chilies are pungent foods. Tomatoes, tamarinds, vinegars and curds are sour foods. These must be avoided.

7. Consume foods that can provide some phyto-estrogens. Such foods are watermelon, berries, legumes, licorice and pomegranates.

During menopause, the need of the following nutrients increases:-

a) Vitamin D - obtained from egg yolk, milk and animal liver

b) Vitamin K - obtained from green vegetables, cereals and animal foods

c) Magnesium - obtained from nuts, bananas and dairy products

d) Manganese - obtained from cereal, bran, nuts and tea

e) Calcium - obtained from milk and milk products.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Menopause

Chandraprabha is the tablet of choice that most physicians would provide for menopausal problems. This tablet helps in reducing the vata vitiation which is one of the foremost causes of menopausal problems. Along with this, Punarnavasava or Lodhrasava must be taken thrice in 15 milliliters doses for a month. In order to increase the strength of the body, Dashamoolarishta and Pradari Lauha are prescribed.

If there are hot flushes during menopause (which increase body temperature and then cause sudden chills), then Ashokarishta is given along with Useerasava.

For any irritations or infections that may occur in the vagina during menopause, Gokshuradi Guggulu is prescribed to be taken in doses of two pills twice a day.

Massaging the back with Chandanaadi taila helps to allay insomnia and mood swings which can occur due to vata vitiations during menopause.

(4) Home Remedies for Menopause

1. Licorice must be consumed in fair amounts during menopause. It has the phyto-estrogens that are necessary to correct the hormonal imbalances during menopause.

2. Have beetroot juice daily or include it in salads.

3. Another recipe is to boil a few carrot seeds in a glassful of milk. Consume this milk with carrot seeds in it on a daily basis.

4. During menopause, there is a chance of osteoporosis setting in due to loss of calcium. Hence take adequate care of your calcium intake. The foods mentioned above must be had in the proper amount to maintain calcium levels.

5. Maintain a healthy active regime. Sluggishness and a sedentary life will make the menopausal process quite difficult.








Read more on menopause treatment and menopause home remedies by ayurveda at http://www.ayushveda.com
Read more about Ayurveda at World's Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia



2011年6月9日 星期四

Hormone Imbalance in Women



Aging is difficult enough for women without having to deal with declining hormones. Women often complain of a diminished sense of wellbeing, chronic fatigue, and a loss of libido just to mention a few symptoms of hormone imbalance.

For many women there is a tremendous void in treatment of menopausal symptoms. Hot flashes, mood swings and low or no sex drive are just the tip of the iceberg. Some earlier hormone imbalance symptoms of estrogen deficiency are frequent waking at night. Many others are present, including "mental fogginess." A woman's short-term memory retention may be dwindling and her concentration and focus isn't as good as it used to be. Frequently, women may experience some loss of energy to the point that they actually slide into symptoms of chronic fatigue. In addition, women may experience some mood swings and irritability, and at the extreme may actually develop feelings of depression. With the loss of energy and chronic fatigue, females find themselves unable to exercise as much as in the past, or to recover as quickly when exercising. Women often find themselves increasing weight gain in spite of attempts at exercising. One hormone imbalance symptom that is not frequently discussed is the loss of sex drive and diminished libido. Not only is energy level and sense of wellbeing diminished, but anticipation and enjoyment of sexual activity is waning as well.

All of these symptoms are the result of a hormone imbalance deficiency state, not a "normal aging process." Restoring your normal balance of hormones will go a long way toward making you feel like a younger, healthier, happier woman again.

10 Self Questions to determine if you may have Hormonal Imbalance:

1. Do you have hot flashes?

2. Do you have a lack of energy?

3. Do you have restless sleep or sleep disturbances?

4. Do you have a diminished sex drive?

5. Have you noticed a decreased "enjoyment of life"?

6. Are you moody or easily irritated?

7. Do you have difficulty concentrating, or have short-term memory loss?

8. Have you noticed muscle loss?

9. Do you feel fatigued often?

10. Do you have bladder leakage?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy increases female and male libido, decreases menopause, increases weight loss and more with an anti-aging hormone imbalance health procedure. Bioidentical hormone is the chemical makeup of the replacement hormone and is exactly the same hormone that the human body produces.








