Are you struggling with hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats? Wish there was a natural way to relieve some of these symptoms without resorting to estrogen or female hormones as supplements that bring their own problems and negative side effects? Studies have been conducted on the link between phytoestrogens and menopause and show that this plant-based substance may help lower cholesterol levels and relieve many of the symptoms of menopause.

So what’s the connection between phytoestrogen and menopause? Phytoestrogens are plant chemicals very similar in structure to the most familiar of female hormones, estrogen. They work partially by tricking the body into believing that there’s more estrogen available than is actually there. After menopause, estrogen levels drop and rapid bone loss can occur. Plant estrogens found in fruits, vegetables, and soy foods help to naturally replace that lost estrogen, thereby relieving many of the symptoms caused by lack of estrogen after menopause.

You can take a phytoestrogen supplement, but eating foods rich in phytoestrogen and isoflavones (soy phytoestrogen) is more nutritionally complete, gaining you the much-needed health benefits of fruits, veggies, and soy. In fact, eating a diet high in soy, especially during the first 10 years after menopause, has been scientifically linked to stronger bones. Next time you talk with your doctor, ask his or her opinion on the link between phytoestrogens and menopause and whether he or she recommends a supplement or healthy change in diet to add more natural, plant-based estrogen to your diet.

Umbilical cord blood stem cells have recently been found to have the ability to turn into almost any type of cell, rather than just red blood cells as it was first believed. Both sides of the stem cell research controversy do not deny the benefits of embryonic stem cell research, but rather the fact that these cells are taken from embryonic or fetal tissue and that the fetus or embryo is destroyed in the process. Those against this scientific research in the stem cell research controversy point to the fact that this tissue is human tissue and represents life that is destroyed, while those for it cite the benefits of embryonic stem cells in modern medicine. Umbilical cord blood stem cells offer the same benefits without the need to destroy any embryos or fetuses, using cells from the umbilical cord instead.

Umbilical cord blood stem cells have been shown to help reverse stoke symptoms and brain damage in rats during a study done at the University of Minnesota. According to the neurologist who conducted the experiment, Walter Low, the cells that were transplanted into the brains of the rats changed to the same properties that brain cells have, and this appeared to promote a rewiring of the brain. This is of immense importance because it can translate to a faster and more complete recovery of humans who have suffered a stroke or other brain damage. Other benefits of embryonic stem cell research include that the umbilical cord blood stem cells also show great potential with nerve damage and other medical conditions and problems.

Many women today take progesterone to replace hormones as they age and to cause the menstrual cycle to become regular again if it stops. Women also use progesterone during early pregnancy if they are at high risk to miscarry because this hormone will help the pregnancy along without the loss of the embryo or fetus. There are some progesterone side effects that should be considered when taking this hormone, however, and this is true no matter what form the hormone is taken.

Progesterone cream side effects are very similar to the progesterone suppositories side effects, or the hormone pill progesterone side effects. Women who use these products may experience headaches that can range from mild to severe. Breast tenderness may be noticed as well.

Another of the common progesterone side effects can be diarrhea, and this may be constant or sporadic. Vaginal discharge can also be bothersome when taking this hormone supplement. Urination difficulty may also be noticed. These side effects are usually temporary and will go away, but if they do not, a visit to the doctor may be required. Some serious progesterone side effects should be reported to the doctor immediately because they can be serious or even life threatening. These can include dizziness, chest pain, blurred vision, tingling or numbness in the extremities, or a sudden difficulty in breathing. Other serious problems that may be rare and need to be reported are vaginal bleeding, uncontrollable shaking, lumps in breast tissue, or severe migraine headaches.

There are many benefits of embryonic stem cell research, but there is also a huge stem cell research controversy as well over the ethics of stem cell research. One side of the debate believes that the benefits and potential benefits of this research outweighs the fact that embryos must be destroyed to gain the stem cells. This side points to the benefits of embryonic stem cell research, and how this research could save lives and end suffering for millions of people who live with debilitating diseases every day. Advocates in the stem cell research controversy point out that paralyzed individuals will be able to walk again, and diseases like Parkinson’s Disease will become a thing of the past and can be cured.

