Found in cruciferous vegetables, DIM is a phytonutrient that occurs naturally. DIM has been around for more than a decade, but the connection between estrogen metabolism and plant derived ingredients is still being understood. It appears that DIM may balance estrogen in women as well as men. This means that there is potential for using DIM to treat uterine fibroid tumors, estrogen dominance issues, fibrocystic breasts, and more. DIMPRO is a product that uses DIM in addition to a patented formula that enhances absorption for the best possible outcome.

There are many benefits of using DIM in menopausal women because it may help improve overall health. This includes protecting against heart disease and cancer, promoting an estrogen metabolism that is healthy and balanced, protecting against estrogen dominant conditions, supporting prostate function in men, promoting healthy bones and skin, promoting fat loss, and more.

DIM works because of the phytochemicals it contains. DIM Is found in cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and more. The hormone metabolism is regulated when theses vegetables are consumed. Of course, to achieve the benefits of DIM an individual would need to eat up to three pounds of broccoli on a daily basis to have any shift in their hormonal balance. This is difficult so supplementing with DIM makes more sense to most people. If you prefer to eat three pounds of broccoli on a daily basis then that is your choice.

When a woman has an estrogen metabolism that is too slow then this could result in too much estradiol in the body. Both men and women with too much estradiol in their bodies will run into problems. This can cause weight gain for women, breast pain, and moodiness. Men will suffer from a loss of libido, weight gain, male patterned baldness, prostate enlargement, and more.

DIM works to help balance hormones naturally and this is beneficial for both men and women. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms outlined here consider talking with your doctor about DIM and how it might be able to help you.

The side effects of black cohosh during menopause can be more intense than the actual symptoms of menopause in some women! Black cohosh, also known as actaea racemosa, may have side effects despite the fact that it is natural. If you are considering taking black cohosh for your menopausal symptoms be sure you are up to speed on the potential side effects. For example, you might have an upset stomach, dizziness, breast tenderness, headaches, weight gain, as well as other. Usually, the side effects from taking black cohosh are not serious, but they can be quite bothersome. If they are more bothersome or equally bothersome to the side effects you are experiencing from menopause it might be worth trying a different supplement altogether.

Of course, black cohosh may cause some other side effect that are more serious and these should be discussed with your doctor. For example, if when taking black cohosh you begin to have stomach pain in your upper right abdominal area then this could be a sign of liver damage. You should not write this off but talk to your doctor about it. Also, you will need to talk with your doctor if you experience high liver enzymes, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. Additionally, if you have spotting or vaginal bleeding that is unexplained you will want to discuss this with your doctor.

It is not common, but some women may be allergic to black cohosh. Signs of an allergic reaction include itching, hives, rash, difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the throat, and others. Keep in mind as well that although black cohosh is natural it is not regulated in the same way as prescription drugs. As a result it could be contaminated with heavy metals, other herbs, or even some types of medications. Because of this you will only want to buy black cohosh from reputable manufacturers. When in doubt ask you pharmacist for a recommendation.

Prometrium is another drug used in the treatment of menopausal women. This particular drug is used to help women who have stopped menstruating as a result of menopause to menstruate again. Also, it may keep the uterine lining from abnormally thickening in women who are taking estrogen hormone replacement therapy.

Prometrium works by providing the woman with progesterone that is structured the same way that progesterone is found naturally in the body. The progesterone used in Prometrium is bio-identical and the FDA has approved this. There is no other hormone replacement therapy medication that has FDA approved bio identical progesterone to date.

Prometirum works to keep the uterine lining from thickening too much in women who still have a uterus who are also taking a hormone replacement therapy. The abnormal thickening of the uterine lining could lead to cancer and this is why drugs like Prometrium are important. When progesterone or progestin is taken then the risk of developing cancer is reduced.

This drug has also been approved to help women start their periods again if they have stopped for a variety of reasons. After taking the drug for 10 days, more or less, and stopping the body will experience “withdrawal” bleeding or a period usually within seven days of the last dose of the drug.

Menopause is normal and all women will go through it. Once a woman has not had her period for 12 consecutive months she has entered menopause. There are many symptoms that accompany menopause including hot flashes, vaginal irritation or dryness, bone weakening, hair thinning, insomnia, night sweats, hot flashes, and more. If you feel like you need treatment talk with your doctor.

Estrace is a drug that is used specifically for menopausal symptoms. This prescription medication has estradiol, which is an estrogen hormone. Estrace has been approved for a variety of treatments including the prevention of osteoporosis in women who are postmenopausal, the treatment of common symptoms of menopause including vaginal dryness and hot flashes, cancer relief, and the treatment of younger women who have a hormone deficiency due to their ovaries not producing a sufficient amount of estrogen.

