Type of Hormones

If you're seriously interested in knowing about hormones responsible for sexual response, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about sexual hormones.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of sexual hormones is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about sexual hormones.

Sexual hormones are of two types: proteins and steroids. The steroids have a molecular weight of about 300 daltons, presenting thus a small size. Because of their size and lipo-solubility (soluble in fat), they can easily diffuse through target cells, having consequently intra-cellular receptors. While the protein hormones weigh more than 5.000 daltons and therefore cannot penetrate the cells, they need membrane receptors. The steroids can circulate in the blood stream, only if bound to non-specific proteins like albumin, or to specific proteins like SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin). On the other hand, the protein hormones are hydro-soluble and circulate freely in the blood.

PROTEIN HORMONES
1. The gonadotropins

These hormones are produced by different tissues (pituitary and placenta) and their main function is gonadic regulation (ovaries and testicles). The gonadotropins include: FSH ( folliculo-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone) and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
2. Folliculo-stimulating hormone (FSH)

FSH is a glycoprotein produced by the pituitary gland and has a molecular weight of about 30.000 daltons. Morphologically, it is a heterodimer composed by two different sub-units: a and b . The a sub-unit (89 aminoacids) is common to all gonadotropins and also to TSH (thyrotrophic hormone). The b sub-unit (118 aminoacids) is specific for FSH. The main function of FSH is to promote and sustain the ovarian follicular growth in women and the spermatogenesis in men. FSH stimulates also the synthesis of its own receptor on the granulosa and Sertoli cells and the LH receptor on granulosa cells. It stimulates the aromatase activity inside the granulosa cells (the enzyme converting the androgens into oestrogens). Thus, FSH is responsible for " the choice of the dominant follicle". FSH synthesis and secretion by the hypophysis is controlled by different regulators, like: GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone of hypothalamic origin), ovarian oestrogens, activine and inhibine (both of gonadic origin).

3. Luteinizing hormone (LH)

LH is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 30.000 daltons, and produced by the hypophysis. Like FSH, LH is also present as a heterodimer with two different sub-units: a and b . The principal functions of LH are: 1. promoting the androgen synthesis in the thecal cells of the ovaries and in the interstitial cells of the testicles, 2. inducing ovulation (by stimulating the cascade of proteolytic enzymes leading to the rupture of basement membrane of the follicle) and 3. maintaining the corpus luteum during the menstrual cycle. LH synthesis and secretion from the hypophysis is controlled by different regulators, like GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone of hypothalamic origin) and ovarian oestrogens and progesterone.

4. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

hCG is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of about 43.000 daltons, produced by the syncytiotrophoblast. It is a heterodimer composed by two different sub-units: a and b . The specific b sub-unit contains 145 aminoacids and can be distinguished from the b sub-unit of LH only by 30 aminoacids in the C terminal part of the molecule. The whole molecule of hCG is also called holo-hCG, in order to be distinguished from total hCG, currently measured in the labs, (holo-hCG + free b sub-unit). The free b sub-unit circulates also in the blood. A particular form of hCG, called "nicked" hCG, is a holo-hCG or a free b sub-unit, where the bond between the 46th and the 47th aminoacid is broken. This gives rise to a particular tri-dimensional form of the molecule, making it often difficult to be recognised by the antibodies used for its measurement. The immunological recognition of "nicked" forms is specially important when hCG is measured to determine the risk of a mother to carry a trisomy 21 baby ( known as the "What if, double test or triple test"), as in this chromosomal pathology, the "nicked" forms increase significantly. The function of hCG is essential to maintain the corpus luteum of pregnancy and its progesterone secretion. But it has also an anti-gonadotrophic effect, as it inhibits the secretion of LH and FSH. hCG is said to be a "steroidogenic" hormone, not only because it favours the secretion of progesterone by the corpus luteum , but also because it stimulates the steroid secretion from foetal gonads. The regulation of hCG synthesis and secretion is provided by a trophoblastic GnRH.

5. Prolactin (Prl)

Human prolactin is a non-glycosylated protein, which contains a simple polypeptide chain of 198 aminoacids. It is structurally similar to hPL (human placental lactogen) and to growth hormone (GH). In the circulation, prolactin can appear in its monomeric (little prolactin) or polymeric form (big or big-big prolactin), as well. The quantitative relationship between these different forms varies according to physiologic and pathologic conditions and according to the antibody used for their measurement. Prolactin is essentially of pituitary origin, but the stromal cells of the endometrium produce prolactin during the secretory phase, as well. This hormone is considered as a marker of decidualisation. The principal biological function of prolactin in women is to control breast development and lactation. The role of prolactin in men and of endometrial prolactin in women is not yet known. If progesterone is the main regulator of endometrial prolactin, the pituitary prolactin is essentially controlled by dopamine (called also PIF or prolactin inhibiting factor). However, TRH (thyroid releasing hormone) and VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) are capable of stimulating the release of pituitary prolactin.

STEROID HORMONES
1 Oestrogens

Oestrogens are of three types: oestrone (E1), oestradiol (E2) and oestriol (E3). At equal concentrations, E2 has a stronger biological effect than E1 which is more powerful than E3. E2 can be reversibly converted to E1 and E1-sulphate. This sulphate is quantitatively the most important metabolite in the circulation. The enzymatic conversion of oestrogens occurs in the liver. Oestrogens are excreted in the urine as glucuronides or sulphates.

2. Oestradiol (E2)

In women of reproductive age, E2 is essentially produced by the enzymatic conversion of androgens (androstenedione and testosterone). The androgens are produced by the thecal cells under the influence of LH and their conversion in E2 occurs in the granulosa cells of the follicle, through the enzyme aromatase. Aromatase activity depends on FSH levels. Thus, a harmonious secretion of E2 is dependent on the two pituitary gonadotropins. In the post-menopausal women, the low level of E2 is provided by peripheral (liver, fat and muscular tissues) conversion (aromatisation) of androgens secreted by the adrenal glands. In men, 20% of circulating E2 is provided by a Sertoli cell production and 80% comes from the peripheral conversion of androgens. The principal functions of E2 in women is the mitotic effect on the uterine mucosa and on the breast, the feed-back (positive and negative) on pituitary gonadotropins and its role in bone mineralisation.

3. Oestrone (E1)

In women of reproductive age, E1 is mainly produced from the enzymatic conversion of androstenedione, which is secreted under the influence of LH by the thecal cells. The aromatase activity depends on FSH. In the menopausal women and in men, E1 and its sulphate represent the main circulating oestrogens. The biological function of E1 is still speculative, but it could be related to the regulatory effect that the conversion of E1 into E2 has on the degree of oestrogenisation.

4. Oestriol (E3)

In women of reproductive age, the very low concentrations of E3 are produced by hepatic hydroxylation of E1 and E2. During pregnancy, E3 is produced in large quantities from the foeto-placental unit. As 17-hydroxylase is lacking in the placenta and 3-b -hydroxy-dehydrogenase is absent in the foetus, the E3 production is dependent on a foeto-placental collaboration. The mechanism is as follows, placental pregnenolone (the precursor of progesterone) is reduced to dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) in the foetal adrenal glands. DHEAS returns to the placenta, where it is transformed into androstenedione and then into E3. The E3 concentrations strongly increase during pregnancy, reflecting thus the foeto-placental co-operation. For this reason the level of E3 has been used for a long time to assess high-risk pregnancies. The biological role of E3 remains still unknown.

