Are hot flushes, insomnia and tendency to feel tired and listless recently annoying you? If you are close to your fifties it may be helpful to find out more about menopause, or perimenopause before the symptoms set in
Perimenopause
A woman stops menstruating or #menopause anytime after she hits forty. However, most women around me menopause at about 50. Several years before menopause, the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen, this period, which may last between a few months to several years is called #perimenopause. It is said that in the last one or two years of perimenopause, many women experience menopausal symptoms as the oestrogen declination accelerates. Before that they may not experience any menopausal symptoms. Perimenopause usually ends after a woman stops menstruating for a year.
To manage #hotflushes and tendency towards #moodswings (ie. feeling low or happy for no apparent reasons, and not a tendency to go into a shouting match with anyone), your GP may recommended a plant-based isoflavone supplement called Menoflavon for a period of one month, and ask you back for review in a month's time. In more severe cases, gynaecologists may recommend contracepts after putting you through ultrasound and blood tests. These hot flushes occur when the levels of #oestrogen and #progesterone in the body fluctuate. Apparently, a supplement like #Menoflavon treats mild symptoms of menopause with four types of #isoflavones and Red Clove. This patented formula works with #phytoestrogen: Daidzein, Genistein, Formononetin and Biochanin A. These may also support cardiovascular and bone health. Red Clover is highlighted in this supplement as it is rich in isoflavones and works like our hormone oestrogen. More natural means of getting bioidentical oestrogen is to consume soy, dong guai (in Chinese) and wild yam. If you are keen to explore oestrogen supplements go into detailed studies first about how the bioidentical oestrogen is being extracted and if it is modified in the process says a health journal from Illinois. Details at http://health.oregonstate.edu/synergies/2011/are-botanical-estrogens-safe/.
I used to have the misconception that once a woman's menses becomes less frequent, she must be hitting menopause. But according to another GP, the symptoms of menopause includes menstrual cycle that swings either way, that is it can be more frequent, longer or shorter.
Menopausal symptoms to look out for:
Night sweats (note that night sweats during IVF procedures is normal due to the hormone therapy and not a symptom indicative of menopause)
Mood swings
How to be sure if I have Perimenopause?
Night sweats (note that night sweats during IVF procedures is normal due to the hormone therapy and not a symptom indicative of menopause)
How to be sure if I have Perimenopause?
The most conclusive mode of diagnosis is through a series of blood tests to check hormone levels. However, it may be difficult to evaluate if one is having menopause due to the erratic fluctuations of the hormones (which brought about the mood swings) during perimenopause . Hence it may require several tests done at various times of your cycle for a better gauge. As this method costs a little more and takes a longer period of time, the GP or gynaecologist may diagnose based on the various symptoms you recount to him or her. (Note also that men undergo menopausal symptoms too. Details at the bottom of this blog.)
Is pregnancy still possible during perimenopause?
Yes, until a woman has undergone a period of a year without menstruation she can still #conceive before menopause. See your gynaecologist for details.
Yes, until a woman has undergone a period of a year without menstruation she can still #conceive before menopause. See your gynaecologist for details.
Can menopausal symptoms be controlled?
To manage the temporal symptoms of menopause or perimenopause, a friend uses #flaxseed supplements, while another was prescribed botanical oestrogen supplements for a period of time.
According to #HPB Singapore (Health Promotion Board of Singapore), #HRT (Hormonal Replacement Therapy) is used to manage symptoms or discomforts of menopausal symptoms. However, we should be more concerned with the long term effects of menopause such as stroke, heart disease and osteoporosis, as the symptoms are temporal. In osteoporosis, an excessive loss of bone tissue, which leaves the bones vulnerable to fractures tend to appear after menopause. Hence we should take precautionary actions like taking adequate calcium before hitting menopause. There are articles that suggest that the best way to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis is to consume enough calcium by one's 20s.
To manage the temporal symptoms of menopause or perimenopause, a friend uses #flaxseed supplements, while another was prescribed botanical oestrogen supplements for a period of time.
According to #HPB Singapore (Health Promotion Board of Singapore), #HRT (Hormonal Replacement Therapy) is used to manage symptoms or discomforts of menopausal symptoms. However, we should be more concerned with the long term effects of menopause such as stroke, heart disease and osteoporosis, as the symptoms are temporal. In osteoporosis, an excessive loss of bone tissue, which leaves the bones vulnerable to fractures tend to appear after menopause. Hence we should take precautionary actions like taking adequate calcium before hitting menopause. There are articles that suggest that the best way to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis is to consume enough calcium by one's 20s.
Note also that traditional HRT has been found to increase risks of early heart attack in women with pre-existing heart disease. Hormonal replacement therapy may raise a woman's risk of developing blood clots like deep vein thrombosis. For details, please go to www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/article?id=2258. In the case of menopause, it's best not to self medicate, but to see gynaecologist before consuming supplements to treat menopausal symptoms.
