Category: Menopause

Body Changes in Perimenopause

During perimenopause many these eleven body systems require special care and support.

Immune functions -Supporting the immune functions buffers against the possible weakening effects of long-term grief on immunity. Women may experience this long-term grief reaction strongly or more subtly as a response to a perceived loss in menstruation or in response to the approach of menopause. Furthermore, it is important to support immune functions because of the possibility that estrogen may make a women’s immune responses so sensitive that they attack her own body tissues.

Pituitary – The pituitary assists in stimulating all the glands of the body and releases FSH and LH. FSH and LH act directly on the ovaries to promote the development and enlargement of the follicles. In the post-menopausal years, the pituitary is responsible for secreting higher levels of FSH and LH. This post-menopausal increased production of FSH and LH results in more consistently elevated brain levels of these two hormones. Some think that these elevated brain levels of FSH and LH acting as neurotransmitters in the brain may be the mechanisms for the increased intuitiveness and awareness of post- menopausal women.

Adrenal glands – In the menopausal years the adrenal glands are important for balanced energy production and for the production of small amounts of testosterone from a precursor hormone called adrostenedione. The secretion of these small amounts of androgens (testosterone being one hormone from this class of hormones) help maintain the female sex drive, build bone and muscle strength and increase vaginal lubrication and elasticity. Androgens promote general well-being for the rest of a womens life. The production of testosterone is thought by some to facilitate the developing assertiveness in post-menopausal women.

Pancreas – is responsible for the production of balanced sugar levels that may become unbalanced by loss of estrogen. Frequent and rapid changes in blood sugar may play havoc with emotional responses.

Nervous system – The nervous system may need extra support in order to cope with and compensate for the effects of all the hormonal revamping that occurs in menopause.

Brain functions – Memory, concentration, and attention functions may become unbalanced by the changes in hormone levels.

Liver – During the perimenopausal years it is important that the liver is strong and healthy so that it can metabolize and break down estrogen and its by-products. The liver is responsible for transforming the main type of estrogen, called estradiol, into other forms of estrogen. Estradiol in too high amounts or for too prolonged a period of time may be carcinogenic. The liver prevents excessive build-up of estradiol in the blood circulation by inactivating it. When the liver is healthy the conversion of estradiol occurs efficiently.

Digestive processes – Poorly functioning digestion stimulates the growth of certain types of bacteria in the intestinal tract. These bacteria chemically change the breakdown products of estrogen into forms that can be reabsorbed back into the body. This elevates the levels of estrone and estradiol in the bloodstream. These elevated levels of estrone and estradiol may be carcinogenic to certain sensitive tissue such as breast, ovarian, and uterine tissue.

Phytoestrogens from Soy and Red Clover for Managing Menopause

Learn how to counteract these changes naturally

Menopause is a crucial stage in every woman’s life, as it marks the natural end of her fertile years. The perimenopausal phase, the time prior to the cessation of menstruation, is normally characterized by a reduction in the levels of estrogen produced by the body, which can cause symptoms related to the mechanisms controlling the size of blood vessels, including hot flashes, night sweats and sleep disturbances.

For many years, the traditional treatment has been hormone replacement therapy, but due to serious concerns about the elevated risk for certain chronic illnesses, such as cancer, more and more women are seeking alternative methods. Some of the most recent treatments are based on supplements enriched with phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen and that can prevent or treat certain illnesses.

Phytoestrogens are steroid-free, plant-derived compounds of varying chemical structure, which are found in fruits, vegetables and grains, specially red clover, soy and alfalfa.

n order to understand phytoestrogens, you must first understand that estrogens are, in essence, the female hormones responsible for a woman’s sexual and physical development, among other functions. Obviously, the production of these hormones gradually changes during menopause.

There are various types of phytoestrogens, but the most common are coumestans, lignans and isoflavones. These compounds have a similar chemical structure to the female hormones produced in your body.

Isoflavones (genistein and daidzein), which are the most potent phytoestrogens in terms of their estrogen-like effects, are found almost exclusively in legumes, such as soy, garbanzos, lentils and beans. Red clover (trifolium pratense) is also a significant source of isoflavones, as it contains components that are metabolized into genistein and daidzein once it is consumed.

Soy supplements also contain these compounds, which are subjected to various metabolic actions in your body. However, it is very important that you use a product that is guaranteed by the manufacturer to be purified and standardized so that your body will absorb it correctly.

According to the Central American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, there have been numerous studies suggesting that these compounds are beneficial “to the heart, the bones, the breasts and overall health during the period prior to menopause, also known as climacteric period.” Nevertheless, these compounds also have their detractors. The one thing everyone agrees on is that they do not involve any health risks.

Furthermore, they have been shown to inhibit the development of certain types of cancer, a property that has caused them to gain widespread popularity among users.

Numerous benefits have been attributed to isoflavones, such as:

1) Anti-carcinogenic benefits: These compounds can help prevent prostate, colon and breast cancer, thanks to their antioxidant action.

Women’s Sexual Wellness – Herbs For Increased Libido and Better Health

If you want to improve sexual wellness you can, with the best women’s herbal sex pills which blend time tested herbs, to increase your libido and enhance your overall health at the same time…

Many women suffer low libido at some point in their lives and the problems can be both physical, mental or both. In most cases, loss of libido is temporary and can be rejuvenated. Let’s look at some of the common problems and some natural solutions.

Low levels of Testosterone and estrogen, are known to reduce sexual desire and cause intercourse to become painful.

Poor blood circulation is another major problem which causes lack of desire and satisfaction. Your sexuality relies on strong blood flow to the pelvic region and into the sex organs. If you have sluggish blood circulation, you will suffer from low libido.

