Menopause is something that all women will have to experience later in life. However, the signs of this phase vary from one woman to another. Some women experience very mild symptoms, while others really find it very hard to cope with menopausal changes.

For majority of women, physiological changes brought about by menopause start to manifest right after the age of 40. This is a time when ovaries do not produce as much progesterone and estrogen as before and menstruation become irregular. This phase is more commonly known as perimenopause or premenopause. On the average, the completion of menopause occurs in women aged around 51. However, some have earlier menopause because of cancer therapy, removal of ovaries, or ovarian failure.

Again, the degree and severity of the signs of menopause differ from one woman to another. Thus, some may not know that they already completed the phase until their monthly period has finally stopped. However, if you feel any of the symptoms below, it would be wise if you consult your doctor because there are several health conditions that may have similar symptoms as menopause. This is especially true for women who are younger than 40 and who experience severe physical discomforts.

Hot Flashes

Many women describe hot flash as an episode in which a sudden blast of heat coming from the upper body is felt. This can last for as short as a minute and as long as 30 minutes. The problem with hot flashes, particularly those that last for more than five minutes, is that you end up sweating a lot. So after just one episode, you feel suddenly cold on your soaked clothes. Night sweating is very similar to hot flashes. The main difference is that it occurs during the night so many women end up with sweat-soaked clothes when they wake up.

Irregularity of Menstruation

The most obvious sign of menopause is a change in the pattern and regularity of your period. Due to changing hormonal levels, you may experience irregular periods for a few months or even years. Aside from these irregularities, you will also find a change in the blood flow of your menstruation. Sometimes periods may be heavy or very light. If you experience pain and discomfort during your period, it would be best to tell your doctor about it. Although this symptom may be normal among menopausal women, it is still worth mentioning.

Vaginal And Bladder Problems

Itching or burning sensation while urinating and having sex coupled with vaginal dryness are just some of the problems that are experienced by women who are having menopause or perimenopause. It is also quite common for women to catch vaginal infections or even bladder problems, such as urinary tract infection or the inability to hold urine properly. Although such infections are common, they are not normal and will not go away without being treated.

Erratic Mood Changes

Another annoying symptom of menopause is mood changes. Many menopausal women find themselves in the middle of misunderstandings and disagreements with their partner, children, family, colleagues and friends because of this. Experts believe that declining estrogen levels may be responsible for the shifting moods in women. This symptom may also be exacerbated by stress and fatigue. But it is important to note that depression is not a sign of menopause. If you have chronic depression during this stage, you need to address this condition immediately or seek some professional help.

If you think that you are already in a stage of menopause, based on the symptoms above, do not fret. There are a lot of things you can do to alleviate the symptoms and live your life normally. If you are afraid to undergo hormone replacement therapy, you can also find help from natural-based supplements, such as Menersa. Learn more about this product by visiting http://www.menersa.com/.



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The first signs of menopause can make you think you’re going crazy. Certain parts of the house are hotter, you’re waking up in sweats, forgetting things, and your vision is changing. If you’re a woman between the ages of 40 and 60, you’re not insane, but rather likely experiencing the first indicators of menopause.

You don’t need a doctor or expensive estrogen treatments to deal with many of the early signs of menopause. In fact, you can handle most of them yourself. For help identifying several of the stages and symptoms of menopause along with advice on how to cope with them, keep reading.

Discomfort with Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are a common side effect of menopause, and they can happen anywhere and at any time, though they’re often brought on by stress or even a reaction to spicy foods.

To help keep hot flashes at bay, carry a small portable fan and a few moist towelettes in your purse. Having a bottle of ice-cold water on hand can also help. Try freezing a bottle in the freezer the night before and then bringing it with you in your purse.

Forgetfulness

If you’re having trouble focusing or remembering just exactly what it is you’re doing at the grocery store, don’t worry – it’s a common symptom of menopause. Fight this problem by carrying a small notepad with you so you can jot down helpful reminders or list and place them in visible places.