Those against using stem cells do not deny the benefit of embryonic stem cell research, but rather these individuals object to the fact that embryos are being destroyed. According to the group that is against this work, even the destruction of one human being is not worth any medical advancements. The fact that many of these embryos come from abortion providers is another objection for many, and a percentage of the population does not believe that abortion should be legal and consider this procedure murder except in very narrow circumstances, if then. The benefits of embryonic stem cell research can not be denied, but the ethics of stem cell research is another area entirely. Some believe that allowing this research starts man on a very slippery slope, one that may lead to even bigger rationalizations, such as using fully formed fetuses, newborns, or even children eventually.

1. Witch Hazel Compresses And Wipes

Witch hazel compresses and wipes are common hemorrhoid pain relief methods. This cooling astringent provides natural hemorrhoid relief, because it cools and soothes while also cleaning the area and preventing any infection. Witch hazel can be very effective at stopping pain and irritation, and a cotton ball or pad can be soaked and then placed in the area for relief.

2. Apply Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known through the world for healing and soothing almost anything, and this substance works well for hemorrhoid relief and preventing or stopping the itching and irritation associated with this condition. Aloe also promotes healing in the rectal and anal tissues, and helps shrink the swollen veins.

3. Increase Your Fiber

Increasing your fiber intake can help you get natural hemorrhoid relief. Fiber will bulk up your stools, and keep your bowel movements regular and free from straining. Straining to pass your stool can actually cause hemorrhoids, so this should be avoided at all costs.

4. Sit In A Warm Bath

A warm bath can be one of the most effective hemorrhoid pain relief methods. The warm water will cleanse the area, while shrinking any swollen veins and getting rid of the pain and irritation in the area. This can give you dramatic hemorrhoid relief, and costs nothing to use.

5. Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking plenty of water is one of the best hemorrhoid pain relief methods, because water is essential to healthy digestion and good bowel movements which are soft enough. Softer stools are easier to pass, and there is no straining involved.

The controversy over birth control pills and weight gain continues to wage. Pro-advocates declare that studies prove that birth control pills do not cause weight gain, but many regular users say they do.

Birth control pills and weight gain was a greater problem when the birth control pill was first made available. These pills had a higher level of estrogen and made weight gain harder to control.

There are two basic types of birth control pills. The most common type of pill is a combination of estrogen and progestin and the other type is called the minipill and only contains progestin. The minipill is used more commonly for women who are breastfeeding. Both pills prevent ovulation, prevent sperm from reaching the egg and make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant itself in the lining of the uterus.

There are numerous birth control side effects.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness and swelling
• Increase in muscles
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Fatigue
• Hot flashes
• Water retention
• Mood changes
• Irregular bleeding
• Bloating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight Gain

According to the list of birth control pill side effects and weight gain is a serious matter to be contended with. Weight gain does not necessarily mean more fat cells. It may also come in the form of muscle increase from the male hormone, progesterone, or water retention. As a result most women taking birth control pills will see the number on their scales go up.

• Bloating as part of menopause
• Medical studies and menopause remedies
• 10 ways to help prevent menopause bloating: the menopause diet and herbal remedies for menopause

Menopause brings on a plethora of new and unusual body experiences. One day you feel normal, the next night you wake up in sweats. Gastrointestinal discomfort is another moment of discovery. You find yourself asking “where did my body go and who replaced it with this one”? Menopause bloating is embarrassing and uncomfortable. Gas distress can be rampant during menopause, as your body decreases in estrogen level. Medical studies suggest that the diet can also be to blame: too many high sugar foods including fruit and certain vegetables such as cauliflower, onion and broccoli that create more bacteria in already irritated intestines. Fear not, life does not have to be this way forever. You can take charge of your body and the new direction it has taken through medical and alternative methods. Here are the top 10 methods to help prevent menopause bloating:

The overall understanding is that you must adjust your eating habits to a newer and more healthy menopause diet.