For more Information on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy please view http://www.HormoneWizard.com

Dr. Lucey has been called "The Hormone Wizard" by many because of his uncanny ability to diagnose, analyze and treat hormone imbalances in men and women. Dr. Richard Lucey is a specialist in Family Practice focused on (BHRT) Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy [http://hormonewizard.com/bioidenticalhormones]. He has been practicing medicine in Pensacola, FL for more than 30 years. Dr. Lucey has been especially devoted to helping women regain their hormonal vigor through hormone replacement therapy. His experience in treating menopausal women has led to his use of natural hormonal replacement therapy for both women and men. He is committed to making this hormone therapy available to every woman and man who wants and needs it. Diplomat American Board of Family Practice 1975- Present Fellow American Academy, Disability Evaluation Physicians Member U.S. Olympic Sports Medicine Society, Member Medical Advisory Board - Retired Boxers Foundation. More information on Hormone Replacement Therapy can be found via http://www.hormonewizard.com



A Guide to Menopause Sweating - Dealing With Sweat Day and Night



A sudden chance in hormonal balance during menopause or pre-menopause has the side effect of significant changes in sweating patterns. Women will find themselves uncomfortable, warm, and sweaty in conditions that don't make any rational sense that never caused them to sweat before.

The theory on menopause sweating is that as the hormones in the body change the hypothalamus which helps regulate heat in the body changes. So extra heat is produced inside the body causing extra sweat.

What can be done about menopause sweating?

Hydration and diet become very important during menopause. Certain dietary needs like calcium are harder to absorb. Certain vitamins don't affect the body the same way. Get proper hydration and nutrition in the body to not only prevent other health problems but also to help give the body what it needs to function properly. A well hydrated body will typically have better regulation of heating and cooling in the body.

It's probably been on your mind from time to time, but weight is another factor in extra sweating. If you reduce the extra weight that has been gained over the years, this can cut down on body heat which can help with sweating.

Smoking and use of alcohol won't help sweating issues at all during this time in life. Cut these out of your life. If you do drink, make sure to drink water along with the alcohol.

For night sweating, keep the room a bit cooler than you are comfortable with and use less covers. This will keep the body from getting too warm during the night to help avoid waking up in sweat. It's not the perfect solution, but you can fall asleep a little on the cool side or wake up a little on the warm side.

Talk to your doctor about your problem. There are many medical solutions to this type of sweating so you can be more comfortable.








Herb likes to health issues. Please check out his website that contains chrome bathroom lighting information as well as choosing bathroom lighting information.



2011年6月8日 星期三

Hormone Balance Through BHRT After a Hysterectomy



By the age of 60 one out of every three women will have had a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus. Hysterectomy surgery is the number two major surgery for women, second only to a cesarean section. About half of hysterectomies also include removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy).

Ovaries are the "factory" which manufactures the hormones estrogen and progesterone in a woman's body. Removal of the ovaries will result in a sudden drop in estrogen. A hysterectomy, even without removal of the ovaries, can result in a gradual drop in estrogen levels over time leading to the same symptoms, but in a less abrupt manner.

The estrogens (estradiol, estriol and estrone) control the development and release of eggs in the ovaries and are important in maintaining the health of a woman's reproductive system, breasts, skin and brain. An insufficient supply of estrogen in the body can lead to:

o hot flashes

o vaginal dryness

o rapid aging of the skin

o urinary tract problems

o excessive bone loss

o possible acceleration of dementia

Hormone replacement therapy is a method of treatment in which a patient is given hormones to replace hormones missing from a patient's body. For women with symptoms of menopause these may include estrogens, progesterone or progestins, and sometimes testosterone. A popular formulation produced by pharmaceutical companies for a number of years has included a mixture of conjugated horse-derived estrogens with progestins. The horse-derived estrogens are produced from the urine of pregnant horses. The resultant compound is a synthetic estrogen; one which is not bioidentical to human female estrogens.