If you’re a little bit more high-tech, then consider writing yourself reminders on your Blackberry or other portable device. You can keep track of more than just your meetings and contacts.

Increased or Abnormal Hair Growth

Due to the sudden increase in male hormones, many menopausal women are forced to deal with hair growth in new places. To keep chin hairs at bay, place a pair of tweezers in your purse. Look for errant hairs while in the car since the sunlight is a great, natural beauty light.

Unexpected Sweating at Night

Night sweats are a nighttime manifestation of hot flashes, causing you to wake up soaking wet and often disturbed or anxious. To fight night sweats, keep your bedroom cool (below 70 degrees) and try relaxing before bed. You may also want to spend the money on a high-quality pair of sweat-wicking pajamas.

Joint and Bone Pains

Bone and joint stiffness or pain is a common occurrence in menopausal or post-menopausal women. To protect your bones and your joints, watch your calcium intake and always carry a few calcium candies with you in your purse.

Dry and Irritated Eyes

One of the most common first signs of menopause is dry or irritated eyes – a problem brought on by hormone fluctuations. To combat this problem, invest in over-the-counter and preservative free artificial tears.

Women entering into their menopausal phase of life may find a number of uncomfortable experiences invade their days. But a little careful preparation to counter these sensations can make a noticeable difference in day-to-day quality of life.



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Consuming a diet that is healthy, alongside regular exercising, helps menopausal women to feel at their best. Menopause can cause symptoms that are very uncomfortable, in these cases treatments are available. When seeking treatments your local doctor should always be consulted first so as to tailor the requirements.

The use of hormone therapy (HT) is highly effective when used in the correct fashion. In the past referred to as ‘hormone replacement therapy’ (HRT), HT is the only government approved therapy for the treatment of vaginal dryness and strong hot flashes. In addition, HT reduces bone loss whilst improving sleep and lowering mood swings.

So called ‘bioidentical’ hormones are available from your doctor. There is much confusion over what this term actually means. These are simply products containing the exact same hormones that a woman produces naturally. A variety of well tested products exist in the marketplace.

Exercise should be taken after discussing it with your doctor. Aims should be to reduce the risk of serious diseases like diabetes or heart disease whilst maintaining your weight. Typically this consists of a minimum of 30 minutes exercise each day.

Symptoms like hot flashes are able to be reduced by lowering the quantities of spicy or hot food, alcohol and caffeine consumed. Less stress, and turning down the heating also work to halt flashes. By putting clothes on in layers controlling your temperature can be fine tuned through removing or adding a layer or two. Nearby fans, whether in the office or at home, offer fast and effective heat or cold relief. Exercise has been seen to both reduce and sometimes increase hot flashes. If hot flashes don’t disappear and your doctor informs you that HT is not an option available to you ask about taking epilepsy medicine or antidepressants. Evidence exists that indicates some women have had their hot flashes reduced with the use of both of these last two prescription medicine types.

Water-based prescription vaginal lubricants (e.g. KY Jelly) can make sex less painful. Prescription vaginal moisturizers enable lubrication and moisture retention in the vaginal tissues. For severe vaginal dryness HT is advisable, if purely used for dryness a vagina-specific estrogen product, in the form of creams, tablets or rings, is most effective.

Sleep problems can be reduced by regular 30 minute exercise routines each day. It is important not to exercise too late since this may keep you awake for longer into the night. Try to avoid smoking, working right up to bed time, large meals, and afternoon and evening caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. Consuming a warm drink just before going to sleep, e.g. herbal tea, can sometimes promote sleepiness. Your bedroom should only be used for sleeping and sex, at all times kept cool, dark and quiet. Cat-naps should be avoided, try to wake up and go to sleep at the same times every day. Whenever you can’t get to sleep in the middle of the night getting up and reading works well to induce sleepiness. If hot flashes appear to be the cause for most poor nights sleep then specifically work to reduce them.

Mood swings (PMS) often occur around the time of menopause. HT can in some cases, when already being used to treat hot flashes, lower mood swings.

