Natural Hormone Replacement Offers Women Mid-Life Relief

June 27, 2011 by author · Leave a Comment 

 

Thirty years ago, Gail Sheely’s landmark book “Passages” defined the critical phases that adults pass through. Menopause, with its accompanying hot flashes, sleep problems, bone-density loss and mood swings, is unquestionably one of those stages. Women in search of some relief from the frustrating symptoms of this mid-life passage will want to look into bio-identical hormones.

Bio-identical hormones are identical in molecular structure to those that the human body produces on its own. Synthesized from a chemical extracted from yams and soy, they are a natural hormone replacement therapy (HRT). But the fact is, any medication made from an animal, vegetable or mineral can also be called “organic.”

Premara, the drug monitored for years in the Women’s Health Initiative, was created from the urine of pregnant mares and was regarded as natural, but not bio-identical. That study was abruptly ended in 2002 as a consequence of issues with elevated risks for breast cancer, heart disease, strokes and blood clots. These risks must always be considered when seeking relief from menopause signs and symptoms, and most professionals agree that therapy should be short term and conducted under close observation.

Bio-identicals can be delivered in several ways – pills, topical creams, patches, gels and ointments. Pills are metabolized in the liver first, thereby activating proteins associated with heart attacks and strokes. Topical applications travel directly into the blood vessels, bypassing the liver and those possible associated unwanted side effects.

Studies have shown good symptom relief with bio-identicals and have been Fda approved. This means they are available from large pharmaceutical companies with a prescription. However, just as “one size fits all” is seldom true with clothing off the shelf, the standardized formulations and dosages of mass medicine don’t usually meet individual women’s needs, either.

A compounding pharmacy can produce a personalized solution on a individualized basis. Dosages can be modified in accordance with symptoms, and additives in commercial preparations that cause allergic reactions can be eliminated.

It is good to remember that some of the same unintended effects in non-compounded HRT, including breast tenderness or bleeding, can still manifest. That is why it is recommended that women work with a medical doctor who is very familiar with this treatment, and with a specific compounding pharmacy. Responsible practitioners will also start out with what is called a hormone panel, which will help guide precise dosing and balance between estrogen and progesterone. As therapy proceeds, subsequent monitoring may modify the dosage as appropriate.

Your compounding pharmacy must also be accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board and be happy to discuss their quality-control techniques with you. Then you’re able to feel confident with a personalized therapy that is best designed to help you deal with life’s changes.

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The Condition and more Symptoms of Male Menopause

December 5, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

The condition and the symptoms of male menopause are comparable to the ones women experience and can sometimes be as worse. However male menopause does not affect all men, at least not with the same inclusion. Only some of the men between the age of forty and fifty can experience the condition and most of the symptoms of male menopause.

All the changes that occur in every man during the male menopausal period can affect every aspect of their lives. Male menopause is recognized as a physical condition and manifests in personal, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions.

Men also experience difficulties in hormonal fluctuations that affect their sexuality, mood, and personality like women. It is only one of the manifestations of the aging process of a man, where changes comes and make the person better out of it.

All men going through male menopausal can experience hormonal changes that greatly affect their lives. The levels of hormones will lower at their mid-life and may have changes which are usually associated with male menopausal. It is important to mark that every man has a unique personality and their individual levels of hormonal loss may vary widely. They have different outlook in life and strategies of living with satisfaction.

If the level of hormones lowers, it can be the cause to the decrease in sex drive and the general well being of their health. The occurrence of these things will also lead to the increase of depression and weight gain and absolutely will change the day to day living as compared to their lives before the onset of male menopause.

During the menopausal period, some men can experience problems with regards to impotence. Wherein it is the constant inability to achieve and maintain an erection that is enough to have a satisfactory sexual performance. And because of impotency, men are having lowered sexual desires.

How can a man recognize that he is going through that certain stage in life, the menopausal period? There are some symptoms to be aware of. Some are physical, some are psychological, and some are sexual. The following are the symptoms that a male is going through a male menopausal period.

Physical symptoms of male menopause include: