What are symptoms of low estrogen?
Menopause has become a common topic of discussion for many women. Unlike the past when the topic was considered taboo, many women now feel that speaking about the condition has brought awareness and better treatment. Menopause is a physiological event which every woman will go through in the 4th-5th decade of life. The sex hormones start to decline and many women develop symptoms. Some women develop only mild symptoms, but others who are unlucky develop a variety of physiological and emotional problems.
Can surgery lead to low estrogen levels?
Sure, another common reason why women have symptoms of low estrogen is after a hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure which removes the uterus and ovaries. Ovaries make estrogen and thus once these organs are removed, no more estrogen can be made.
What are options for females who have low estrogen levels?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen and progesterone is recommended in some women but the major concern is the possibility of developing breast or uterine cancer.
Showing posts with label menopause. Show all posts
Showing posts with label menopause. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Do Celebs take bioidentical hormones?
Do bioidentical hormones have benefits?
Even though menopause is a normal passage in the life of every woman, it sure is a difficult time for many. For decades menopause was a taboo topic. No one ever discussed it, it was a secret time in the life of a woman. This unfortunately led to many women suffering needlessly. Menopause is a time of emotional and physical changes. Each woman experiences different degrees of symptoms. One may starts to feel old, tired, grumpy and depressed. So how do celebs manage menopause? How do these hollywood gals always look cheerful, bright, energetic, and eager for more sex?
Well, this has been the untold secret of the past. For decades, many celebs have routinely been using extracts of plants that contain bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are very similar to the natural female sex hormones made in the body
Where can one get bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones were once widely sold all over the internet and in many health supplement stores. Today, the FDA has cracked down on health food stores selling these hormones and mandating consumers get a prescription to obtain these drugs
There are many formulations of bioidentical hormones and one can even get individualized formulations.
How can one tell if I need a bioidentical hormone?
The business of bioidentical hormones is big and now these vendors also market their own testing systems. One of these tests can check hormone levels in saliva. If levels of hormones in saliva are low, you can take them. However, there is a lot of controversy about these saliva tests. They are expensive, not reliable, and certainly not approved by the FDA. The tests would best be described as scams. There are other established clinical laboratory tests that can measure levels of hormones in blood, but these tests are also expensive, take time and do have some variability. However, these tests are more reliable than the saliva tests.
Even though menopause is a normal passage in the life of every woman, it sure is a difficult time for many. For decades menopause was a taboo topic. No one ever discussed it, it was a secret time in the life of a woman. This unfortunately led to many women suffering needlessly. Menopause is a time of emotional and physical changes. Each woman experiences different degrees of symptoms. One may starts to feel old, tired, grumpy and depressed. So how do celebs manage menopause? How do these hollywood gals always look cheerful, bright, energetic, and eager for more sex?
Well, this has been the untold secret of the past. For decades, many celebs have routinely been using extracts of plants that contain bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are very similar to the natural female sex hormones made in the body
Where can one get bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones were once widely sold all over the internet and in many health supplement stores. Today, the FDA has cracked down on health food stores selling these hormones and mandating consumers get a prescription to obtain these drugs
There are many formulations of bioidentical hormones and one can even get individualized formulations.
How can one tell if I need a bioidentical hormone?
The business of bioidentical hormones is big and now these vendors also market their own testing systems. One of these tests can check hormone levels in saliva. If levels of hormones in saliva are low, you can take them. However, there is a lot of controversy about these saliva tests. They are expensive, not reliable, and certainly not approved by the FDA. The tests would best be described as scams. There are other established clinical laboratory tests that can measure levels of hormones in blood, but these tests are also expensive, take time and do have some variability. However, these tests are more reliable than the saliva tests.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Black Cohosh 101 part 3
Can black cohosh be used to treat arthritis?
There are only anecdotal reports, which claim that black cohosh is useful in arthritis. At the moment there is no clinical evidence that black cohosh is useful for any type of arthritic disorder. There are many isolated reports which claim that black cohosh does not provide relief from arthritic pain.