Gaining sufficient quantities of sleep whilst also undergoing an effective daily exercise routine will help lower any memory deficiencies you may have due to hormone imbalances from the menopause.

Women who’ve had a hysterectomy where their ovaries have been removed tend to get a more sever form of menopause. Treatment for this more abrupt menopause should be discussed with your doctor.



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Menopause is a natural part of life and does not necessarily require treatment. You need to be informed of your options. Symptoms and health risks associated with low estrogen can be treated, often, in natural ways that don’t include drug related risks.

Definition

When a woman’s menstrual period ceases, and the ovaries permanently stop releasing eggs, a woman has entered the time in life called menopause. It is considered complete when a woman has been without her period for a full year. Menopause can occur anytime between the ages of 40-58, however, the average age is 51 years old.

The Cause

Menopause is a natural part of life and is a gradual process. The ovaries begin producing lower amounts of hormones prior to menopause during a phase called perimenopause.

If menopause occurs before the age of 40 it is called premature menopause. Premature menopause can occur naturally but can also be the result of several conditions, including:

* Family history of premature menopause

* Autoimmune diseases

* X-chromosome abnormalities

* Medical treatments (pelvic surgery, surgical removal of ovaries, chemotherapy,

or pelvic radiation therapy)

* Medications that lower estrogen levels

* Smoking

The Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Since menopause is a natural process associated with aging, there are no risk factors, but risk factors for premature menopause include:

* Family history of premature menopause

Symptoms

A number of physical and emotional symptoms may occur as menopause approaches. Women entering menopause often experience:

* Irregular menstrual periods

* Hot flashes and night sweats

* Disturbed sleep patterns, insomnia

* Anxiety

* Depression

* Dry skin

* Irritability

* Vaginal dryness and pain with sexual intercourse

* Difficulty concentrating

* Trouble remembering things

* Diminished interest in sex

* Frequent urination or leaking of urine

* Headaches

* Achy joints

* Fatigue

* Early morning awakening

The Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Blood tests, a pelvic exam, and a Pap smear may also be performed. Natural menopause is usually diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

If a woman had a hysterectomy before menopause, and no longer has periods, menopause may be suspected. It can be confirmed by an FSH test. This test is considered the most accurate for the diagnosis of menopause. It is the measurement of follicle stimulating hormone. High levels of FSH (greater than 40) may indicate menopause.

Treatment

Menopause is a natural part of life and does not automatically require treatment. Symptoms and health risks associated with low estrogen can be treated. These include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Be sure you completely understand the benefits and risk before starting HRT.

A number of different types of hormones are available. These include natural, synthetic, and plant-derived estrogens and progesterone. Combined therapies may include combinations of estrogen and progesterone; or the addition of small amounts of male hormones. Hormone preparations are available as tablets, gels, skin patches, vaginal rings, vaginal tablets, injections, and pellets inserted into the skin.

There is significant scientific evidence that the global health risks associated with combined estrogen and progesterone HRT on a long-term basis (more than 3-5 years) outweigh the benefits for many women. The average age of the women in these research studies is over 60 years old.

Use of combined HRT at the time of menopause (around age 50) may pose less risk. Also, most of these studies used conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone. Other evidence suggests that use of estradiol and natural progesterone may pose less risk.

Phytoestrogens

A high intake of phytoestrogens (or plant estrogens) may help menopausal women. Phytoestrogens are found in soybeans, black cohosh, whole grains, legumes, tempeh, and flax seed. They are also found in concentration in capsule form. Phytoestrogens may reduce the risk for diseases associated with estrogen.

Healthful/Helpful Diet

Diet can play an important and beneficial roll. A healthful diet during menopause can improve a woman’s sense of well-being, and may also reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. The diet should be low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium, and vitamin D. Low-fat does not mean no-fat. Some fats, especially the Omega-3 fats are essential.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

High use of caffeine or alcohol is never a good choice. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol may reduce symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and loss of calcium.