5. Progesterone (P4)

In non-pregnant women of reproductive age, P4 is essentially of ovarian origin, the participation of the adrenal cortex is negligible. In the middle of the menstrual cycle, it is the LH peak which induces biochemical and phenotypical changes of granulosa cells, called also "the process of luteinisation". This process makes the granulosa cells capable to produce progesterone. Thus, progesterone, which becomes detectable from midcycle onwards, is essentially produced by the corpus luteum. In the beginning of pregnancy (< 12 weeks), P4 is also produced by the corpus luteum; after 12 - 14 weeks of pregnancy the synthesis and production of P4 are exclusively of placental origin The biological role of P4 is to transform the uterine mucosa, already stimulated by E2, in a secretory mucosa, which can receive a fertilised ovum. On the other hand, progesterone inhibits uterine contractions. Progesterone synthesis in the corpus luteum is stimulated by LH and hCG. The regulation of progesterone production in the placenta is not yet known, but it is thought to be partly dependent on hCG.

6. Testosterone (T)

In women of reproductive age, T is produced by the thecal cells which surround the follicle. This androgen (T) serves as a substrate for the synthesis of E2, but it is also detected in circulation, even in very low concentrations. In men testosterone is produced by Leydig cells, but the contribution of adrenal androgens cannot be neglected, especially in certain pathologies of the new born. The biological role of T in women is to favour follicular atresia (a follicle which has a diminished capacity of aromatisation cannot aromatise all androgens becomes atretic). In men, T provides the appearance of secondary sex characteristics (voice, pilosity) and controls gonadotropins secretion.

Is there really any information about sexual hormones that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

Sex after Stroke

Somebody asked me how about sex after menopause and after a stroke. Here are some advice for your readings.

There are many people that live through the ordeal of life taking after a stroke. However many are not sure what is about to happen to their body and they are not uncertain of what to expect in the future as far as their relationship goes. Can you have sex after a stroke? This is the question on many minds of stroke victims and partners.

It is safe to say that there are many elderly and younger people that can safely enjoy sex after they have had a stroke. They can enjoy the same pleasures that they did before with no problems at all. There is no reason why a couple cannot go on with the life that they had before the stroke occurred.

It is very important to remember that sexuality is not just the act of having sexual intercourse. It will involve much more. You need to feel feminine or masculine and attractive to yourself and your partner. Think about the way that you feel and how you look. Is there more to what you can do to make yourself feel more attractive and able to enjoy yourself and your partner even more after you have had a stroke.

There should be no physical limitations to a stroke victim having sex after a stroke. As long as the doctor said that is ok for a person to resume normal activity a stroke victim should be fine to enjoy a normal and healthy sex relationship again. This is something that should make a person feel good and better about himself or herself after such a terrible ordeal.

Your feelings about your body maybe a problem at first because you may not feel the same way that you once did about your looks or ambition. You may have physical handicaps or noticeable problems with your facial expressions, but you are still the same person. In fact you are stronger than what you were before and you deserve to have your life back again. You have to be able to move on and maintain your life to some type of normal feelings again so that you can start living your life.

You will have to cope with the way that you have changed and then figure out a way to move past them. Make sure that you are ready to take on this challenge and fight for your life to get back to normal in all the different ways. Having a healthy and exciting sex life is something that you deserve and it is possible even after taking a stroke. Give yourself time and I am sure that your partner will wait as long as you need. All you need is s good method of support and the ability to make it happen again for you.

Don't forget to discuss with your family doctor because he has your medical record.

Routine Kills Relationship

Doing the same thing over again and again? It becomes a routine. Routine kills relationship. Rejuvenate and change. Add surprises and novelty. Try Casonova's Favourites.

If you're seriously interested in knowing about Casanova daily favourites, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Casanova Daily Favourites.

Now that we've covered those aspects of Casanova Daily Favourites, let's turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

Casanova’s memoirs might seem to be simply a sexual manual, however it also covers other matters and is a great read in its own right.

He is known by anyone as a master of seduction and lovemaking and the manual had stated his favorite positions. Learn them here and you will master some of the best positions for lovemaking of all time.

The remaining section of the memoirs are full of the history on the 18th century, and deals mostly with day to day matters, and is not sexual at all, so as well as giving some great sex positions, its an entertaining and a lesson in history to.

The Love Seat

The love seat is a small divan, with one side only, and a sloping support back, that does not support your back at all. In case you haven’t got it yet, the love seat was for making love. It came down to us in the 20th and 21st centuries as just furniture. Buy one and use it as Casanova did and you will learn its secrets and the great potential if offers.

Rear Entry

The lady is on her knees on the love seat, with her arms resting, and facing the side arm. This leaves her genital area open and exposed, and the man come on her from behind, holding her waist, or stroking her back.

The man’s thrusting can be varied from long thrusts to full penetration with rotation only. This position assures g-spot stimulation as well as clitoral and will bring the woman quickly to a profound and deep orgasm. The man must exercise control to let the woman finish first or the couple can finish simultaneously.
Daring Do.

The woman is placed on the love seat side, with her buttocks at the top, and her head and back from the mid-back are in the air. The man holds her hands, kneels in front of her, while she places her feet on the man’s shoulders. This position will take some doing, but well worth the effort. Both partners will arrive at a deep and satisfying orgasm.

Mutual Oral Sex

Either (and thus both) of the partners will lay back with their upper body being supported by the side arm. The partner will have clear access to the genital area, with their knees on the floor; their truck supported the end open side of the love seat. This is a very comfortable position for oral sex, and much better than
lying down in a bed.

The Bottom Corner of the Bed:

Casanova loved rear entry positions and there is no better way than he did it. The woman would be placed on her stomach, with her legs still on the floor, but spread apart by being on either side of the bed corner. The man, on his knees makes rear entry and it is both deep and complete. The woman usually finds this penetration most satisfying.

Missionary with Pillows:

Our hero loved to place the woman on her back, but support her buttocks with two pillows.

This facilitates the man to enter her most deeply, as the angle of penetration is changed to allow maximum penetration. The man must thrust profoundly and in a regular manner. The woman’s movements are limited due to the pillow support. However as Casanova wrote, the woman arrives soon near the gates of paradise in this position.

There are many great lovers in history and we have covered some of the best and their favorite positions but perhaps no one is linked so much to sex and seduction as Casanova and you will enhance your love life with the above.

There's no doubt that the topic of Casanova Daily Favourites can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about Casanova Daily Favourites, you may find what you're looking for in the next article.

What is so shameful to talk about menopause?

What is so shameful to talk about menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological process which marks the end of a woman's periods.It only ends the production of the productive eggs in the lady's abdoment i.e ending ovulation. But it doesn't mean the end of estrogen production, as many thought.In most women the ovaries continue functioning when menopause occurs. They continue to produce the estrogen precursors testosterone and androstenedione as well as a small amount of estrogen.

The Biology of Perimenopause and Menopause
A lady can enter menopause one of these three ways.
1. Simply living long enough to pass the age of 45 to 55.
2. Due to tumour, by having her ovaries removed.
3. Due to chemotherapy or drugs used to stop ovarian functioning.

Good Reasons To Continue Having Sex After Menopause

Relationship of sex and health

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of correlation of sex and health is certainly no exception.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and correlation of sex and health experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to correlation of sex and health.

You can see people living with healthy sex lives from a mile away. They’ve got a bounce in their step, they reply with serenity and contentment, and every once in
awhile you can catch them gazing off, radiating with bliss. This is a person who just got laid.

It’s well known that having a healthy sex life feels great!
But have you ever heard that sex is actually good for your
health? The following article discusses the benefits of sex and
how sex toys can enhance your sex life and overall health.
Connection between mind and body.

Sex is nourishing and inspiring and one of the reasons why your
biggest sexual organ is your brain. The point is, sex awakens
your mind and enlivens your body. The adrenaline that you
experience while you’re having sex, and the euphoria that you revel in
afterwards, will impact you physically and mentally. You should
take a moment to realize the depth of this amazing experience.
The more you can allow yourself to connect with your partner’s mind and
body (as well as your own), the more you can benefit from the healthy
effects of sex.

