Menopause and Hot Flashes

A hot flash is a short sensation of heat that can come at anytime during the menopause stage in a woman’s life. It can include sweats and even be accompanied by a red, flushed looking face. Some women experience a more rapid heart rate followed by chills. Night sweats can occur with hot flashes as well and often interfere with sleep. It can be a difficult and frustrating time in a woman’s life.

The Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean diet focuses primarily on plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Butter is normally replaced with healthier fats such as olive oil. Very little salt is used to flavor food, since various herbs and spices are added instead. Red meat is kept to a minimum; however, fish and lean poultry are consumed two or three times a week.

Fruits and vegetables are known to be packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These fresh foods included in Mediterranean diets have also been associated with a lower level of bad cholesterol; the type of cholesterol that is likely to build up deposits in our arteries and potentially contribute to cardiovascular diseases.

How a Mediterranean Diet Can Help With Hot Flashes

A recent study involved six thousand women who were monitored over nine years, and aimed to see if a Mediterranean diet can reduce the occurrences of hot flashes. Those who closely followed the Mediterranean diet were 20 percent less likely to report hot flashes. Women who were in menopause and ate high-fat diets were 23 percent more likely to experience hot flashes and night sweats.

The study conducted in Australia through the University of Queensland could not specify exactly which foods prevent the flashes, but the researchers say that it is possible that low-fat diets help stabilize estrogen thus easing hot flashes. Eating a Mediterranean diet could also place blood sugar within a normal range, keeping symptoms of menopause to a minimum.

The authors of the study admit that not enough research has been done to start offering recommendations to women with menopause; however, they do remind people that a lot of research already exists to support that a Mediterranean-style diet has many health benefits. They say for this reason, adopting it at any point in life is a good idea.

Preventing Hot Flashes

While research continues in the connections between food and flashes, there are other steps women can take to lessen the effects of menopause. It may not be possible to completely eliminate hot flashes during menopause, but there are triggers that can cause them to occur more frequently. Doctors recommend avoiding the following during menopause:

• Stress
• Spicy food
• Caffeine
• Cigarette smoke
• Alcohol

Some women say keeping their room cool at night and using a fan during the day is good is helpful with hot flashes.  Wearing light layers of clothing with natural fibers like cotton will make you more comfortable should a hot flash suddenly come on.

So What is Menopause?

Before we address some of the most awkward questions that you may have about menopause, let’s first take a look at what it is and why it happens.  Menopause can happen in your 40’s or 50’s ; however, the average age is 51 years in the United States. Menopause involves the end of your menstruation cycle and therefore the end of your fertility. According to the Mayo Clinic, menopause is defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period.  Some of the symptoms leading up to menopause according to the Mayo Clinic, include: irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, weight gain, thinning hair, dry skin and decreased breast fullness.

What Happens During Menopause in a Woman?

Menopause can be caused by a number of things including: a decline of naturally occurring hormones (estrogen and progesterone), having a full hysterectomy (this affects the production of reproductive hormones and less estrogen and progesterone are produced), chemical or radiation therapy and/or primary ovarian insufficiency (where your ovaries do not produce the required levels of reproductive hormones, including estrogen and progesterone).  Whatever the cause of your menopause, you are bound to have questions and concerns about the changes that are happening to your body. Three of the most awkward menopause questions are addressed

Awkward Menopause Question #1 – What can I do about the facial hair that I’ve developed?

Not every women going through menopause will experience increased facial hair growth, but it is a big problem for many women and can be quite upsetting. Facial hair growth in women is caused by an imbalance of hormones.  The imbalance that creates unwanted facial hair growth involves falling levels of estrogen and progesterone and increasing levels of androgens (male hormones).  Thankfully there are a number of options for hair removal that can fit into any budget including: waxing, bleaching, hair removal creams and lotions, electrolysis and laser hair removal.

Awkward Menopause Questions #2 – How can I make sex more enjoyable?

In order to have more enjoyable sex, you have to be open and honest with your partner about how your body is feeling.  Along with the vaginal dryness that you may be experiencing can come uncomfortable, and possibly painful, sex.  Vaginal moisturizers are the first line of treatment for better sex.  If this doesn’t work, you can try a water-based lubricant to help make intercourse more pleasurable.  If you still aren’t experiencing pleasurable sex, you may need to speak with your doctor about prescription

Awkward Menopause Questions #3 – What can I do about the vaginal itching/burning that I have?