Is black cohosh useful for Menopausal symptoms?
Even though black cohosh is a widely popular supplement among postmenopausal women who want treatment for their symptoms, the clinical evidence is not easy to interpret. Most women use black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms such as migraine headaches, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, mood problems, sweats, heart palpitations, and vaginal dryness. There are some studies in humans that do suggest improvement in symptoms with black cohosh, however, not all women experience the same relief of symptoms, and the symptom relief is not sustained. Some reports indicate that black cohosh does work well for about 3-6 months. Currently, some health care providers only recommend black cohosh for short-term use. Because of the variability in quality of product, many women will have to try out a few products to determine which is the most effective. In the end, all women should understand that black cohosh only works in less than 50% of individuals.
Does black cohosh relieve menstrual migraine?
Nearly 30% of women develop menstrual migraines. Many women do report relief of headaches after ingesting back cohosh but this relief is not seen in all postmenopausal women. Further, after a few weeks or months, black cohosh fails to work. Of all the postmenopausal symptoms, menstrual migraines may be the one symptom that is amenable to treatment with black cohosh.
What is dose of black cohosh?
No one really knows what dose of black cohosh to take. Every herbal store sells a different product with different formulations and a different dose. The British herbal commission recommends a dose of 40-200 milligrams of dried rhizome daily in divided doses. However, there are women who take nearly 300-400 mg three times a day.
The liquid formula does is also variable and ranges from 0.4 to 2 milliliters of a (1:10) formula dissolved in 60% ethanol. This tincture does taste bitter and acrid. Most reports indicate that a dose of 40 mg for 12 weeks if effective
There are only anecdotal reports, which claim that black cohosh is useful in arthritis. At the moment there is no clinical evidence that black cohosh is useful for any type of arthritic disorder. There are many isolated reports which claim that black cohosh does not provide relief from arthritic pain.
Is black cohosh useful for Menopausal symptoms?
Even though black cohosh is a widely popular supplement among postmenopausal women who want treatment for their symptoms, the clinical evidence is not easy to interpret. Most women use black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms such as migraine headaches, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, mood problems, sweats, heart palpitations, and vaginal dryness. There are some studies in humans that do suggest improvement in symptoms with black cohosh, however, not all women experience the same relief of symptoms, and the symptom relief is not sustained. Some reports indicate that black cohosh does work well for about 3-6 months. Currently, some health care providers only recommend black cohosh for short-term use. Because of the variability in quality of product, many women will have to try out a few products to determine which is the most effective. In the end, all women should understand that black cohosh only works in less than 50% of individuals.
Does black cohosh relieve menstrual migraine?
Nearly 30% of women develop menstrual migraines. Many women do report relief of headaches after ingesting back cohosh but this relief is not seen in all postmenopausal women. Further, after a few weeks or months, black cohosh fails to work. Of all the postmenopausal symptoms, menstrual migraines may be the one symptom that is amenable to treatment with black cohosh.
What is dose of black cohosh?
No one really knows what dose of black cohosh to take. Every herbal store sells a different product with different formulations and a different dose. The British herbal commission recommends a dose of 40-200 milligrams of dried rhizome daily in divided doses. However, there are women who take nearly 300-400 mg three times a day.
The liquid formula does is also variable and ranges from 0.4 to 2 milliliters of a (1:10) formula dissolved in 60% ethanol. This tincture does taste bitter and acrid. Most reports indicate that a dose of 40 mg for 12 weeks if effective
Black Cohosh 101
Many postmenopausal women take black Cohosh. The vendors who sell this product make it sound like this product is a remedy for every medical symptom after menopause. One of the major reasons why black cohosh has gained popularity is because it is deemed to be a better alternative to hormonal therapy in menopausal women. Black cohosh is sold as a treatment for:
-hot flashes
-mood disturbances
-diaphoresis (sweating)
-palpitations (fast heart beats)
-vaginal dryness
Is there any evidence that black cohosh works?