At the Bio-chemical level

Sensory receptors throughout your body transmit messages via
hormones and neurotransmitters such as DHEA and oxytocin. They
are released in your body in response to stimuli such as arousal and
excitement. Your body will behave in reaction to these stimuli
and act accordingly - there are millions of these reactions constantly
taking place and things get activated during a sexual encounter.
So, when you’re aroused, you body heat increases, you develop a flush,
your pupils dilate, and many parts of your body such as nipples and
genitalia get erect … you get the picture.

At The Relationship Level

When you break it down into simple basics, humans need to eat, sleep
and be close to one another … the closer, the better. What better
way than through an intimate sexual encounter? When you examine
the health benefits of keeping up a healthy sex life, you’ll understand
that couples that maintain a full and stable sex life, end up staying
couples. It has also been reported that partners who maintain a
healthy sex life, can actually live longer. Another effect of
continuing to have sex is that people report being more satisfied in
their lives, relationships and with themselves. And whether it’s
the happy people that like to have sex or the people that have sex that
end up happy, it doesn’t matter! What would you rather do:
hit the gym or hit the sheets? If this is a prescription for
health, what are you to argue?

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of correlation of sex and health. Share your new understanding about correlation of sex and health with others. They'll thank you for it.

How To Live With Love

What is sex without love or love without sex, unless due to some physical inabilities. Even old folk in their 70s and 80s are beginning to value sex for emotional and physical well being. You should be able to find several indispensable facts about love maintenance in the following paragraphs. If there's at least one fact you didn't know before, imagine the difference it might make.

The best time to learn about love maintenance is before you're in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable love maintenance experience while it's still free.

There are those that you don’t need to think about how to keep your love alive, or even do anything about it. Some think that love just keeps on going and going and going, just like the Eveready Bunny.

We must be reminded, even that little pink bunny rabbit had to be recharged sometimes. So, then, does your love.

Here, then, are some pointers on how to keep your love alive.

Create excitement and keep excited. The prime thing you want to do is add a little excitement now and then. Pretend it’s your first date and dress and bathe and act accordingly. Don’t assume because she loves you she won’t care that you’re slovenly or don’t listen to his stories.

Old routine dampen relationship. Change the old routines a little, liven up your schedule. Add a little excitement, a little romantic night on the town, a cozy winter’s night by the fireplace in a cabin in the woods for the weekend.

Send flowers to her office. She will get more excited when she is the subject of the envy of her colleague.

Set aside one day a week, or at least every two weeks for a few hours alone together, with absolutely no interruptions. Be spontaneous.

Put your partner back on the pedestal you had her or him on when you first fell in love. Be realistic of course, but focus on his or her unique gifts.

Every body want to be and feel special. How to keep your love alive is to remind yourself that your partner is special. Buy yourself a journal or a notebook. Write down what he or she does each day that makes him or her sweet or loving or special in your eyes. Write down as well how you felt about your mate when you first met. Look at how those things still exist.

How to keep your love alive is to let your love inside your head and your heart. If you find yourself criticizing, stop. Even if your complaint is valid, it’s often about a minor detail that can be overlooked. After all, keeping your love alive isn’t minor.

Be more accommodating. Understanding both of your expectations and realizing what can and can’t be fulfilled – what is and isn’t realistic is part of how to keep your love alive as well.

Life is unpredictable. Sometimes we have disappointments in our life that we blame on our partner, and it’s really our own failures – or caused by outside forces.

Sometimes we fixate on what we didn’t get to the point that we’re unable to see what gifts we do have. Focusing on the positive things that have come from our relationship is part of how to keep your love alive.

Another realization that’s important as well, is that our mates, our partners, our spouses are not responsible for our own happiness. We are responsible for our happiness. Putting too much responsibility on our partners to make us happy is not fair, and a hefty burden for her or him to carry.

Making a happy and fulfilled bit of life outside of your relationship with your mate is part of how to keep your love alive as well.

Sometimes it's tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I'm positive you'll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.

How to ripple the vaginal muscles up and down like a milking hand?

An old Indian Tantric manual stated about woman:

'She must always lay stress on closing and constricting the Yoni(the vagina) until it holds the Lingam(the penis) as with a finger, opening and shutting at her pleasure, and finally acting as the hand of the Gopala-girl who milks the cow. This can be learned only by long practice, and especially by throwing the will into the part affected. Her husband will then value her above all women, nor would he exchange her for the most beautiful queen in the Three Worlds...'

Is it possible to ripple the vaginal muscles up and down(like a milking hand)?
Is it possible for women to control more than one muscle inside the vagina?

* Yes, but it's very hard.
"Repeat all exercises two-three times a week until you have full control of the
wooden egg and can move it up to the cervix and down to the opening of the
vagina."
'Make better love' by Enid Broderick

* "B. The three sections of the vaginal canal
C. Summary of egg exercises step-by-step
1. Insert the egg
2. Horse stance alignment
3. Contract the first section
4. Contract the second section
5. Squeeze the third section
6. Use the second section to move the egg left and right
7. Use the first section to move the egg left and right
8. Use both sections to move the egg left and right
9. Use both sections to tilt the egg
10. Combine all movements
E. Employ all muscles of the vaginal canal"
Exerpts from the index of 'Cultivating Female Sexual Energy' by Mantak Chia & Maneewan Chia.

"If you want to go further and learn to move the individual muscles of the vagina then the 'exercises with an egg' are very much worthwhile, to be found in the book: 'Taoist Secrets of Love II, Cultivating Female Sexual Energy' by Mantak and Maneewan Chia - recommended."

"One of the tightest women I ever knew, had three children. She
got that way by working heavily *after* having the children; trying
to 'get back into shape'. Only she 'got back' into better shape than
she started."
Anonymous man

'Women, Take it from me! If you have had kids or not, I would highly
recommend that you get your vaginal muscles in shape then discover
how to use them. The look on the men's faces when you apply these
methods, is to die for! The results last long after the sex is over... if
you know what I mean. I have never had such a good time being bad!'
Marion - Atlanta

"My sisters and I used to test the strength of our vaginas by inserting a full
douche (disposable) and then trying to hold it in while we bent over or sat
on the toilet. (When I say inserting a full douche, I do not mean the water.
I mean that we would insert the nozzles and then try to hold the container
that was filled with water from pulling the nozzle down and out). We would
fill the bottles with different amounts of water and work our muscles until
we could hold a full one. This took me about 4 months. (I was 20 at the
time and my older sisters were 21 and 23.)"
Anonymous woman

"With well-exercised vaginal muscles, the stimulation of both the clitoris and the G-spot will increase during intercourse. When the muscles of the pelvic floor contracts - during orgasm or by a conscious contraction - the labia will move(be pulled) too. The little hood that is created over clitoris where the labia meets, will glide back and forth over it. Direct stimulation of the clitoris, without touching it! The same phenomenon will happen, but to a lesser extent, when the penis is moved back and forth in the vagina. But the more exercised the vaginal muscles are, the greater this 'involuntary' stimulation of the clitoris and the G-spot
will be. Furthermore, strong muscles contains more of the capillaries that helps fill the clitoris with blood. It's when the clitoris swell and rise that it becomes more sensitive and can recieve and send signals of pleasure through your body, with concentration to your lower abdomen."

From a women magazine

Be proud of your vagina, especially if it's strong!

Lady, Your Muscles and Menopause

When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:

A few weeks back, a Body for Mind reader wrote a letter that really started me thinking about the topic of staying fit after menopause. She is someone who adopted a fitness and healthy eating lifestyle and really transformed herself over a period of time. Now, she is starting to feel like she might be having the beginnings of menopause. Her question was whether she would lose her “new body” because of menopause.

In short, my answer to her was NO! She would not gain body fat or lose muscle JUST because of menopause.