Quit Smoking

There are no health benefits derived from smoking. Giving up smoking can reduce the risk of early menopause, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

Regular Exercise

A healthy lifestyle should embrace regular exercise. It may reduce hot flashes. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, climbing stairs, and resistance exercises such as lifting weights help strengthen bones and decrease the risk of osteoporosis.

Stress Management

Stress management may help ease tension, anxiety, and possibly other menopausal symptoms. Deep breathing, massage, warm baths, and quiet music are relaxation techniques that may lessen stress.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Moisturizers and lubricants are used to help vaginal dryness.

Non-hormonal Medications

Certain blood pressure medicines (like “Catapres” and “Aldomet”) taken in lower doses than are used to treat high blood pressure have been somewhat helpful in relieving some menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

SSRI medications (serotonin reuptake inhibitors like “Prozac”, “Paxil”, and “Effexor”) have shown a modest benefit on hot flash severity scores. These medications should not be used if you are taking tamoxifen to reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence.

Prevention

Menopause does not need to be prevented. It is a natural biological event.

If you smoke, quitting could slightly delay the onset of menopause.



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Just the mere mention of the word menopause will give any woman some jitters. For members of the female gender, this stage in their lives is as scary as nightly visits from Freddie Kruger. You too would be scared if you knew that you will be haunted by the symptoms of menopause, which include hormonal changes, night sweats, hot flashes, tension headaches, mood swings, dry skin, lowered sex drive, vaginal dryness, anxiety, tension, and depression.

Kidding aside, menopause is a terrible stage to be in. However, you should not lose hope because you can fight some of the irritating menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweating and anxiety and depression by simply drinking enough water.

Menopause And Dehydration

Not many are aware that hormonal changes experienced during menopause can also bring about some form of dehydration, a condition in which the body does not have enough fluids to perform its normal functions. It is important to note that oxygen and nutrients cannot be properly circulated in different parts of the body if you are dehydrated.

A decline in a woman’s estrogen level speeds up the aging process. Aside from more wrinkles, and dry and sagging skin, the aging process also reduces the body’s ability to conserve water. Thus, a huge percentage of the fluids that is ingested come out through urine and sweat.

More water is actually lost by women during perimenopause and menopause because of hot flashes and night sweating. Since these symptoms, which can last from a couple of seconds to about 30 minutes, bring about profuse sweating, menopausal women who do not have the habit of drinking the right amount of water or other fluids are really more susceptible to getting dehydrated.

Some menopausal symptoms, such as tension headaches, mood swings, anxiety, and depression can also be exacerbated by dehydration. Since the brain and other body parts are not getting enough oxygen and nutrients when you are dehydrated, there is really a huge tendency to be easily agitated and irritable.

So how does water help women with menopause?

Prevents Drying Of Skin

Because of the reduction in the amount of estrogen in the body, the skin of a woman with menopause starts to dry, sag and wrinkle. You can actually prevent your skin from drying just by drinking enough water because water helps keep your skin moisturized.

Minimizes Irritability And Anxiety

Water helps in calming people when they are angry, anxious, tensed, nervous and irritable. In movies you might have noticed that someone usually offers some water to those who are in grief, crying, excited or surprised.

Furthermore, drinking plenty of water prevents dehydration. As mentioned earlier, dehydration can exacerbate the emotional symptoms of menopausal women.

Hot flashes And Night Sweats

Women who drank at least eight glasses of water a day have fewer or lesser attacks of hot flashes. Moreover, drinking a glass of cool water when you feel that you are about to have a hot flash attack could help a lot in preventing a full blast strike. The cool water will help balance the temperature in your body. Some people even splash cool water on their face in order to ease the symptom.

Drinking water is also helpful in easing the onset of night sweating. Before you go to bed, make sure that you have a glass of water nearby so that anytime you feel that you are going to have an attack, you can immediately stop it by drinking water.

To ease the other symptoms of menopause, there are many products in the market that can help. Just be sure to look for something that is natural and won’t have side effects.

One product that can help ease your menopause symptoms is Zalestra. For more information, visit www.zalestra.com.