There have been a few studies, which have looked at this product, and some studies have revealed an improvement in menopausal symptoms. However, not all studies show the same degree of improvement in symptoms.
How does black cohosh work?
The exact mechanism how black cohosh works is unknown but is believed to be related to either a direct effects on the estrogen receptor or alteration of hormonal levels
Is black cohosh safe?
The supplement has been studied for up to 6 months and appears to be safe for this time period. Long-term safety of black cohosh is not known and caution is advised until more long term data are available
Can black cohosh be used in women with breast cancer?
Use of black cohosh in females with breast or uterine cancer should be used with great caution. Most physicians do not recommend it but if one does use the supplement, it has to be under the supervision of a health care professional
-hot flashes
-mood disturbances
-diaphoresis (sweating)
-palpitations (fast heart beats)
-vaginal dryness
Is there any evidence that black cohosh works?
There have been a few studies, which have looked at this product, and some studies have revealed an improvement in menopausal symptoms. However, not all studies show the same degree of improvement in symptoms.
How does black cohosh work?
The exact mechanism how black cohosh works is unknown but is believed to be related to either a direct effects on the estrogen receptor or alteration of hormonal levels
Is black cohosh safe?
The supplement has been studied for up to 6 months and appears to be safe for this time period. Long-term safety of black cohosh is not known and caution is advised until more long term data are available
Can black cohosh be used in women with breast cancer?
Use of black cohosh in females with breast or uterine cancer should be used with great caution. Most physicians do not recommend it but if one does use the supplement, it has to be under the supervision of a health care professional
Monday, April 13, 2009
Bio identical hormonal therapy 101
Is Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) a new concept?
No, Hormone replacement therapy has been practiced with pharmaceutical products for more than 50 years. Women have been prescribed hormones to treat menopause and a variety of disorders where fertility has been affected. However, today HRT has gained impetus chiefly because women want to get rid of symptoms of menopause
What happens during menopause?
During menopause, all women stop making the natural sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. The loss of these sex hormones is associated with many physical and emotional effects. Thirty years ago, estrogen and progesterone were widely prescribed to treat menopause. However, as clinical evidence accumulated, it was realized that the safety of these hormones in the long run was an issue. Laboratory research showed that long-term use of sex hormones after menopause could lead to growth of breast or uterine cancers.
So what is happening now?
Well we have now come full circle. Instead of using the prescription based synthetic estrogen and progesterone, there is a big demand for the naturally occurring sex hormones. Bioidentical hormones are naturally occurring hormones found in plants. The bioidentical hormones also require a prescription; however, many pharmacies can adjust the formulation so that one can have the right amount of estrogen or progesterone.
Who uses Bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical HRT is very useful for women who have undergone hysterectomy and those who are undergoing menopause. Younger women who have premature ovarian failure or have undergone a hysterectomy may take the bioidentical HRT for many more years.
How are bioidentical hormones available?
These hormones can be delivered as a patch, pill, cream, gel, or even an injection. The two basic formulations are ones which have a constant dosage and those which have a varying dosage of sex hormones. Bioidentical hormones can also be compounded with testosterone to provide a boost to libido.
No, Hormone replacement therapy has been practiced with pharmaceutical products for more than 50 years. Women have been prescribed hormones to treat menopause and a variety of disorders where fertility has been affected. However, today HRT has gained impetus chiefly because women want to get rid of symptoms of menopause
What happens during menopause?
During menopause, all women stop making the natural sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. The loss of these sex hormones is associated with many physical and emotional effects. Thirty years ago, estrogen and progesterone were widely prescribed to treat menopause. However, as clinical evidence accumulated, it was realized that the safety of these hormones in the long run was an issue. Laboratory research showed that long-term use of sex hormones after menopause could lead to growth of breast or uterine cancers.
So what is happening now?