1. Reduce salt intake

Excessive sodium in the blood leads to retaining water in the tissues. It would be ideal to cut down on junk foods. Avoiding salty fries, pepperoni pizza and other foods containing hidden salt, some types of salad dressings, cereals and canned soups would be a good start. Make reading the labels a part of your shopping routine, before you buy food off the shelves. American food manufacturers add sodium in everything, even when it doesn’t need it.

2. Get exercising

Start walking, bicycling, and similar activities. These can help reduce water build up in your body. With age, you generally tend to reduce such activities, when you actually need to do the exact opposite!

3. Watch your Vitamin C

Although ascorbic acid – Vitamin C – increases water output from the kidneys, its excessive use could stress your kidneys and there is a likelihood of increase in retaining water in the future. There are certain things you can try to increase the output of water from your body.

4. Tincture of Dandelion ; one of the herbal remedies for menopause

About 10 to 20 drops of this tincture is a great way to reduce your water levels. It helps in removing excess fluid from the cells, nourishing and toning your kidneys, the adrenals and the liver. It increases the ability to digest food and aids hormones to ease menopausal change.

5. Dong Quai; another of the menopause remedies

When used regularly, it relieves bloating, and has a diuretic effect – increase in the discharge of urine. This oil also has a mild sedative effect, soothing the intestines and bladder.

6. Helpful Foods

Eating asparagus, corn, cucumber, grapes, and watermelon may be helpful. Reduce intake of parsley, celery, black tea and coffee in order to avoid water retention.

7. Other herbal remedies for menopause

Certain oils, such as cypress, geranium, juniper, lavender and rosemary, may help reduce water retention in your body. These essential oils may be used in the form of baths, gargles, mouthwashes, vaporizers, inhalants, as well as compresses and massages.

8. Herb and Mineral Supplements for your menopause diet

Talk to your doctor about herbal and mineral supplements. Communication with your doctor is important as some people may have different reactions to herbal supplements for various reasons. Just because herbs come from nature doesn’t mean they are necessarily safe. Some herbs that are reported to aid in the relief of bloating are common home remedies in the relief of menopause.

9. Probiotic foods may help as a menopause remedy

Natural foods that include probiotic (good) bacteria can help to balance the digestive tract. Yogurt, sour cream and whey are easy to buy. Just make sure that they are low in sugar and sodium.

10. HRT or BHRT

Synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is surrounded by problematic situations: Higher cancer risks are on the top of the list and water retention that causes bloating at the bottom of the list. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is hailed by naturopaths, independent compounding pharmacists and many in the medical community. Main stream medicine, tied in so tightly with the pharmaceutical companies, refuse to embrace anything that may reduce the income of the drug companies.

• What herbal remedies contain as replacement
• Studies on menopause remedies
• Top 10 most popular and the benefits of a menopause diet

Many women may not choose to take synthetic drugs for menopausal symptoms. Their choice may be based on the fact that they don’t have to or simply that it’s too risky. BHRT (bio-identical replacement therapy) may be another option, since it is based on natural hormone replacement. If your selection is to remain in the mainstream of homeopathic, natural or herbal remedies for menopause, then you will probably have to accomplish a trial-and-error method to establish what works for you; starting with the top ten. Studies on herbal remedies are not plentiful, but they are promising.

According to WomensHealth.com: “Soy and soy products have been used for the alleviation of menopausal symptoms due to their high concentration of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that possess estrogenic activity, and therefore could have some of the same effects as HRT, but their long-term safety has not been adequately studied. There is limited, and sometimes conflicting, research on the safety and effectiveness of many other popular herbal products that claim to help menopause, including ginseng, black cohosh, dong quai, and evening primrose.” Adding these as part of your menopause diet will take time to prove whether they work for you.

There are scientific studies of herbal remedies for menopause in the U.S. They have been small, but the results are encouraging. In Germany, 70% of physicians prescribe herbal remedies, which are covered by insurance. The German Health Department’s Commission on Herbal Remedies, known as Commission E, has reviewed 315 medical herbs. Two thirds of those reviewed are deemed safe and effective. Menopause remedies come in all shapes and sizes and you must consult with your primary medical caregiver before adding anything to your diet.