Women go through menopause after their childbearing years come to an end. This is a normal change for women and menopause is considered o have occurred when a woman has missed her period for 12 consecutive months. The symptoms of menopause are well known and include insomnia, night sweats, sleeping issues, hot flashes, urinary problems, mood changes, memory problems, hair loss, weight gain, change in libido, vaginal dryness, and more.

Some women may experience symptoms that are light and not difficult to bear while other women may experience extreme symptoms. For these women there are a variety of medications available including natural remedies and other methods of dealing with their symptoms.

If Estrace is used for menopausal treatment it should only be for the shortest amount of time possible and at the lowest possible effective dose. The reason why is because cancerous changes in the uterus may occur when an estrogen treatment is used without progesterone. For women who have had a hysterectomy taking Estrace is not as dangerous because you no longer have a uterus to worry about.

There are many different symptoms of menopause and it really depends on each and every woman. There are common symptoms including weight gain, hot flashes, headaches, depression, and vaginal dryness. Then, there are other symptoms that aren’t as well known. These include gum problems, memory lapses, osteoporosis, disorientation, and more.

Many women want to treat their menopause but in a way that is safe and won’t cause even more symptoms. One option may be Pregnenolone. This is a steroid hormone that the body usually produces naturally as a result of producing other hormones including DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, and androgens. The female body does not produce enough hormones during menopause usually because of the low levels of estrogen. This is what many doctors believe causes the many different symptoms of menopause.

Pregnenolone may help some women restore their hormonal balance. This is especially true for the few women who find their menopausal symptoms to be unbearable. PRegnenolone is not the most popular menopausal treatment option because the medication and the way it works still remains quite a mystery. Before doctors can recommend pregneolone wholeheartedly more studies need to be conducted to determine what the benefits and drawbacks of this drug are.

Currently, Pregnenolone is an experimental drug and although it may help with concentration, memory loss and depression that doesn’t mean it is a safe drug to take for menopause. Of course, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t safe, either, just that there needs to be more studies on this drug and its effects on the symptoms of menopause.

The women who take this drug may have some side effects that range from irritability to aggressiveness and growth of body hair to difficulty sleeping.

If you have heard of red clover before it is entirely possible that it was related to grazing cattle or feeding other animals. However, red clover is also used to treat menopause as well as many other health conditions. Some of these include eczema, caner, respiratory problems, whooping cough, among others. In the past doctors thought red clover could be a blood purifier because it was a diuretic and that this could improve circulation while cleansing the liver.

More recent tests show red clover to contain isoflavones, not unsimilar from those contained in soy. These are chemicals from plants that affect the body in an estrogen like way. As a result, there are many symptoms that may be caused by menopause that red clover can help treat. These include cardiovascular healthy, osteoporosis, hot flashes, and others. While red clover may help with some of the symptoms of menopause there are also some concerns over taking estrogen in the form of isoflavones. The evidence regarding the reduction of menopausal symptoms is also mixed.

There are many nutrients in red lover including phosphorus, niacin, chromium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, thiamine, and others. It is believed that heart disease may also be prevented to some degree by women who use red clover supplements. There are no definites as of yet, but it is a strong possibility. That is because good HDL cholesterol appears to increase as a result of supplementing with red clover. It is possible that blood flow is improved, too, as a result of taking this herb and this could reduce the rate of blood clots among menopausal women.

The biggest effect red clover may have on menopausal women is its ability to improve the intensity and number of hot flashes. There is no definite evidence this is the case, but many women report feeling better after supplementing with this herb. Talk with your doctor before taking red clover to determine if it is right for you.

When menopause symptoms begin to rear their ugly head you will certainly take notice and probably wonder how you can treat them. In most cases, there is no specific treatment that is necessary for menopause. In fact, the majority of women who exercise and eat healthy are able to go through menopause without experiencing too many extreme symptoms. There are many hormone changes that women will go through and some may experience symptoms that are extreme. In these cases treatment may be necessary but that does not mean that extreme treatment options are necessary.

For example, women with hot flashes may find that avoiding caffeine, stress, spicy foods, and being hot might help. These triggers can cause hot flashes and if you avoid them then you may reduce your menopausal hot flashes.

Women experiencing vaginal dryness may want to try an over the counter vaginal lubricant. There are quite a few that are helpful and make love making comfortable. There are also vaginal moisturizers that may help.

Problems sleeping may be treated by getting plenty of physical exercise. Women who work out daily, even if they just take a brisk walk, will find that they sleep better. Smoking, large meals, and working before bed are not suggested. Avoid caffeine and alcohol altogether and try a warm cup of chamomile tea before bed. Don’t watch television in your bed, reserve this place for sleep and sex only. Maintain the same schedule daily and don’t nap during the day. All of these suggestions will help you get a good night’s rest.

It is not uncommon for women going through menopause to feel slightly depressed or moody. Staying active and getting plenty of sleep may help women deal with their emotions during this time. Full blown depression may occur, but this will require medical attention.