After years of seeing fitness clients go through menopause, I feel that we as women are focusing on menopause as an isolated event and not as a transient life phase. The medical community prepares us for the changes we will have during the menopause years and rightly so. It’s pretty freaky to have your body not behave the way you are accustomed to it behaving!

So, I would like to present to you a different way of viewing this life stage from the fitness angle:

I like to think of menopause as being like puberty. The body goes a bit whacky for a time, but it is temporary – your body adjusts to the changes. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, etc are directly related to menopause. Most are symptoms, not permanent conditions – things that happen to women specifically during menopause as opposed to those things that happen to both men and women as they age , such as weight gain, tiredness, wrinkles etc.

The other bits people talk about related to menopause seem to really be more about age and lifestyle rather than diminishing female hormones.

Think about this, estrogen protects women against heart disease. After menopause, women’s risk of heart disease becomes similar to a men’s of the same age. In men, the risk of heart disease is predominantly due to lifestyle choices, aging and heredity. So, the risk of heart disease for men and postmenopausal women is the same and depends on lifestyle with a bit of heredity thrown in.

See where I am going with this?

It’s been my observation that friends and clients who were not making healthy lifestyle choices before menopause, after menopause continue to look and feel pretty much as they did before.

Those friends and clients who were fit and ate well before menopause, after menopause continue to look and feel….. pretty much as they did before.

AND…some even see it as a wake up call and improve their lifestyle considerably.

I have one client and friend who had early menopause at age 40. Now, eleven years later she is fitter and more beautiful than ever, and she has run 3 marathons since age 48! She also started lifting weights at 46 and has a very much more toned body than she had at 40. She eats well, doesn’t smoke and wears her sunscreen. At 51, she looks and acts much younger than she did at 40.

The bottom line: ladies, it takes a lot more than just menopause to cause your body to lose muscle and gain fat. Aging, lack of exercise, years of poor eating and other habits that contribute to ill health are the major contributors.

After all, if loss of female hormones were the only cause of increased body fat – men wouldn’t have any! Article Source: http://www.bodyformind.com/db

About the Author: Ainsley Laing, MSc. has been a Fitness Trainer for 25 years and writes exclusively Body for Mind eZine. She holds certifications in Group Exercise, Sports Nutrition and Personal Fitness Training. Click here to read other articles by Ainsley.

That's the latest from the muscle and menopause authorities. Once you're familiar with these ideas, you'll be ready to move to the next level.

Notes For Sex Over Fifty

The only way to keep up with the latest about having sex post fifty is to constantly stay on the lookout for new information. If you read everything you d about having sex post fifty, it won't take long for you to become an influential authority.

Think about what you've read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about having sex post fifty? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

People have little interest in sex after a certain age.
Actually there is no age limit on sexuality, but for people age 50 and over, sexual satisfaction depends more on the overall quality of the relationship than it does for younger couples. A National Council on Aging survey reports that among people age 60 and over who have regular intercourse, 74 percent of the men and 70 percent of the women find their sex lives more satisfying than when they were in their forties.

Does an aging man loses his ability to get an erection.
Aging itself is not a cause of erectile dysfunction. However, diminishing hormone levels do precipitate some changes. A man may need more physical stimulation to become aroused, and his erection may not be quite as firm as when he was younger -- but sex is no less pleasurable. While a 25-year-old man might be able to get a second erection as quickly as fifteen minutes after an ejaculation, a 50-year-old man might need several hours.

Are emotional and psychological factors are responsible for a woman's lack of interest in sex at midlife and beyond.Physical factors can play an even larger role. Hormonal changes at menopause can affect a woman's sexual response. Low estrogen levels can result in vaginal dryness, causing discomfort during sex. And in some women, lower testosterone levels can mean a lack of energy and a weaker sex drive. Other women find their interest in sex increases after menopause, due, in part, to a shift in the ratio of testosterone to estrogen and progesterone.

A woman loses her ability to have orgasms as she ages.
Many women find increased sexual pleasure after menopause, including more frequent or more intense orgasms.

Masturbation diminishes your ability to enjoy sex with a partner.
It can increase sexual pleasure, both with and without a partner. For women, it helps keep vaginal tissues moist and elastic and boosts hormone levels, which fuels sex drive. For men, it helps maintain erectile response.

Does a man's inability to get an erection is most likely the result of an emotional problem.Basically physical causes -- such as circulation problems, prostate disorders, and side effects associated with prescription medications -- account for 85 percent of erectile difficulties.

Couples at midlife and beyond who don't have regular sex have lost interest in sex or in each other.When older couples don't have regular sex, it's usually because one partner has an illness or disability.

Of course, it's true that sex isn't going to stay exactly the same as you age. But the changes that take place aren't all negative. Once a woman is past menopause and no longer concerned about pregnancy, many couples find it easier to relax and look forward to lovemaking. And partners who are retired or working only part time often have more time and energy for each other, for making love as well as pursuing other shared activities.

By midlife, you know your own body and your partner's intimately, and, hopefully, you've figured out how to communicate what you find pleasurable. It's likely that you've shed any sexual inhibitions, and your sexual confidence and experience probably result in better sex for both of you. Just as important, sex may be more emotionally fulfilling because now it is driven less by hormones and more by the desire to share yourself with someone who loves you. Sex after age 65 may take place less often, but many find it becomes more gratifying than ever.

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on having sex post fifty. Compare what you've learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of having sex post fifty.

Anybody for Viagra?

Some women never went on hormones during menopause, but their sexual desire did return slowly. A critical part was that their partner did not rush them or make them feel bad about the lack of interest. They learned a lot about themselves and their body. Nutritional supplements, including extra magnesium, vitamin B6 and zinc, help boost the libido. Also, sarsaparilla, a herb, helps the natural production of testosterone. And though estrogen-based creams do help with vaginal dryness, there are also natural alternatives, including vitamin E capsules and calendula cream, a moisturizer with antibacterial properties that nourishes and strengthens the tissues. And taking regular doses of evening primrose oil and essential fatty acids boosts the sex-hormone production of the adrenal glands.

Actually, Viagra is now being prescribed for women, even though the FDA hasn't approved it yet for us. (More than 150,000 women now use it, according to its maker, Pfizer.) Viagra increases the blood flow to the genitals. Women need this blood flow, just as men do, to achieve sexual arousal. That's the good news. The bad news is that even Pfizer's own doctors admit there's no reason to think the side effects, such as headaches and temporary visual problems, will be any different than in men. Viagra can also be deadly for a woman who is on heart medicine containing nitrates. Always try after your doctor's advice.

Here are some positions and techniques to achieve the big "O"

Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about positions and techniques? The information in the article below comes straight from the well-informed with hands-on experiences about positions and techniques.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole positions and techniques story from informed sources.

For women who want to have an orgasm during intercourse, here are some positions and techniques that may help. Studies indicate that in the 40s and 50s it is much easier to achieve due to our experience provided the emotion is right.

* The missionary position with a full pelvic tilt. This position enables the penis to reach the G-spot, the part of the clitoris that extends into the vaginal wall. Lie on your back, beneath your partner, and tilt your pelvis upward. It helps to put one or more pillows beneath your buttocks, or have your partner raise up your buttocks with his hands.

* Darling please don't go position. The man lies on his side, with his partner lying head to tail in the same way, with her legs wrapped around his hips. As he controls the movements, she can rub her breasts against her partner's legs. He will find the position very stimulating because he can caress and appreciate the beauty of his partner's buttocks with his fingers.

* The woman on top. This allows the woman to adjust the position of her pelvis so she can better control the friction of the penis as it rubs against her clitoris. This position also allows deep thrusting into the vagina, which can stimulate the cervix and trigger an orgasm. The technique can be carried out with your partner lying down on his back, sitting or leaning against the bedboard.