The American College of Obstetricians (ACOG) issued the following guidelines on the most popular “alternative” medicines also known as herbal remedies for menopause:

1. Soy and Isoflavones (plant estrogens found in beans, particularly soybeans)

High isoflavone intake (about 50 grams of soy protein per day) may be helpful in the short term (2 years or less) in relieving hot flashes and night sweats. Taken over the long term, it also may have beneficial effects on cholesterol and bones. While safe in dietary amounts, the consumption of extraordinary amounts of soy and isoflavone supplements may interact with estrogen and may be harmful to women with a history of estrogen-dependent breast cancer and possibly to other women as well.

2. St. John’s Wort

May be helpful in the short-term (2 years or less) to treat mild to moderate depression in women (when given in doses of less than 1.2 milligrams a day.) A recent study showed it is not effective in treating severe depression. It also can increase skin sensitivity to the sun and may interfere with prescription antidepressants.

3. Black Cohosh

May be helpful in the short term (6 months or less) to treat hot flashes and night sweats. It seems to be extremely safe, although studies have been small and brief, none longer than six months.

4. Chasteberry (also known as monk’s pepper, Indian spice, sage tree hemp, and tree wild pepper)

This may inhibit prolactin, a natural hormone that acts on the breast. It is touted for breast pain and premenstrual syndrome. There are very few studies in menopausal women. A study of women with premenstrual syndrome found they reported improvements in mood, anger, headache, breast fullness, but not bloating and other symptoms.

5. Evening primrose

This plant produces seeds rich in gamma-linolenic acid, which some experts believe is the nutritionally perfect fatty acid for humans. Although evening primrose capsules are taken for breast pain, bladder symptoms and menopausal symptoms, there is little or no evidence that they work. The one high quality study of effects on hot flashes found that evening primrose was no better than placebo.

6. Dong Quai

A study aimed at reducing hot flashes found that dong quai was not better than placebo – although the 4.5-gram dose used in the study was lower than that typically given in Chinese medicine. The herb is potentially toxic. It contains compounds that can thin the blood, causing excessive bleeding, and make the skin more sensitive to sun, possibly increasing skin cancer risk.

7. Valerian Root

This has traditionally been used as a tranquilizer and sleeping aid. But the U.S. Pharmacopoeia, which sets manufacturing standards for medicines, does not support its use, and there have been reports of heart problems and delirium attributed to sudden withdrawal from valerian. Use caution when adding to part of your menopause diet.

8. Ginseng

Most of the many types of ginseng (including Siberian, Korean, and American, white and red), are promoted for relieving stress and boosting immunity. A study of menopausal women by the leading ginseng manufacturer found the product did not relieve hot flashes but did improve women’s sense of well being. Analyses of ginseng products have found a troubling lack of quality control: some contained little or no ginseng, contained large amounts of caffeine, or were tainted by pesticides or lead. Before adding any of the menopause remedies to your diet, consult with a high quality health food store.

9. Wild and Mexican yam

There are no published reports that show wild and Mexican yam cream is effective in helping menopausal symptoms. The hormones in wild and Mexican yam do not have any estrogenic or progestational properties, so they are not expected to help women with these symptoms.

10. Red Clover

Red clover is one of the premium sources of phytoestrogens, plant estrogens that mimic the female sex hormone. These phytoestrogens help to increase the levels of estrogen in our bodies, thereby reducing menopausal symptoms. Red clover also contains many vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium, niacin, potassium and Vitamin C.

Before embarking on any herbal or natural additives, be sure to confer with your pharmacist to ensure that there aren’t any drug interactions with all medicine, OTC and other supplements.

Any use of an alternative treatment should be combined with a consultation with your medical physician. The information supplied in this article is not to be considered or used as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.