Decreasing levels of estrogen causes many women to experience vaginal dryness.  As estrogen levels decrease the tissue that lines the vagina becomes thinner and loses moisture and elasticity.  This can lead to an itching, burning sensation because of irritation of the vaginal walls.  The good news is that there are a number of treatments that will help to combat the vaginal dryness that you’re experiencing.  There are a variety of creams, tablets and rings that deliver a small amount of estrogen to the affected area.  Speak to your doctor about which solution is right for you.

RELATED READING: Male Menopause is No Joke

When it comes to your body during menopause, it may be embarrassing to speak to your healthcare professional about the symptoms that you’re experiencing.  But, remember, your doctor is there to help guide you through this naturally occurring process.  Speak up – don’t needlessly suffer with the symptoms of menopause

The cessation of the occurrence of menstrual cycles is a biological event that occurs among aging women and this is mainly caused by the decrease in the production of hormones by the body.  This concept also serves as the basis in the production of anti-aging products in the market.

Early Menopause and Aging

Previous research studies have shown that early menopause during aging may be caused by various factors including the change in the levels of female hormones, genetics, diseases, and other physiological activities related to aging.  Physicians and health-related organization thus campaign for healthy lifestyles that may also improve the quality of the aging process among women.  Consuming healthy diets may also serve as a natural anti-aging regimen amid decreasing levels of hormones, which can facilitate the aging process with minimal adverse effects on the body.

RELATED READING: Menopause and Hot Flashes

For example, fruits and vegetables contain natural anti-aging compounds that can slow down certain symptoms of aging, such as skin wrinkling. Exercise is also another anti-aging regimen that can maintain various physiological processes of the body.  For an economic point of view, manufacturers have increased the production of anti-aging products that may slow down the process of skin wrinkling.  It appears that placing the phrase “anti-aging” in a cosmetic or facial product will call the attention of an elderly female consumer.

To most women, entering early menopause and the aging process is considered as a bad sign because this event is strongly associated with the advancement in the process of aging.  Women within their 40s thus attempt to find anti-aging regimens that would help them feel and stay young, and ultimately delay their entry into menopause.  However, a recent medical report published in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy has shown that the occurrence of menopause at an earlier age may also bring in some benefit.

Hormones and Aging – The Research

According to the recent medical report, entering menopause at an earlier age increases the chances of experiencing a milder form of rheumatoid arthritis.  It should be understood that rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that involves the joints of the knees, elbow, toes, and fingers.  The incidence of this rheumatoid arthritis has been earlier reported to be higher among women, possibly due to the hormones that are produced in the female body.  It has been theorized that a change in the levels of female hormones allows the development of rheumatoid arthritis, with earlier reports showing that pregnant women are the least likely individuals to develop this joint disorders because they produce high levels of reproductive hormones during pregnancy.

Early Menopause the Study and Effect on Hormones

The study examined approximately 134 women who had entered menopause at various ages.  These women were screened in terms of the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other medical and behavioral conditions, including levels of hormones.  The study showed that approximately 72% of the women were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, with varying degrees of severity.  However, the women who were diagnosed with a milder form of the inflammatory disease were found to have entered menopause at an earlier age, as compared to women with more severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Severity of Menopause and Hormones

Based on the severity of their rheumatoid arthritis, different types of treatment were thus prescribed for the study participants.  Those with more severe rheumatoid arthritis were given strong medication, whereas women with mild rheumatoid arthritis were prescribed milder drugs.  More importantly, the women who underwent early menopause showed a better quality of life, based on the pain and stiffness that they experience with the mild form of rheumatoid arthritis.

This recent medical report is very interesting because it allows the readers to understand that certain other factors may influence the severity of a specific medical condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis.  In this case, entering early menopause and the cessation of the production of reproductive hormones appears to be not so scary anymore, especially when one considers that this change in life increases the chances of experiencing a milder form of arthritis.  This report also indirectly shows that artificial anti-aging products may not be so helpful to women, especially when early menopause provides some form.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is a naturally occurring phase in a woman’s life and usually occurs between the ages of 45-55. During menopause, the ovaries stop making eggs and they produce less estrogen and progesterone. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels cause the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes. In addition to hot flashes, changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause sexual, vaginal, psychological, skeletal, and vascular problems.