* Strengthen the grip. During intercourse, many women flex their pelvic floor muscles to give both partners greater pleasure. The stronger the muscles, the better you can contract your vagina and create greater friction against your partner's penis, leading to more clitoral stimulation. Try squeezing down in rhythms throughout intercourse.

* Keep your legs together. This can create friction from the penis and lead to a clitoral orgasm. When your partner inserts his penis into your vagina, squeeze your legs closed and have him place his legs outside yours. Your partner can then squeeze your legs further closed with his thighs. It may help if he can shift his pelvis forward to cause pressure and friction on your clitoris.

* Stimulate the cervix. While many women don't enjoy penile thrusting against their cervix, others find it's the key to orgasm. To determine whether this technique works for you, find a position that allows for deep penetration of the penis. You might try lying on your back, hugging your knees to your chest or resting your legs on your partner's shoulders. Or, have your partner enter from behind while you rest on your knees and lean forward on your elbows. For maximum cervical stimulation, straddle your partner, facing his feet (be careful and don't be rough. This position can cause a penile fracture). About liking and dislikes no two individuals are the same.

If you're having pain during sex, try different positions. When you are on top, you have more control over penetration and movement. Emptying your bladder before you have sex, using extra creams or taking a warm bath before sex all can help. If you still have pain during sex, talk to your doctor. If you have a tight vagina, you can try using something like a tampon to help you get used to relaxing your vagina. Your doctor can tell you more about this.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about positions and techniques.

Tips To Get Your Love Life Back Into Shape

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Sex After Menopause - The Difficulties And The Delights

So what is sex after menopause really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about sex after menopause--info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.

The information about sex after menopause presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about sex after menopause or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

Whatever your sex life was like before the onset of menopause, you can guarantee that the physical and emotional changes you go through at this time will have some sort of impact. While some women find that menopause causes their libido to drop so that they can't bear the thought of having sex, some find their new situation sexually liberating.

The physical changes that may affect your libido after menopause are caused by a decrease in various sex hormones in the body. Levels of estrogen that promotes enhanced sensitivity, progesterone that maintains libido, and testosterone which produces sexual desire and lubrication, all drop dramatically during the menopause.

Because of this hormone reduction many women experience a slower sexual response, taking longer to become aroused or to reach orgasm. They may also experience anything ranging from a mild discomfort to intense pain and bleeding during intercourse. This is caused by the vaginal walls thinning because of lack of estrogen.

Psychologically many women don't feel like having sex. They may be experiencing insomnia, hot flashes and night sweats which aren't much of an aphrodisiac. They may also be feeling self conscious about the physical changes to their body including increased weight, breast changes and incontinence.

Going through the menopause makes many women feel old and undesirable, which in turns lowers their libido. Some women can't bear to be touched after the menopause, but whether this is a physical or psychological issue is often unclear. Rejecting their partners sexually can induce feelings of guilt and depression which often makes the situation worse.

The flip side of this is that some women are more able to relax and enjoy sex after the menopause. They no longer have the worry of contraception and becoming pregnant so they are able to be more adventurous. Some women experience an emotional roller coaster during their menstrual cycle, and the menopause can bring relief from this, resulting in better relationships and therefore a better six life.

If you are experiencing difficulties with sex following the menopause, there are various things you can try. Take longer building up to having sex, perhaps using massage or taking a bath with your partner.

You could limit full intercourse and use other methods of pleasuring each other; this may even spice up your sex life as you are inspired to try new things. Remember, however, that regular intercourse does improve the muscle tone and lubrication of the vagina, so perhaps you should not avoid intercourse altogether. Masturbating regularly can also help you to become aroused more easily and achieve orgasm.

You should avoid highly perfumed bath products as these will increase vaginal dryness. You could consider using water based lubricants to make sex more comfortable and pleasurable, and perhaps using a hormone cream, such as natural progesterone cream to keep your vaginal area healthy.

Although the menopause can have a dramatic impact on your body and mind, it does not have to mark the end of your sex life. Take time to relax and enjoy the freedom of sex without contraception, or simply use this time to become more intimate with your partner.

Women can have many unanswered questions after menopause about continuing menopausal symptoms. Find more articles here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Prescott

That's how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

Menopause And A Few Myths About It

Are you looking for some inside information on menopause myths? Here's an up-to-date report from menopause myths experts who should know.

Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there's more to menopause myths than you may have first thought.

Menopause, it must be borne in mind, is not a disease, it is just "the next stage in your life". Here are some of the common myths:

Myth: It is believed that when you reach menopause that your ovaries dry up and waste away.

This is not true, what actually happens is that the ovaries gradually reduce the production of the hormone estrogen. This happens because the body does not require the high production of the hormone anymore.

Myth: Women lose libido at menopause.

Research has shown that there is no link between disinterest in sex and the low level of estrogen during menopause. Fifty percent of women are found to have no marked changed in libido during menopause.

Myth: Menopause causes depression.

Not true. Studies have shown that there are a greater percentage of depressed women in the thirty age group rather than in the menopausal age group, which is in the fifties.

Myth: The loss of estrogen during menopause does not have any serious consequences.

The loss of estrogen can bring about major risks in a woman's life. For example, she runs the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, colon cancer, just to name a few.

Myth: There is weight gain during menopause.

Some women actually lose weight, while some will gain weight, but it is not necessarily related to menopause. What will make you fat is probably not eating healthy food. Therefore, you should have a well balanced diet.

Myth: All women have symptoms.

It is generally thought that all women who reach menopause have the symptoms of mood swings, depression, hot flashes etc. Studies have shown that about fifteen percent of women do not have symptoms of menopause. The only symptom would be the stoppage of menstruation.

Myth: In hormone replacement therapy, the hormone estrogen is a natural hormone.

This is not true. All the hormonal drugs used in hormone replacement therapy are manufactured and are synthetic.

Myth: Menopause occurs at the age of 50.

There is no specific age for menopause. There is great variation. The average age is about 52. About one percent of women reach menopause at about 40 years or even younger. The average age span for menopause today is around 45 years of age to 55 years. However, if you have had your female reproductive organs surgically removed then you would automatically have reached menopause.

Myth: Menopause lasts only a few years.

Menopause can last from anywhere from six to fourteen years.

Myth: Menopause is very commonly mistaken for a disease.

It most definitely is not a disease; it is just another normal phase in a woman's life.

Myth: There is memory loss during menopause.

There may be occasional mood swings but there is no memory loss. Memory loss may be attributed to the aging factor and is not directly related to menopause. As men and women age, the brain reduces in size.

Myth: After menopause, women cannot enjoy sex.

It has been found that the majority of post menopausal women enjoy sex more than before menopause. This may be due to the fact that they do not have to worry about unwanted pregnancies.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Menopause
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Michael Russell - EzineArticles Expert Author

There's a lot to understand about menopause myths. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.

How to Make Your Breasts Look Bigger After Menopause

Imagine the next time you join a discussion about Your Breasts Look Bigger. When you start sharing the fascinating Your Breasts Look Bigger facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Your Breasts Look Bigger is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Your Breasts Look Bigger.

Having a well-filled breast is almost every woman's dream. In a society like ours where having big breasts is adored and given such emphasis, it is not surprising that every flat-chested woman desires to be well-endowed. Various breast enhancement products have come to the forefront that promise to give fuller breasts. But there's no proof that they really work. "If these estrogens were powerful enough to be effective, the creams wouldn't be available over the counters," notes Seth Matarasso, M.D., an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. "No pill can safely increase your breast size," says Kelly Shanahan, ob/gyn and author of Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. While nothing short of surgery will make your boobs look like that of Pamela Anderson's, there are less invasive options that can make a difference. Here's the ultimate guide to beautiful breasts at any age.