On a mental level, you mind must have a mind free of worry, stress and anxiety, as they deplete body energy and leave you unable to focus on sex.

Here is a combination of herbs to cure all the problems we have looked at above

Dong Quai

Dong Quai is one of the best herbs for women’s sexual wellness and has earned the reputation as the ultimate herb for women. It helps to give the mind correct hormonal balance by increasing estrogen levels and in addition; it balances blood sugar levels, nourishes the blood and improves overall blood circulation around the body. It is frequently taken to combat the menopause and PMT.

Avena Sativa

Avena Sativa increases testosterone in the body, relaxes the mind and enhances sensitivity in the vagina area.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo increases blood flow throughout the body and to the pelvic region. It improves metabolism and regulates neurotransmitters. The herb on a mental level improves mood, redces stress and increases body energy.

Ginger

A well known herb and it has numerous health benefits which include – improving blood circulation, enhancing the immune system and keeping the heart healthy.

Schisandra

Schisandra has a vasodilatory effect which increases blood flow to and into the sex organs and also act as a phytoestrogen.

Kumari (Aloe) Aloe improves digestion, helps to increase blood and lymphatic circulation, and improves overall kidney, liver and gall bladder functions and keeps these vital organs healthy.

Ashwagandha – Extract “Indian Ginseng”

This herb helps to restore correct hormonal balance and is seen as one of the best all round tonic herbs for better sexual health. Ashwagandha helps to minimize the effects of stress, reduces anxiety, enhances vitality and lifts mood.

You can get all the above herbs in the best herbal sex pills for women combined with others which will naturally lift your overall level of wellness and increase your sexual desire at the same time These herbs work naturally and quickly to enhance sexual health so try them and you maybe glad you did.

Grow Your Breasts Naturally

Increasing your breast size naturally is possible. So, if you are thinking about undergoing a medical procedure to increase your breast size, then you might want to read this short article first. Who knows, it might change your mind. Below are two effective methods that you can do to help increase your breast size naturally.

Method #1: Mind what you eat.

Food plays a big role in developing your breast. Personally, this is one of my favorite natural methods of increasing my breast size as I get to eat delicious food and maintain my overall health at the same time. Below is the list of food that naturally enhances the breasts. Reminder: To be able to get the best results, you should make sure that you balance your diet.

– Sweets, desserts or any food with sugar

– Chicken and other meat products with growth hormones

– Fresh or uncooked fruits and vegetables

– Black olives and olive oil

– Soya and all its byproducts

– Leaves of celery and dill

– Edible flowers and seeds (like sunflower)

– Roasted peanuts and nut heart

Try to incorporate these foods in your meal for six months and you will see some noticeable change in your breast size. Get plenty of servings of these foods but, like what I’ve said, balance your diet so you wouldn’t have to worry about your waist line after.

Method #2: Massage your breasts.

Another very effective method of increasing your breast size naturally is by massaging it. It is important that you know the proper way to massage your breast to be successful in using this method. Below are the steps to help you massage your breasts the right way.

– Before massaging your breasts, you have to be in a sensual mood to let the hormones out. Hormones help increase your breast size naturally. They will appear fuller and perkier if you do this method everyday.

– When you have entered the right state of mind, massage your breasts in a circular motion. It is important that you apply a little bit of pressure to help release your hormones.

– You can also use oils to lessen the friction. Using oils from wheat germs and dill will help amplify the effects of the breast massage. Note: Do not use massage oils if you have breast inflammation or sensitive skin as it might have negative effects.

Understanding Breast Cancer

Our body is made up thousands of cells that differ in size, shape and function. Controlled by our DNA, each cell is programmed to perform certain tasks and after a specified period of time – die. This is normally done in an orderly manner. However, if our cells are exposed to carcinogens, viruses or ionizing radiation, for example, the DNA can become damaged creating havoc with this once orderly process. Said another way, if the rate of new cell growth in the body overcomes the rate of cell death, tumors can develop. If these cells invade and destroy surrounding normal tissues, the abnormal cell growth is considered to be cancerous.

In the US, breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 30 and 50. Rarely diagnosed before a woman reaches 25, the number of incidents rises with age, peaking at menopause and decreasing once menopause had passed. About 182,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and about 40% of those diagnosed die within 10 years. Scientists believe these numbers are increasing.

Overwhelming evidence into the cause of breast cancer suggests the female hormone estrogen plays a central role in this disease. Studies indicate that estrogen stimulates the cells of the breast to form cancerous cells. Thus a prolonged uninterrupted presence of high estrogen levels in the body may predispose a woman to breast cancer.

These studies also indicate the less time a woman is exposed to her own reproductive hormones, the lower her risk of developing breast cancer is. This includes women who enter menses at a later age as well as women who enter menopause, both naturally and artificially, before the age of 45. Pregnancy, breast feeding, physical activity, a low fat, high fiber diet also helps to reduce the amount of estrogen flowing through the body.

Additional risk factors for developing breast cancer include a family history of breast cancer. If your mother, sister or aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, it may indicate a genetic predisposition to this disease. Women who have not had children or women who did not have their first child until after the age of 30 have been identified as having a two to five times greater risk. Women who take birth control pill or utilize estrogen replacement therapy after menopause are also at a greater risk. Other factors that can increase your chances of getting breast cancer include: weight, dietary fat intake, alcohol consumption, dietary deficiencies and certain types of fibrocystic breast disease.

Recommendations For Wellness

Do monthly breast self-examination. If you don’t know how, ask your gynecologist. I’m sure he or she will be happy to show you how. If you are over 40, it is recommended that you get a mammogram and begin a regular screening program.

Get rid of your under wire bras. Under wire bras don’t cause breast cancer, however, they do restrict the flow of lymph in the breast tissue thus allowing toxins and waste products to build up.