Menopause is defined as women going 12 months without having a period. However, during the months and years leading up to this final time women will have a menstrual cycle although it may be irregular. It is even possible to stop menstruating for several months and then have it start back for several months. Menopause ranges from the late 30s to early 50s and is different for every woman. Generally, if your mother went through menopause early you may as well. The same goes for women who go through menopause late. The time before menopause, known as the perimenopausal time, may actually be more symptomatic than actual menopause. It truly is different for every woman and there is no way to know exactly how your menopause will play out until you go through it.

The endocrine system governs a woman’s menstrual cycle. Various hormones are released during the month to cause a woman to ovulate and then menstruate. During the perimenopausal years women may begin to notice some changes. For example, women have a certain number of eggs and as they begin to run out the body will start producing more FSH and LH to mature the eggs that are left. During this time the levels of estrogen may vary significantly and the level of FSH may affect whether a woman is entering menopause or not.

During perimenopause ovulation will occur occasionally but not monthly. When ovulation does not occur then estrogen will continue to be produced. Then, the lining in the uterus will build up and cause a heavy cycle. Cycles may be intermittent and extremely heavy at times. Other cycles may be very light and almost nonexistent. As menopause progresses menses will cease altogether.

The process of perimenopause may take several years and during this time women will experience cycles that are unpredictable. Women should prepare themselves for cycles that are quite light and quite heavy and even months without a cycle at all. When 12 months have passed with no cycle women can safely assume they have entered menopause.

Many doctors believe that menopause symptoms are due to a lack of estrogen in the body. However, new research and quite a few doctors support the cause of menopause symptoms could actually be a deficiency in progesterone and not estrogen. This is thought to actually cause an excess of estrogen. The theory has some merit, but there is no definitive answer yet.

To begin with, the theory is supported by the fact that women will continue to produce estrogen for the rest of their lives. The levels are lower than in their 20s, but still range from 40 to 60 percent of the highest levels. On the other hand, production of progesterone drops considerably after menopause and it has been discovered that often times the levels of progesterone in post menopausal women is even lower than levels in men.

There is no scientific reason to think that only estrogen plays a role in menopausal symptoms, but it is the only hormone that has been faulted. Neglecting to keep in mind the role progesterone plays in the menstrual cycle is like leaving a piece out of the puzzle and still acting as if you can see the whole picture.

There are many functions of progesterone in women. It is an antidepressant and natural diuretic in addition to stimulating the growth of bone. Progesterone causes the opposite effect of estrogen in some situations. For example, progesterone neutralizes cortisol while estrogen causes cortisol, the stress hormone, to release. Progesterone is a diuretic and estrogen causes bloating.

As a result, it is possible that heart disease, osteoporosis, and other menopausal symptoms may not be due to a deficiency in estrogen rather a deficiency in progesterone that causes an excess in estrogen.

Many women are prescribed hormone replacement therapy with progestin, which although it sounds like progesterone it actually is not. In fact, these synthetic progestins can cause many side effects that women are unaware of. Some of these side effects include blood clots, cervical erosion, depression, fluid retention, breast tenderness, stroke, and heart disease. There are no known side effects caused by natural progesterone and it has shown to provide relief to hot flashes , PMS, and other symptoms caused by menopause.

For women, estrogen plays a very important role and is our most important hormone. This hormone causes breast development and is responsible for starting the menstrual cycle. When the ovules begin to produce estrogen this is the start of puberty for young girls. Then, levels of estrogen will remain fairly consistent in the body for 25 years and then it will begin to decrease regularly. This is because the number of ovules maturing in the ovary goes down as women age and fewer ovules means less estrogen formation. The body reacts to this change by producing other hormones, Luetinisante Hormone (LH) and the Ovule Stimulating Hormone (FSH). At this point, however, the levels of estrogen are lower and when the body begins creating these other hormones women will experience other symptoms like night sweats or the commonly known hot flashes.

There are three forms of estrogen in women and these are estriol, estrone, and estradiol. The type of estrogen most common in non pregnant women is estradiol and the hormone will vary with the menstrual cycle. Once menopause has occurred in women the estradiol production will drop significantly and then remain consistent throughout the month.

Estrogen does not have one role in the body, however, and plays a significant role in other areas. Things like strong bones, skin tension, blood vessels and even arteriosclerosis are affected by estrogen levels.

The biggest concern for women after menopause starts and the levels of estrogen decrease is the possible development of arteriosclerosis and/or osteoporosis. These are two of the reasons many doctors prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy to their patients. Unfortunately, the side effects of HRT are considerably worse than either osteoporosis or arteriosclerosis and in most cases not worth the risk. If your doctor wants to prescribe HRT make sure you do some research and understand completely the risks that are involved. There are many other options for women interested in treating their menopausal symptoms naturally so keep that in mind.