Decreases in estrogen and progesterone eventually result in the woman no longer having her period each month. After a year of no periods, menopause is considered over and a woman can no longer get pregnant.

Treatment for Menopause

There are many treatments that are available for women suffering from severe symptoms of menopause. Due to the estrogen and progesterone changes, a common medical treatment is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT is sometimes call estrogen replacement therapy. HRT comes with an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke. It is therefore recommended that women take the lowest dose possible for the shortness duration possible. Other treatment options include: anti-depressants, blood pressure medications and anti-seizure medications. Diet and lifestyle changes are also recommended to help deal with the symptoms of menopause.

Soy comes from soy beans. Soy can be found in a soy powder, milk or in supplement form. The active ingredients in soy are isoflavones. The isoflavones are changed to phytoestrogens in the body and act like estrogen. Many women have heard of anti-aging tips that include using soy for the prevention of breast cancer, menopausal symptoms and premenstrual symptoms (PMS). Following anti-aging tips, including supplementing your diet with soy, may help to reduce the symptoms of estrogen and progesterone issues among many other health benefits.

What is the Connection between Soy and Menopause?

The researchers looked at 19 studies that were previously conducted and pooled the data. Only studies that used soy supplements were included because the dosage of soy could be controlled. The analysis of the combined data showed that individuals that took an average of 54 milligrams of supplemental soy isoflavones a day for six weeks to 12 months had a 21% decrease in the frequency and a 26% decrease in the severity of their hot flashes. The authors concluded that the use of soy supplements does, in fact, have a significant impact on the reduction of hot flashes. Some women may prefer to get soy from food products as opposed to a supplement form.

Many women are concerned about using HRT; for these women, supplementing with soy for 6-12 weeks may be a better treatment option. Furthermore, even for individuals who are not weary of using HRT, soy supplementation may be the best conservative treatment for hot flashes experienced during menopause.

Further research should look at other ways in which soy may help with the aging process so that additional anti-aging tips can be developed to help people cope with the natural changes that occur as we age.

(Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare practitioner prior to supplementation of soy isoflavones. They may increase the risk of breast cancer and other conditions. Soy isoflavones may also interfere with medication such as blood thinners)

One of the biggest claims regarding maca, and a big part of what has gained it so much recognition is the impact maca can potentially have on the sexual health, menopause fertility and hormones of men and women.

Researchers readily admit that evidence for maca’s effectiveness is sparse, especially in regards to improving sexual health in men and women, but what is there shows enough promise that more research should be hitting the mainstream soon.

Part of what makes the studies of maca so difficult to garner information from is the indecisive, and argumentative “for” and “against” stance. But with more and more research coming available in favor, the “for” position is showing enough research to prompt further investigation.

A 2010 report published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that maca may have positive effects on sexual desire in healthy menopausal women or healthy adult men.

Researchers also break results down to account for the fact there are several different types of maca, these include yellow, black, and red maca. When it comes to sperm count, black maca appears to have the greatest effect.

So what exactly is the buzz about? And what uses are causing the controversy regarding maca?

Fertility

The research regarding maca and fertility is particularly controversial. The study involved 4 consecutive months of treatment on 9 adults and showed the tie between maca and the quality of sperm in men. Treatment with maca resulted in increased semen volume, sperm count, and sperm motility. Serum levels of testosterone and estradiol were not affected.

Menopause

A study found in the journal Menopause in 2008 showed that maca made an impact on the mood of women who were going through menopause.  14 women who just came through menopause took 3 ½ grams of powdered maca for six weeks and then took a matching placebo for another six weeks. Study results showed that maca aided in the reduction of anxiety levels and depression in women with menopause.

While more research needs to be done in order to solidify the place of maca as an effective supplement, there is a great deal of promise, and no doubt a significant “buzz” when it comes to the possibilities.

Maca is said to act on the hypothalamus-pituitary gland. This hormonal pathway produces the pre-cursers to male and female hormones, as well as having some effect on the adrenal glands. Maca does not necessarily stimulate it, but could behave in a balancing capacity which is why it is so interesting to researchers for sexual health in men and women.