On the other hand, bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the human body. Many professionals in the anti-aging field are convinced that problems with synthetic hormones used in HRT result from a different chemical structure than what is produced naturally in the human body.

For instance, recent studies have indicated that the usual combination of progestins and horse-derived estrogens may contribute to the development of blood clots, may exacerbate problems with the gall bladder or liver, and may increase the risk of breast cancer. The results of one clinical study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2004 found evidence that a conjugated horse-derived estrogen caused clotting, but a bioidentical esterified estrogen did not.

So what is the process involved in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)? First it is necessary to test the patient to determine what the level of various hormones is in the body. For women, tests normally include current levels of:

o total testosterone and free testosterone

o estradiol

o thyroid stimulating hormone

o follicle stimulating hormone level (for women)

A hormone formulation, tailored to the specific patient and his or her individual needs can then be developed. This will include the specific hormones to be provided and the dosage level of each hormone based upon the laboratory analysis, severity of symptoms, age, gender, and body size.

Various hormone replacement methods are available for the delivery of the tailored formulation to the patient. These include:

o pills

o skin patches

o creams

o injections

o pellets inserted under the skin

While any form of BHRT is a step in the right direction when your hormones are imbalanced, certain methods may work better for you than others. Be aware, a woman's hormonal needs can change over time and treatment methods may need to be modified.

Bioidentical hormone pellet therapy is the most advanced and progressive approach to the relief of menopausal symtoms. Pellet therapy offers around-the-clock hormone release based on what each individual body needs. If a woman is exercising and needs more hormones released to work-out optimally, the body has a built-in regulation system that will find them. Similarly, if she is resting, the body will release less hormones into the body. Pellet therapy is as close as it comes to replicating how the body releases it's own hormones.

Hormone pellets are about the size of granules of rice. A minor surgical procedure, which takes only a few minutes, is used to insert the pellets under the skin of the buttocks, hip or bikini area. Only a band-aid is necessary to cover the incision and the hormone replacement pellets last for 3 to 6 months.

The hormone pellet method has several advantages. First, you don't have to remember to do anything - take pills, apply creams or change skin patches. This method is also most efficient in delivering the lowest dose of hormones to your body because it releases only the amount the body needs. Because of this efficient delivery the dosage level required is lower than with other methods. And you can't lose your medicine or forget to take it on a trip, which can cause fluctuations with your hormones.

For patients who prefer a more conventional treatment using pills, the formulations can be made available in this form also. However, these normally must be taken twice a day. They also require higher total dosages and the level of hormones in the blood vary more than using the pellet method.

Creams are also available but have similar disadvantages. They normally have to be applied twice a day. As with pills, creams also require higher dosage levels than pellets and have the added complication of where to apply them relative to clothing contact areas. Like pills they also result in variations in the hormone levels in the blood.

Skin patches have been in use for some time to relieve hot flashes. They have their own particular problems. They sometimes come loose from the skin prematurely, and generally cannot be successfully reapplied to the skin. This can result in a reduced dosage being received. Also, some people find they develop some skin irritation from the patch.

You don't have to simply live and suffer with the symptoms that will develop after menopause or a hysterectomy. There are treatment options available that will relieve your symptoms, improve your health, and greatly improve your quality of life. Find a qualified physician practicing BHRT and discover there really is life beyond a hysterectomy.

Disclaimer: The information provided should not be construed as medical advice but as general information. Anyone interested in BHRT should consult a physician about their specific needs.