Well we have now come full circle. Instead of using the prescription based synthetic estrogen and progesterone, there is a big demand for the naturally occurring sex hormones. Bioidentical hormones are naturally occurring hormones found in plants. The bioidentical hormones also require a prescription; however, many pharmacies can adjust the formulation so that one can have the right amount of estrogen or progesterone.
Who uses Bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical HRT is very useful for women who have undergone hysterectomy and those who are undergoing menopause. Younger women who have premature ovarian failure or have undergone a hysterectomy may take the bioidentical HRT for many more years.
How are bioidentical hormones available?
These hormones can be delivered as a patch, pill, cream, gel, or even an injection. The two basic formulations are ones which have a constant dosage and those which have a varying dosage of sex hormones. Bioidentical hormones can also be compounded with testosterone to provide a boost to libido.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Bio identical hormones and menopause
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not a new idea. For more than 30 years, some women who have undergone menopause have taken some type of hormone replacement pill
Menopause is a physiological event in life and at this point in time, the ovaries stop making the natural estrogen and progesterone. The loss of these female sex hormones is associated with a number of disturbing physical and emotional effects. Thirty years ago, a varied combination of estrogen and progesterone were widely used to treat menopause. However, as medicine advanced many physicians became aware of the problems of prescribing sex hormones. Experimental work revealed that long-term use of these hormones led to the development of breast or uterine cancers. Soon many women were left with no treatment except for the occasional estrogen patch
Well we are now back to where we started nearly 40 years ago. Today, there is a lot of hype about bioidentical HRT that are widely sought by many women. Bioidentical hormones are naturally occurring hormones extracted from plants. These hormones were initially easily available without a prescription but the concern for safety led the FDA to introduce a prescription for these plant derived hormones. Bioidentical hormones are available in many formulations. There are even some pharmacies that can tailor the exact dosages of estrogen and progesterone.
Menopause is a physiological event in life and at this point in time, the ovaries stop making the natural estrogen and progesterone. The loss of these female sex hormones is associated with a number of disturbing physical and emotional effects. Thirty years ago, a varied combination of estrogen and progesterone were widely used to treat menopause. However, as medicine advanced many physicians became aware of the problems of prescribing sex hormones. Experimental work revealed that long-term use of these hormones led to the development of breast or uterine cancers. Soon many women were left with no treatment except for the occasional estrogen patch
Well we are now back to where we started nearly 40 years ago. Today, there is a lot of hype about bioidentical HRT that are widely sought by many women. Bioidentical hormones are naturally occurring hormones extracted from plants. These hormones were initially easily available without a prescription but the concern for safety led the FDA to introduce a prescription for these plant derived hormones. Bioidentical hormones are available in many formulations. There are even some pharmacies that can tailor the exact dosages of estrogen and progesterone.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Menopause Treatments
It is important to remember that menopause itself is a normal part of life, not a condition or disease that requires treatment. However, treatment of some of the symptoms of menopause is possible if they become severe.
One of the most common menopausal treatments in the medical community is hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT, administered orally, consists of the female hormone estrogen, or a combination of estrogens and progesterone. This helps to maintain estrogen levels in the body and can control symptoms of menopause related to the decline of estrogen, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
While an effective treatment method, HRT has been shown to have its risks. Long-term studies of women receiving hormone therapy with both estrogen and progesterone have shown an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer. Estrogen therapy alone has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
Similar to HRT, there are also vaginal hormonal treatments available. Sometimes combined with oral estrogen treatments, local (vaginal) treatments include vaginal estrogen creams, tablets, and the vaginal estrogen ring. These treatments carry similar risks to those of oral estrogen treatments.
Oral contraceptive pills can be used as hormone therapy to treat women in the early stages of menopause who are experiencing irregular vaginal bleeding (“spotting” or “breakthrough bleeding”) by regulating menstrual periods. It can also aid in reducing hot flashes and night sweats.