1. Exercise

Okay, so exercise won't add inches to your breasts. Breasts are largely fatty tissue and there's no exercise to grow fat. But exercise can make your breasts sit higher and more even on your chest because it builds up pectoral muscles directly below the breasts. This pushes the breasts outward giving them the appearance of being a bit larger. If you strengthen your back muscles, you can also improve your posture and make your chest look a hundred times better. Try to do the following exercise everyday to increase your breast size naturally and to firm them up:

a. The Push-ups: This will help keep your chest muscles firm and toned. To do this, put your hands and knees on the floor with your back flat. Align your hands with your bust. Bend your arms and lower yourself until your chest almost touches the floor. Then push yourself back up to the starting position. Hold this pose for a few seconds and then bend your arms again bringing your torso down a few inches to the floor. Repeat this ten times. On the second week, perform two full sets of ten repetitions. And on the third week thereafter, do three full sets every other day.

b. Modified Push-ups

This is akin to the push-ups mentioned earlier. The only difference is that instead of the hands and knees on the floor, the lower arms, the elbows and toes are placed against the floor. The torso is raised up but your lower arms and elbows and toes are kept on the floor.

c. The back extension

Back extensions strengthen your upper and lower back muscles, thus improving posture. To do this, after each set of push-ups, lie facedown on the floor, lift one arm and the opposing leg a few inches straight in the air simultaneously, and hold on for a count of ten. Do the move twice on each side.

d. Bench Press:

This is the best exercise for shaping and firming your bust line because aside from shaping and firming the bust line, it also sculpts the shoulders and tightens the triceps. To perform this exercise, lie flat on a bench, with one foot on each side of the bench touching the floor. Firmly press your head, shoulders, back and butt on the bench while sticking up your chest. Keep the dumbbells about 18-20 inches apart and parallel to the floor with your palms facing upwards. Slowly push the dumbbells straight up, away from your chest. Fully extend your arms but don't lock your elbows when arms are fully extended. The dumbbells should now be approximately a few feet above your chest. Pause slightly at the top of the movement then slowly lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position. Inhale and hold your breath as you lower the dumbbells. When they reach the chest, begin to move the weight upward again. Exhale as you pass the point of greatest resistance. Repeat this 8 to 12 times to complete one set. You can perform about 1 to 3 sets at a session and about 3 sessions per week with a day's rest between sessions.

e. Breast Press

Using two three-to-five pound dumbbells, sit on the edge of a chair with your back straight, arms at your sides. Lean forward slightly at your hips, and bend your elbows to 90 degrees, keeping the palms down. Raise your arms from the shoulders so your elbows reach shoulder level, your hands in front and to each side. Hold this position for a count of four, and then return to your start position. Repeat this ten times.

f. Arm Swings

While standing erect, swing your right arm clockwise for eight counts while the left arm rests at your side. Then let your right arm rest at your side and swing your left arm clockwise also for eight counts. Repeat this exercise on both arms only this time the movement is counterclockwise.

g. Stand-up Push-ups

Stand facing a wall at arm's length. Place palms on the wall. Push against the wall as if you were pushing it away, without bending arms at the elbow. Hold for eight counts and relax arms for eight counts. Repeat this eight to twenty times a day.

h. Apply Pressure

Massage the upper and outer area of your bust in circular motions applying gentle pressure. This helps stimulate circulation on the muscles and help tone the fatty tissue of the breasts.

2. The Perfect Boosting Bra

If your boobs appear sacked out on your rib cage or distinctively lopsided, maybe the problem is your bra. You'll get the sexiest support if you look for the following features:

a. Supportive cups

"If your breasts are saggy, they'll sit in the bottom of the sheer cup," says Stacey Ellis, a bra-fit specialist for Nordstrom. Look for a bra with lined cups that are slightly firm to touch.

b. A firm, solid back

Flimsy cotton and lace may not be strong enough to pull your breasts up. A bra with a wide, tightly woven back will help hoist you up in front.

c. Underwire

Underwire bras give a good lift to your busts because they provide good support underneath. Just make sure the wire surrounds the breast tissue and is a perfect fit to your breasts otherwise you'd be uncomfortable to wear them.

d. Padded bra

Padded bras don't just make your breasts appear bigger but they also provide added protection to your breasts from accidental nudges in public and crowded places.

3. Nutrition

Nutrition is one of the factors that influence the growth of breasts. How you look reflects the things that you put in your body. If you want your breasts to look good, I recommend you exercise healthy food choices. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Women with poor diets tend to have smaller breasts while women who are overweight tend to have larger breasts. Also add Til or sesame seeds in your intake. They are known to be effective in firming the breasts of women because they contain calcium, protein, iron and phosphorous. The oil also can be applied on the breast to make it look less droopy.

Although having well-filled breasts makes a woman feel more confident about herself, the lack of breast tissue does not make her less than a woman. Beauty is not gauged on breast size alone. The truth is, most women look pretty in their own ways. But one of the biggest things that makes a person attractive is a positive attitude towards oneself and other people. People are easily drawn to women who exude such compelling influence, no matter what size of breasts they have. So, if you wanna attract more people, don't just focus on having bigger breasts and wanting what you don't have, instead work your way up with your self-esteem. At any rate, you will realize that you will be happier with a bigger self-esteem than a bigger boobs.
© 2005 Rachelle Arlin Credo. All rights reserved.

Rachelle Arlin Credo is an entrepreneur and relationship coach. She also works as an image consultant and part-time writer. Her literary works have been published in various magazines and online publications. For more info, visit her website at http://www.rachelle.co.nr
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachelle_Arlin_Credo

This article's coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.

Tightening Loose Pelvic Muscle

The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage--at least it seems that way. If you've been thinking you need to know more about it, here's your opportunity.

If you don't have accurate details regarding kegel exercise , then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don't let that happen: keep reading.

Kegels are a series of exercises which can help tighten up the pubococcygeal muscles (PC muscles). These originate from your pubic bone, go under your genitals and attach to your tailbone. Both men and women have them.

As we age or after pelvic muscle surgery, pregnancy, these muscles lose their tone. This can result in a loss of bladder control, also called incontinence, a loose vagina, (especially after having a child), an inability to control ejaculation in guys, and a reduction of sexual pleasure for both men and women.

Several methods are available to conduct kegel exercises.

Yes, those muscles! You may have noticed that since the onset of menopause, your orgasms have been less intense. Strengthening your vagina with Kegel exercises will enable you to once again experience stronger orgasms. To perform Kegels, squeeze your pelvic muscles as though you are trying to hold back urine. Hold this position for a count of 10, then release slowly. Do this 10 times, four times a day.

Another method requires you to have a full bladder, sit on the toilet and start to urinate, then suddenly clamp down and stop the flow. Start and stop several times in a row. If you can’t cut off the flow of urine, but dribble on, you need to start kegel exercises for sure. From now on, every time you urinate start and stop all the way. This is often called “the faucet” and is a good indicator of your progress.

Kegel can be done right at your desk, even right now. Tighten your PC muscles and hold for a count of eight, then slowly release and repeat 8 times. Yes, you can do these sitting at the computer or at your desk at work or school. (But don’t let that distract you from your teacher or boss of course). If you can’t make it to eight or ten in the beginning, use a lower number and do those until you build up to ten.

Another good time to do kegels, is when you are the passenger in a car. Every time you stop at a red light, do some, who will know but you.

Not only does this improve bladder control, but doing kegels regularly will improve your sex life. After doing kegel exercises, a woman will be able to clamp down and grip her partner’s penis increasing both their sexual pleasures. You men should notice an improvement in the 'intensity' of your erections and ejaculations. These exercises are also recommended for guys who experience premature ejaculation. While the penis is not a muscle, the increased muscle tone will improve blood supply resulting in firmer erections and also help a man to delay ejaculation. Kegels can also help prevent leaking urine when you sneeze or cough!