Dr. Lucey has been called "The Hormone Wizard" by many because of his uncanny ability to diagnose, analyze and treat hormone imbalances in men and women. Dr. Richard Lucey is a specialist in Family Practice focused on (BHRT) Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy. He has been practicing medicine in Pensacola, FL for more than 30 years. Dr. Lucey has been especially devoted to helping women regain their hormonal vigor through hormone replacement therapy. His experience in treating menopausal women has led to his use of natural hormonal replacement therapy for both women and men. He is committed to making this hormone therapy available to every woman and man who wants and needs it. Diplomat American Board of Family Practice 1975- Present Fellow American Academy, Disability Evaluation Physicians Member U.S. Olympic Sports Medicine Society, Member Medical Advisory Board - Retired Boxers Foundation. More information on Hormone Replacement Therapycan be found via http://www.hormonewizard.com



2011年6月7日 星期二

Home Remedies For Menopause - Natural Healing Remedies to Help You Get Through Menopausal Effects



Are you one of the thousands of women who suffer severely with the effects caused by menopause? It seems that some women simply breeze through menopause while others have a very hard time. Luckily there are natural ways to help you so in this article we will look at some home remedies for menopause symptoms.

The biggest complaint that most woman voice about menopause is the hot flashes which can be very uncomfortable as well as embarrassing. You feel as though your body is an oven and somebody has turned it up to the highest level causing you to sweat uncontrollably.

Here are some of the more popular home remedies for menopause that you can try. Not all remedies work for every woman so you may have to try a few different ones until you find what works for you.

1. Vitamin E - Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that has proven to be helpful in combating hot flashes and night sweats. I've read that your body temperature rises by as much as 8 degrees during a hot flash and since these come on suddenly it is no wonder that they bring such discomfort. So a helpful tip would be to keep your home cool as well to help your body recover after the hot flash has passed.

2. Evening Primrose Oil - Evening primrose oil is used for conditions that affect a woman's health, such as breast tenderness that is associated with her menstrual cycle, menopausal symptoms, and PMS or premenstrual syndrome.

3. Meditation - meditation helps by providing stress relief which helps the woman to be calmer overall and deal with the menopausal symptoms easier.

4. Massage - Massage therapy again helps to relax the woman which helps her in coping better with the symptoms of menopause

5. Exercise - Exercise helps in so many ways, by relieving stress and by improving mood as mood swings are also a negative side effect of menopause. It is also good in preventing weight gain which is another negative by product of menopause sometimes.

6. Progesterone Cream - I once had an encounter in a retail store where the cashier was in the midst of a hot flash and the customer in front of me happened to be a nurse. It was then that I learned that progesterone cream can be helpful for women going through menopause as this nurse recommended it to the cashier to help ease her hot flashes and other side effects of menopause.

So there you have 6 remedies to help you cope with this stage of your life. I hope that you find your remedy among these but, if not, remember that there are many other home remedies menopause out there you just have to be persistent and keep researching until you find the one that works for you. Good luck and stay well.








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An Overview of Menopause Symptoms



Women who reach menopausal age may be feeling overwhelmed by some of the menopause symptoms. These are women who have always felt confident and healthy. Suddenly they are in the midst of a meeting or activity and feel overly warm. The heat is followed almost immediately by profuse sweating and sometimes by a racing heart. The symptoms are commonly called a hot flash. It is the most common symptom of menopause, but not the only one. Menopause is medically defined as the day after the end of the last period. A full year must elapse without a period before a woman is said to have reached menopause.

Realistically, menopause is defined as the multi-year period when the production of reproductive hormones decrease and then cease. Menopause is also called The Change, The Change of Life or Perimenopause. The length and the symptoms vary with different women. Hot flashes are usually the most obvious symptom for menopausal women. There may be rapid heart rate episodes. More migraine headaches can occur. A woman may experience painful muscles and inflamed joints. These symptoms may be severe enough to reduce activities.