It is important to remember that while the pill is a very common prescription, it may not be right for all women, and carries it’s own host of risks. Some of the more serious risks include blood clots, stroke and heart attacks, which are increased if you smoke.
There has been a lot written lately about bioidentical hormones. While these may be naturally derived, they also carry the same risks as the natural estrogen.
One of the most common menopausal treatments in the medical community is hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT, administered orally, consists of the female hormone estrogen, or a combination of estrogens and progesterone. This helps to maintain estrogen levels in the body and can control symptoms of menopause related to the decline of estrogen, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
While an effective treatment method, HRT has been shown to have its risks. Long-term studies of women receiving hormone therapy with both estrogen and progesterone have shown an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer. Estrogen therapy alone has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
Similar to HRT, there are also vaginal hormonal treatments available. Sometimes combined with oral estrogen treatments, local (vaginal) treatments include vaginal estrogen creams, tablets, and the vaginal estrogen ring. These treatments carry similar risks to those of oral estrogen treatments.
Oral contraceptive pills can be used as hormone therapy to treat women in the early stages of menopause who are experiencing irregular vaginal bleeding (“spotting” or “breakthrough bleeding”) by regulating menstrual periods. It can also aid in reducing hot flashes and night sweats.
It is important to remember that while the pill is a very common prescription, it may not be right for all women, and carries it’s own host of risks. Some of the more serious risks include blood clots, stroke and heart attacks, which are increased if you smoke.
There has been a lot written lately about bioidentical hormones. While these may be naturally derived, they also carry the same risks as the natural estrogen.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Menopause 101
Menopause is frequently referred to as the “change of life”. It is a natural part of the aging process for all women, generally becoming obvious by irregular menstrual cycles and concluding in cessation of menstruation altogether. This conversion into a new phase of life can be perplexing for many women. What is menopause? When does menopause start? What symptoms will I experience? When will it end?
For most women, menopause starts between the ages of 45 and 55, though some women may arrive at menopause as early as age 35 or not until 55. There is no way to foretell when an individual woman will arrive at menopause, though there does seem to be a relationship between the menopausal ages of the mother and daughter.
The beginning of menopause is discernible by irregular menstrual cycle span, which can mean longer, or shorter menstrual cycles. There is also a noticeable change in the flow of periods- from lighter or heavier. Due to the natural hormone variations in a woman’s body at this time, other signs or symptoms may portray themselves in unpredictable intensities.
As menopause moves forward, a woman’s body steadily decreases production of the female sex hormone, estrogen. Estrogen is known to regulate menstruation and pregnancy, as well as help in development of female physical and sexual characteristics such as body shape, fat, breasts and hair. Estrogen also acts to strengthen bone; therefore women going through or who have gone through menopause are at increased risk for osteoporosis.
The severity of menopausal symptoms experienced fluctuate significantly from woman to woman. Some women may experience considerable menopausal symptoms, both physical and emotional, while others may experience few or none.
For most women, menopause starts between the ages of 45 and 55, though some women may arrive at menopause as early as age 35 or not until 55. There is no way to foretell when an individual woman will arrive at menopause, though there does seem to be a relationship between the menopausal ages of the mother and daughter.
The beginning of menopause is discernible by irregular menstrual cycle span, which can mean longer, or shorter menstrual cycles. There is also a noticeable change in the flow of periods- from lighter or heavier. Due to the natural hormone variations in a woman’s body at this time, other signs or symptoms may portray themselves in unpredictable intensities.
As menopause moves forward, a woman’s body steadily decreases production of the female sex hormone, estrogen. Estrogen is known to regulate menstruation and pregnancy, as well as help in development of female physical and sexual characteristics such as body shape, fat, breasts and hair. Estrogen also acts to strengthen bone; therefore women going through or who have gone through menopause are at increased risk for osteoporosis.
The severity of menopausal symptoms experienced fluctuate significantly from woman to woman. Some women may experience considerable menopausal symptoms, both physical and emotional, while others may experience few or none.
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