Like any other muscle group, you either “use it or lose it”.

If you've picked some pointers about kegel exercise that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won't really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don't use it.

Understanding Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MRT)

Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MRT)? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you've ever wanted to know about Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MRT).

You can see that there's practical value in learning more about Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MRT). Can you think of ways to apply what's been covered so far?

n our grandmothers' time, the menopause was looked on as a natural part of life and women just had to put up with it. Some women sail through it and notice no symptoms at all and others suffer quite a lot. Nowadays, there is a lot of help available in the form of hormones, to deal with symptoms that you may experience during perimenopause and menopause.

What's Perimenopause?

This is the time prior to menopause (anything up to several years) when a woman's monthly cycle begins to become irregular. She may experience hot flashes, sweats at night, dryness of the vagina and feel emotionally labile.

The perimenopause is what women are really enduring when they say they are going through the menopause. The medical definition of menopause is when a woman has not had a period for a year. It usually occurs when a woman is in her late forties or early fifties. Women who have had their ovaries removed during surgery, for whatever reason, will go into a sudden menopause if hormone replacement is not offered.

At the beginning of perimenopause, some doctors prescribe birth control pills. These can help to regulate or stop heavy, frequently occurring, or unpredictable periods. They can also help with the unpleasant symptoms and will prevent pregnancy. Many women think that they won't conceive as their periods are now so erratic and then find themselves with a new baby!

What Is MHT?

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) is the new name for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This is in the form of estrogen. If you still have a uterus, it will be combined with progesterone. Estrogen supplements alone can cause cancer of the uterus but the risk is virtually eliminated if a progestogen supplement is given with it.

MHT may help to prevent your bones thinning (osteoporosis) and help with menopause symptoms but they may return if you stop taking it.

Controversy surrounds MHT as there are risks involved. Some women may increase their risk of suffering blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer and disease of the gall bladder. If you are considering MHT, talk to your doctor who can help. It's recommended that hormones are given in the lowest dose that helps, and taken for the shortest time that they are needed.

Five Things You Should Know Aout MHT

* It doesn't prevent heart attacks or strokes.

* It doesn't prevent loss of memory or Alzheimer's disease.

* It has not been shown to prevent aging, wrinkles or sadly, to increase sex drive.

* Risks and benefits of hormone pills, patches, creams, gels and rings may all be the same.

Herbs and other natural products should be used with caution, although more open-minded doctors are happy for their patients to take them, and may even help with herbal choices. Research the latest studies to see if they may benefit you. If you are a breast cancer survivor and your tumor was estrogen positive, you mustn't take anything containing estrogen - and that includes plant estrogens. Take care and read the small print!

To learn more about hormone replacement therapy, click here. Rebecca runs this site covering natural and synthetic hormone treatments.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Prescott

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MRT). Share your new understanding about Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MRT) with others. They'll thank you for it.

Selected Vitamins For Menopause

This article explains a few things about vitamins for menopause, and if you're interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don't know.

Those of you not familiar with the latest on vitamins for menopause now have at least a basic understanding. But there's more to come.

Vitamin A

This vitamin is necessary for the health and growth of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness, increased susceptibility to infections and rough skin. Low levels of vitamin A contributes to heavy menstrual bleeding (and possibly cervical cancer) and aged-related skin conditions like leukoplakia.

Food Sources of Vitamin A
Include: Carrots, spinach, turnips, apricots, liver, cantaloupe melon, sweet potato.

Vitamin B Complex
Several B vitamins are beneficial during menopause. Extra vitamin B6 is typically necessary for patients on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Folic acid may help to prevent precancerous changes in the cervix. Main thing is, all B vitamins work in harmony. They help us to handle sugar, maintain health of the liver, and stabilize brain function. Low levels of vitamin B complex can lead to emotional stress, fatigue and depression.

Food Sources of Vitamin B
Folic acid is found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, peas, beans, liver and kidney. Vitamin B3 is found in meat and poultry, fish, beans, wholewheat bread. Vitamin B6 is found in meat and poultry, fish, bananas, wholegrain cereals and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is found in fish, poultry, eggs and milk, B12-fortified foods.

Vitamin C
This is the healing vitamin. Very helpful during menopause. It helps to mend wounds and burns, and maintains collagen (it might be called the anti-wrinkle vitamin). Since the need for collagen regeneration increases with age, so does the need for vitamin C. It also helps the adrenal glands and the body's immune system - another system that needs more help as we enter mid-life and menopause.
Food Sources of Vitamin C

Include: Fortified breakfast cereals, citrus fruits, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, peppers.

Vitamin D
Along with calcium and estrogen, vitamin D is essential for the ongoing strength and maintenance of bone mass, and to minimize the risk of osteoporosis as we get older. Although vitamin D deficiency is rare, all menopausal women should include adequate amounts of vitamin D in their diets to maintain strong bones.
Food Sources of Vitamin D

Include: Canned tuna or salmon, eggs or milk products.

Vitamin E
Sometimes called the "menopausal vitamin" because it may have chemical activities similar to estrogen, vitamin E has been used with some success in America as an estrogen substitute. Vitamin E may relieve hot flashes as well as psychological symptoms of menopause. It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps keep cells disease-free.

Food Sources of Vitamin E
Include: Wheatgerm oil, eggs, green leafy vegetables, cereals, dried beans.
Bioflavonoids

A type of phytochemical found in the pith and pulp of citrus fruits, which helps to combat hot flashes, excessive menstrual bleeding, menopausal vaginal problems, anxiety and emotional problems.

Other Botanicals
Evening primrose oil is largely used in reducing hot flashes, but has side effects and many women are not allow to take it. Flaxseed is used against all symptoms of menopause and in some cases it showed effect on lowering breast cancer in women. Flaxseed may be found in whole seed, ground up meal and seed oil forms. Studies are required to determine those natural substances effectiveness. One may take herbal supplements which are at our disposal in large quantities and qualities: fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, red clover, ginseng, rice bran oil, wild yam, calcium, gotu kola, licorice root, sage, sarsaparilla, passion flower, chaste berry, ginkgo biloba and valerian root. Those supplements improve the general state of health and have no side effects on the majority of persons taking them, so they may be taken as alternative or complementary medications.

A randomized trial which involved women with a breast cancer history had results in decreasing the frequency and intensity in hot flashes and excessive sweating and lowering blood pressure. So use black cohosh continuously for 6 months. Some women feel better when taking vitamin E although studies haven’t shown a reduction in hot flashes, is recommended to take it during the menopausal period.
Soy has been found as having positive effects, but others suggest that hasn’t any effect at all. Soy isoflavones are also contained in one cup soy milk, 1/2 cup tofu, 1/2 tempeh,1/2 cup green soybeans (edamame), and three handfuls of roasted soy nuts.

Although studies haven’t shown any results in the post menopausal symptoms may women reported that they have a better state of health after practicing yoga and acupuncture.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about vitamins for menopause.

Mood Disorders and the Menopausal Transition

Imagine the next time you join a discussion about menopause depression. When you start sharing the fascinating menopause depression facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

In the United States more than 1.3 million women are expected to reach menopause every year. The transition to menopause or perimenopause represents the passage from reproductive to non-reproductive life. Most women during the perimenopause experience irregular menstrual periods (e.g., shortened or longer cycles), which reflect the large fluctuation of ovarian hormones secretion during this time. The menopausal transition usually begins during a woman's fourth decade of life, with a mean age of 47.5 years, and an average duration of 4-8 years. In other words, some women will be facing physical and emotional changes throughout several years, until they finally reach menopause. The menopause is defined by the occurrence of the last menstrual period followed by 12 months without menses (also called amenorrhea). The menopause usually occurs at a mean age of 51 years.