Lifestyle Habits
By Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos
There are other ways of managing menopausal symptoms. Women are encouraged to keep up with an exercise regime and to exercise daily if possible as other than menopause, with the lower metabolic rate brought on by natural ageing, women tend to gain weight quickly. The other benefits of exercise includes improved blood circulation and the release of happy hormones called #endorphines. These hormones work with the brain to reduce the perception of pain (in a way like morphine) and helps one to have a more positive outlook. Personally, I feel that brisk walking for an hour and a half daily reduces the level of irritability. It also helps me to overcome challenges more readily and patiently. If you observe busy executives, they keep up a healthy routine of hitting the gym weekly, if not daily. Other than beating the bulge or expanding waistline from too much rich food served at business meetings, this healthy regime helps them overcome the effects of jet lag from frequent travels.
By Witthaya Phonsawat/freedigitalphotos
To improve #flexibility, prevent loss of curvature of the back caused by ageing and reduce stiffness, stretching exercises like yoga and pilates are perhaps the best. I have to admit that I do not hear complains of stiffness from avid yoga practitioner friends.
Reduce the embarrassing tendency of urine leakage in old age with pelvic muscle-strengthening Kegel's exercise. Most, if not all, gynaecologists would be able to offer more advice. It's easier to learn the pelvic exercise at a younger age so act before it's too late.
To manage hot flushes, #coldshowers are effective and opting for loose fitting cotton clothes help to keep body temperature down as well as reduce the hot flushes and perspiration. #Cotton is hence most comfortable. Taking notes from my mum, I learned that hot flushes is the reason she has been taking cold showers and perhaps also the reason behind her fine skin texture. She constantly has the fan blowing at her too. However, according to my TCM practitioner, to remain cool in hot weather, staying in an air conditioned room is healthier than having the fan blowing directly at one as the latter could bring on other problems. Other ways of reducing hot flushes is to reduce the consumption of caffeinated drinks or beverages like coffee and tea, and chilli.
By marin from freedigitalphotos
If you are serious about tracking your symptoms, do a list of your moods. In particular, during my research, I find this chart found at https://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/menopause-symptom-tracker.pdf rather detailed and may be helpful.
For a list of other supplements for menopausal syndromes, please click Menopause Support Supplements
button below, or look for this button at the bottom right hand corner of my blog after switching to WEB VIEW and search for Menopause Supplements or Menopause Support at the website.
Lifestyle Habits
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| By Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos |
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| By Witthaya Phonsawat/freedigitalphotos
To improve #flexibility, prevent loss of curvature of the back caused by ageing and reduce stiffness, stretching exercises like yoga and pilates are perhaps the best. I have to admit that I do not hear complains of stiffness from avid yoga practitioner friends.
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To manage hot flushes, #coldshowers are effective and opting for loose fitting cotton clothes help to keep body temperature down as well as reduce the hot flushes and perspiration. #Cotton is hence most comfortable. Taking notes from my mum, I learned that hot flushes is the reason she has been taking cold showers and perhaps also the reason behind her fine skin texture. She constantly has the fan blowing at her too. However, according to my TCM practitioner, to remain cool in hot weather, staying in an air conditioned room is healthier than having the fan blowing directly at one as the latter could bring on other problems. Other ways of reducing hot flushes is to reduce the consumption of caffeinated drinks or beverages like coffee and tea, and chilli.
|
| By marin from freedigitalphotos |
button below, or look for this button at the bottom right hand corner of my blog after switching to WEB VIEW and search for Menopause Supplements or Menopause Support at the website.
Male Menopause
There have been increased reports of men with a decreased testosterone production experiencing menopausal symptoms like fatigue and depression. Doctors are debating if these men who find relief with androgen therapy (with testosterone), go through a defined set of symptoms like women experiencing menopausal symptoms. For men, this is called Male Menopause. Do note, however, that while women stop producing eggs, stop menstruating and cease the production of female hormones altogether, the decline in men is more gradual with a reduction in testosterone production. As we know from news reports that healthy men have been known to father children even at the ripe old age of 80. Before embarking on androgen therapy, men should know that there are health risks linked to androgen therapy as well such as worsening of prostate cancer, hence have a thorough consultation with a reputable doctor before proceeding.
Last note of advice, always check with your gynaecologist or general practitioner before taking any supplements or self-medicating.
Stay Strong and cheerful.
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#menopause #Oestrogen #progesterone #hormones #perimenopause #maleMenopause #HotFlushes #bioidenticalOestrogen
There have been increased reports of men with a decreased testosterone production experiencing menopausal symptoms like fatigue and depression. Doctors are debating if these men who find relief with androgen therapy (with testosterone), go through a defined set of symptoms like women experiencing menopausal symptoms. For men, this is called Male Menopause. Do note, however, that while women stop producing eggs, stop menstruating and cease the production of female hormones altogether, the decline in men is more gradual with a reduction in testosterone production. As we know from news reports that healthy men have been known to father children even at the ripe old age of 80. Before embarking on androgen therapy, men should know that there are health risks linked to androgen therapy as well such as worsening of prostate cancer, hence have a thorough consultation with a reputable doctor before proceeding.
Last note of advice, always check with your gynaecologist or general practitioner before taking any supplements or self-medicating.
Stay Strong and cheerful.
Please share this page with your friends, LIKE us on FACEBOOK or FOLLOW us on Google+ and Instagram and Twitter by clicking on the icons at the right hand side of the webpage. Thank you.
#menopause #Oestrogen #progesterone #hormones #perimenopause #maleMenopause #HotFlushes #bioidenticalOestrogen
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