Hormone reduction causes some very noticeable symptoms in the genital and urinary areas. Irritated and dry tissue is one example. The membranes of the vulva, vagina and cervix are thinned, sometimes measurably. The tissues may bleed. There may be a discharge that is watery. Many women experience urination that increases in frequency and in urgency. A significant number of women experience incontinence during this period.

Women may choose their treatment plan according to the number and significance of the symptoms. Hormone replacement is an option for women who experience symptoms that interfere with their ability to get the activities of daily living completed. Other women choose natural measures to get through the menopause years. Just choosing loose and comfortable clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton is one way to deal with hot flashes. Layers of clothing that can be removed to relieve temperature extremes is one way of dealing with sudden temperature increases.

Black cohosh is one example of a natural remedy that has been associated with relief of hot flashes. Some clinical studies seem to support that concept that this herb strengthens the body's ability to manage the internal thermostat. The thermostat controls the body's response to warm temperatures. Cooling processes such as perspiration and rapid heart rate are triggered following the temperature climb.

Menopause symptoms can be quite severe. Women can choose the level of treatment that they prefer. Hormone replacement therapy is the most intrusive plan, and may have undesirable side effects. Natural methods are preferred by most women.








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2011年6月6日 星期一

5 Tips to Reduce Menopause Hot Flashes



Women going though menopause are guaranteed the inconvenience of hot flashes.

These hot flashes can happen any time of the day or night, sometimes resulting in waking you up from even the deepest sleep. Hot flashes occur because of the decreased estrogen level in the female body. Hot flashes cause insomnia, anxiety, and panic attacks Sadly enough, while they will occur during menopause here are five tips to reduce menopause hot flashes.

The number one way to relieve hot flashes, as recommended by doctors is through HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). This is the means in which synthetic estrogen, and progesterone is added to the body to help balance out the loss of estrogen, thus causing the hot flash. This method of treatment does have side-effects such as nausea, irregular bleeding, and headaches. Another known fact about HRT is that if you have a family history of breast cancer, it might not be the best method in treating your symptoms, but it is a very efficient means of relieving hot flashes.

Another very useful means is to log your hot flashes. Keep a record of when they begin, and how long they last. Make sure you document the situation you were in when it came on so that you can determine if there are any triggers that are causing them. Once you get used to logging your hot flashes and the possible triggers that caused them, it becomes easier to avoid those triggers. While triggers are not the only cause of hot flashes and you may still have them anyway, this is still a useful empowerment for you to really give yourself an evaluation to see if there are lifestyle changes needed during this transition.

Exercise is also a very positive means of reducing hot flashes during menopause. Exercise helps increase the levels of serotonin which is a neurotransmitter directly linked to hormone levels. Since it is the depletion of estrogen, adding the benefits of exercise to get your serotonin level charged, it can help stave off anxiety and panic, two results of having chronic hot flashes. Another great medium of exercise is Yoga. For those who would rather have a more relaxing exercise regime than the contemporary aerobic exercise, this is wonderful for dealing with the anxiety and panic. It helps give focus, and clarity to the brain as well.

One thing that you can control is the thermostat in your home. Find ways to effectively cool down the body. Set temperature controls at comfortable levels. Dress in pure cotton clothing because it allows the skin to breath. Applying ice to the neck and wrists is a wonderful way to cool down the body. Also, take cool showers and drink plenty of cool water when you feel a hot flash coming on.

Stress is a major cause of hot flashes during menopause. During the time that you are logging your hot flashes, take careful note of stressful situations. Try to avoid stress by using relaxation methods, such as deep breathing. Find time for yourself to reflect and have quiet time. This can be done by taking a quiet walk, or finding a place that you can just sit and think. With our society under so much stress, this can sometimes be difficult but along with the medications used for menopause, there are some things that you will have to take control of. By relieving those areas of stress, you can help relieve your hot flashes, and eventually cause them to dissipate.








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