Symptoms of the Menopausal Transition
Aside from changes in the menstrual frequency, length and menstrual flow, the menopausal transition is typically marked by the presence of vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats (hot flushes that occur with perspiration causing nocturnal awakenings). A hot flush is a "transient episode of flushing, sweating and a sensation of heat, often accompanied by palpitations and a feeling of anxiety, and sometimes followed by chills", and is experienced by 45-85% of women, sometimes even before they are experiencing menstrual changes. The majority of women, however, will experience these symptoms during the year of their last menstrual period or soon afterward. Those who experience natural menopause usually have their vasomotor symptoms diminished over the following two years. Women who underwent surgical menopause, on the other hand, commonly experience more severe vasomotor symptoms right after surgery. The reason why some women develop hot flushes is yet to be determined, but it may include thermoregulatory problems due to decreased estrogen levels, among other changes. Other physical changes/symptoms commonly observed during the menopausal transition include insomnia, memory problems, sexual dysfunction, and higher risk for osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease.

Depression and the Menopausal Transition
More than a century ago, investigators were already trying to identify an association between depression and menopause. Initially, women were described as suffering from a "climacteric melancholia" or "nervous irritability" or "fully developed insanity" developed during this period. Many decades later, the search for correlates of depression during the perimenopause continues, including different factors such as presence of intense hormonal changes, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, marital satisfaction, history of puerperal depression or significant premenstrual symptoms, among others.

The search for a "perimenopausal depressive syndrome", however, has led to inconclusive findings; on one hand, it is known that women seeking treatment at menopause clinics are more likely to report significant physical symptoms (e.g., vasomotor complaints), as well as depressive symptoms and concomitant anxiety. On the other hand, most women in the community are not likely to experience significant depression while approaching menopause. Thus, it is important to understand why some women (but not all women) will develop depressive symptoms while approaching menopause, i.e., to identify significant risk factors for the development of a menopause-related mood disturbance.

It has been speculated that some women might be particularly vulnerable during periods of intense hormonal fluctuations (such as the menopausal transition, or the puerperal period). Abrupt hormone changes would affect mood and behavior by altering the equilibrium in several neurotransmitter systems in the brain. This would explain the occurrence of higher rates of depression during the perimenopause (when hormonal changes are intense, sometimes chaotic), compared to postmenopausal years - when estrogen levels are low, but stable. Another possible explanation - the domino theory - proposes that the discomfort caused by somatic symptoms of the perimenopause (e.g., night sweats and hot flushes) provokes physical changes (e.g. sleep disturbance) and consequently affects mood stability. Hence, investigators have speculated that the capacity of estrogen to improve mood is secondary to relief of somatic menopausal symptoms and secondary to normalization of sleep.

From a more psychosocial point of view, the menopausal transition has been traditionally identified as a non-adaptative event, during which women are at risk of losing a "major role": maternity. Thus, the "empty-nest syndrome" (when children leave home) was proposed as a psychosocial cause of psychological symptoms manifesting during the menopausal transition. The relative validity of this theory has been questioned, and appears to be restricted to women who are too engaged and over-involved with their children, and would consequently feel useless, isolated and depressed when the children leave home. Conversely, more psychologically healthy women would consider this period an opportunity to expand work/social activities, and to dedicate more time to the marital relationship. Interestingly, some recent studies have pointed out that children returning home (e.g., after finishing college, divorce, etc) may represent a stressful event for some parents who had a chance to rearrange their lives accordingly after their leaving.

Treatment Options for Menopause-Related Symptoms
The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been the treatment of choice to alleviate physical symptoms associated with the menopausal transition (short-term use of HRT), and to help in preventing the clinical consequences of an estrogen-deficient state, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease (long-term use of HRT). More recently, the list of benefits of estrogen therapy was expanded, incorporating preliminary but promising findings on the use of estrogen to improve mood and cognition in perimenopausal women.

Recent results form large, prospective studies (e.g., HERS, WHI), however, have questioned the safety of long-term use of HRT, as well as its efficacy to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Because of that, many women have decided to discontinue their HRT regimens. Still others who did not abandon their prescription hormones are now questioning their current treatment and searching for potential alternatives. Both women and their doctors are now facing a difficult situation: how should they deal with menopause-related physical and emotional symptoms, in the post-WHI era?

Clinicians and health professionals should continue considering many factors when advising women approaching menopause or postmenopausal on treatment choices. For instance, it is important to keep in mind that the short-term use of HRT (up to 3 to 5 years) has not been considered unsafe, and still is the most efficacious treatment for vasomotor symptoms (i.e., night sweats, hot flushes). Moreover, for those who are unwilling to stay on HRT, a quick reminder that an abrupt treatment discontinuation could lead in some cases to the occurrence or reemergence of vasomotor symptoms, interfering with sleep pattern, physical well-being and most probably mood.

Also, the "alternative" treatments available for menopause-related symptoms are not necessarily safe. Some of the so-called "natural" treatments for menopausal symptoms have a significant binding affinity for estrogen receptors, and may result in similar risks. Their use should be carefully considered, particularly in the presence of contra-indications for using estrogen therapy.

Lastly, recent studies suggest that antidepressants promote improvement of vasomotor symptoms; they may constitute an interesting alternative for those who are unable or unwilling to take HRT for the alleviation of menopause-related depressive symptoms and vasomotor complaints.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about menopause depression.

Menopause Naturally

So what is menopause really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about menopause--info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.

Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there's more to menopause than you may have first thought.

Description

* Menopause refers to the cessation of menses, a normal process in a woman's life. It marks the ending of a woman's reproductive years, and the beginning of a new stage of life known as the climacteric stage. Menopause usually occurs near the age of fifty, but can begin in the early forties.,

* During menopause, the production of ovarian hormones, including androgens, decreases. This can result in signs of menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, depression, vaginal dryness, excessive perspiration, headaches, memory impairment, digestive disturbances, and sleeplessness. At the time of menopause there is an increase in the production of androgens from other androgen-producing sites in the body. Androgens act as weak estrogens, helping the body to adjust to the hormonal changes that are occurring.

* The stronger the woman's adrenals, and the better her nutritional status, the easier is her transition into menopause. Chronic stress over long periods of time can lead to adrenal depletion. If a woman is nutritionally depleted and emotionally stressed she may require hormonal, nutritional, or other support.2

Prevention and Management of Signs of Menopause Symptoms

* Regular physical exercise is necessary to protect against bone loss. Exercise has many other benefits as well.

* A diet that is low in saturated fats and cholesterol and high in complex carbohydrates, such as grains, fruits and vegetables is important.2

* Vitamin E supplementation may reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.,,

* Calcium is important in maintaining bone mass. * Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption. * Magnesium intake is often low in women with osteoporosis. Low magnesium intake is associated with low bone mineral content (BMC).

* Boron reduces urinary calcium loss and increases serum levels of 17 estradiol (estrogen).

* Essential fatty acids can help prevent dryness of the hair, skin and vaginal tissues.

* Soy supplementation has been suggested as a possible alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Soy isoflavones act as estrogen-like compounds. Forty-five grams of dietary soy, per day for 12 weeks was shown to decrease post-menopausal hot flashes.

* Certain herbs such as black cohosh, chasteberry, licorice and dong quai have shown to have a beneficial effect in managing many of the menopause symptoms.

References

1 Golan R. Optimal Wellness. New York:Ballantine Books; 1995 p 359-40. 2 Mayo JL. A Natural Approach to Menopause. Clin Nutr Insights 1997;5(7):1-8.
About the Author

Rhae is a researcher of different health information, currently researching menopause and the different treatments available

Source: Women's Issues Articles on ArticlesTree.com

Is there really any information about menopause that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.