• Pharmaceutical drugs and side effects
• Types of herbal remedies for menopause: BHRT, OTC and newest
• Hormone levels that need to be monitored
• Pharmacy and physician information for drugs, natural remedies and the menopause diet

Thank heavens the topic of menopause is out in the open. Gone are the days when women had to quietly (or not so quietly) suffer through the changes that our bodies undergo as we grow older and our bodies stop producing some of the youthful hormones. There are diagnoses of all the varying elements; peri- and post- menopause as well as a variety of treatments. Pharmaceutical companies push their drugs, which have been associated with a stream of side affects; the worst of which is potential cancer risks. Homeopaths encourage natural, bio-identical hormones and herbal remedies for menopause. Studies on both sides negate each other. So which is the best path to choose? A little education goes a long way to help you select the treatment that’s right for you.

Synthetic Hormone Drug Treatment:

Standard synthetic hormone replacement drugs are, of course, by prescription only. Studies in the 1970s linked the synthetic estrogen and progesterone drugs to endometrial cancer. The drug company that produce the product released new products that promised to eliminate the original hazard and do everything from strengthening bones to an almost fountain-of-youth. Medical studies then linked those drugs to increased breast cancer, heart disease and strokes. When the scare began creating the need for a more natural approach, independent compounding pharmacies began creating bio-identical hormone prescriptions. So that they wouldn’t lose another ‘cash cow’ drug, the drug company fought back by rallying the FDA to push a law through that would keep the pharmacies from creating the more natural alternatives. To combat the competition, the drug company created their own BHRT drug. It has been approved by the FDA, however, it is in a one-size-fits-all concept.

Bio-Identical Hormones:

BHRT (Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy) has existed for over 20 years. The benefit is that the treatment doses are individualized and the mixture of products are mostly available only to the compounding pharmacies. Bioidentical hormones are those that are molecularly identical to the hormones that are produced in the body. These hormones are chemicals that are derived from sources of yam or soybean. Steroids and hormones are taken from animals and plants then altered to be identical in molecular structure. They can be formed in cream, oral, suppository or injection and are absorbed quickly by the body. These are also based on a prescription, but from a physician that understands the benefits and can write a compounded prescription. There are three hormone categories that must be balanced: estrogen, progesterone and androgen.

Categories of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy…

1. Natural Estrogens

Most of the prescription estrogens when taken by mouth are converted in your GI tract and end up predominantly as estrone. Three estrogens to consider are Estrone, Estradiol and Estriol.
o Estrone
If you want to get your estrogen levels up to where they were before menopause then estradiol is your natural estrogen. Studies indicate that Estrone is the estrogen responsible for breast cancer.
o Estradiol
The primary estrogen produced by the ovary is Estradiol and estrone which is formed by the conversion of estradiol. Vaginal rings, estradiol creams, and transdermal patches, provide pre-menopausal levels of estradiol.
o Estriol
Estriol is prevalent primarily during pregnancy because very large amounts of Estriol are produced which leads to the protection against breast cancer. If you desire a natural estrogen that is the least likely to cause cancer then estriol may be the right choice.

2. Natural Progesterone, one of the menopause remedies

• Natural progesterone is made by the ovaries prior to menopause and by the adrenal glands and fat cells after menopause and is the precursor for natural estrogen. It is the single most important hormone in the female body.
• Natural progesterone corrects hormone imbalance of the two primary female hormones. This will protect from the effects of Estrogen Dominance.
• Natural progesterone has many positive benefits. Some possible benefits include…
• Facilitates Thyroid Hormone Action
• Natural Anti-depressant
• Natural Diuretic
• Normalizes Blood Sugar Levels
• Normalizes Zinc & Copper Levels
• Normalizes Blood Clotting
• Helps to Normalize Ovaries
• Osteoblast Stimulated in Bone Tissue Cells

3. Natural Androgens

The body uses natural or supplemented androgens as a source of estrogen. Produced by the female ovaries, Androgens are essential to normal sexual development and are a major part in maintaining sexual desire along with strong and healthy skin, muscle and bone. The natural testosterone will not produce the side effects of synthetic testosterone.

OTC as part of the menopause remedies

There are a few over-the-counter, soy based, pill form products on the market for another form of natural hormone replacement. Medical studies seem to lean more towards the fact that these have not proven any significant improvements than placebos; however, women who take them say otherwise. Many women taking these products have experienced a reduction in most of the menopause related symptoms. Part of the menopause diet of remedies, you must see what works for you.

Newest Therapy:

According to the July, 2009 report from MedicalNewsToday: “New research, has revealed that an extract which concentrates specific nutrients from Klamath blue green algae, could provide an effective natural remedy for women looking for an effective alternative to HRT to control mood swings and improve overall wellbeing. The data, published in Gynecological Endocrinology, demonstrated that oxidative stress, which influences both psychological and physical symptoms of the menopause, could be reduced by significantly increasing the body’s naturally produced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses.”

So now what?

If you are going to go the synthetic route, be sure to do your homework and ask questions of your medical provider. Get the names of the drugs, the drug monographs; find out the medical statistics on the drugs affect regarding heart attack, stroke and cancer. Require that you have your blood work done to analyze your current hormone levels. Do follow up blood work to make sure that the drug is not having any adverse affect. Talk to your pharmacist to see if there are any drug interactions with standard medication, OTC or natural products that you might be taking.

If you have made the choice to go the BHRT route, find a compounding pharmacist in your area. They will have a list of physicians that are educated on the benefits of BHRT and can write a compounded prescription. Require the same blood work pre and post prescription to ensure that the hormone levels are balanced. Your physician can customize the prescription and the compounding pharmacist will adjust the dosage.

If you want more information on herbal remedies for menopause you can talk to a nutritionist at your local health food store
If you decide to start with the OTC products. Read the labels and give it at least three months to see if it works for you.

• With weight loss surgeries abounding and a surgical weight loss center on seemingly every corner there are many ways to losing weight that did not exist even 15 years ago
• Whether you’re interested in laparoscopic weight loss surgery, gastro bypass surgery, or bariatric weight loss surgery there are several surgical procedures for weight loss, even hysterectomy weight loss
• No longer is losing weight naturally the only option for weight loss. There are several pros and cons between weight loss surgery options and losing weight naturally
• Below we break down weight loss surgery options vs. losing weight naturally to see what may be the best fit for you

The vast majority of medical experts will tell you that losing weight naturally is the much safer than the variety of weight loss surgery options. One of the cons in having surgeries such as laparoscopic weight loss surgery, bariatric weight loss surgery or any of the other surgical procedures for weight loss there is always a mortality rate. The University of Washington completed a ground breaking study that showed the real rate of death among the weight loss surgery options is approximately 1 in 50. The mortality rate commonly given to patients is 1 in 300, but that rate was only reflective among the rates of the very best surgeons in the country. The study found that practitioners with fewer than 20 surgeries had a significantly higher mortality rate. The mortality rate was measured as patients who died within 20 days of having the surgery.

Whether you are having gastro bypass surgery, laparoscopic weight loss surgery, bariatric weight loss surgery, hysterectomy weight loss surgery or any other of the surgical procedures for weight loss it is critical to know how much experience the physician has. Going to a reputable surgical weight loss center with experienced staff should be a main safety concern among researching patients.

With all of the doom and gloom stories about weight loss surgery options you hear in the media there are far more success stories of people who had positive experiences and have gone on to live productive happy lives. For some people who are severely obese gastro bypass surgery is the only alternative to losing weight. Losing weight naturally is not realistic and most would suffer from defeat and eventually die and early death. Weight loss surgeries give these people hope that they can overcome their obesity and gain back their lives. With proper patient education and aftercare the success rate is high with little side effects and not long term health problems.

For people considering weight loss surgeries it is always best to attempt losing weight naturally before considering weight loss surgery options. Surgery should not be seen as a quick fix onetime event. It is really the first step in overcoming obesity and the beginning of a life long battle. For those patients who do not educate themselves about healthy eating and exercise they often experience short lasting results and post-surgery complications.

Before considering weight loss surgery check with a knowlegable physician. Another good tip is to speak to patients who have had the surgery you are considering to learn about their experiences. Surgeries such as gastro bypass surgery can be covered by insurance in certain cases.