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The mere mention of menopause can bring images of hot flashes or mood changes in a lot of women. Most women, even men, think that menopause is just that – the manifestation of several irritating symptoms. However, menopause is actually a process in which the ovaries start to lessen the production of sex hormones progesterone and estrogen. And this difficult phase ends when a woman’s monthly period finally ceases.

Although women in their 50s are usually the ones experiencing menopause, others find themselves having bouts with hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms even when they are just in their 40s. This stage is what is commonly known as pre-menopause or perimenopause. When a woman is around 40 years old, changes in her monthly periods are already apparent.

There are also cases when menopause is induced or experienced by younger women. This is usually due to surgical removal of ovaries, cancer therapies, or ovarian failure.

The Common Signs of Menopause

Bladder And Vaginal Problems

Incontinence or the inability to hold urine and urinary tract infection seem to be common in women who are in their menopausal stage. In some women, incontinence can be severe such that they have to wear adult diapers in order to avoid embarrassing situations, like pissing on their pants during meetings.

Aside from urine-related woes, menopausal women also experience itching, dryness, redness or burning sensation in the vagina. As a result, sexual activities may be quite painful and unenjoyable. Vaginal infections are also common during menopause.

Hot Flashes

The most infamous symptom of menopause is having hot flash. This is usually characterized by abrupt and unexpected bursts of heat from the center of the body which spread to the limbs. Hot flashes manifested at night during sleep are called night sweating.

Altered Menstrual Cycles

Since the number of eggs inside your ovaries is already dwindling and your sex hormone levels are diminishing, there will surely be changes in your monthly periods. You will notice that the flow of menstrual blood is becoming either lighter or heavier. Many women even experience absence of monthly periods for up to six months before having another menstruation. As a result, a lot of women find themselves bearing babies even at this stage. So unless you are absolutely sure that you have already completed your menopause, it would be wise to use contraceptives, such as condoms, to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Changed Attitude Towards Sex

Due to vaginal dryness and irritation, women who are in their menopausal stage usually are not in the mood for sex. Others, however, become more active because they are no longer burdened or worried about becoming pregnant. Whatever your reaction to sexual intercourse is, it is important to remember that you can still be prone to getting sexually transmitted diseases if you are not careful. Thus, practice safe sex all the time.

Sleep Woes

A number of women complain about either not having enough restful sleep or finding it quite difficult to fall asleep during this phase. In fact, you might find yourself waking up in the middle of the night because of profuse sweating caused by hot flashes.

Mood Changes

Scientists found that the low levels of estrogen during menopause may be the cause of mood changes in women. It seems that the sudden drop in estrogen can create havoc in women’s emotions. Thus, depression and anxiety are common problems facing menopausal women.

Hormone Replacement Therapy is one of the most popular treatments for menopause. However, many women who tried HRT experienced a lot of side effects. In fact, some studies are linking HRT with the development of severe illnesses including cancer.

One safe alternative in alleviating the symptoms of menopause is the use of phytoestrogen supplements, such as Menersa. Phytoestrogen is a plant substance that mimics the role of estrogen in the body. If you want to know more about phytoestrogen and Menersa, visit http://www.menersa.com/.



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At mere mention of menopause, American women usually feel fear and anxiety creeping up their spine. Women view menopause as something as scary as a ghost that slowly and gingerly crawls up at the back to startle and surprise them. And they are right, menopause is a phenomenon that should be greeted with dread and loathing.

It is not really surprising that many women in the US feel this way because of the many annoying symptoms that this condition can cause. Hot flashes, mood swings, irritability, unwanted weight gain, insomnia, memory lapses, slow responses, not to mention decline in sexual appetite are just some of the many signs that a woman is already experiencing The Change, which is what many experts call this stage.

If you think that all women across cultures feel the same way about menopause, you should think again. Although all members of the female gender will have to experience this phase in their life, NOT all of them welcome menopause with dread and fear. If you want to know more about how menopause is viewed in other cultures, then read on and learn.

Perception Of Menopause In Tribal Societies

Some tribal societies in Guatemala and Mexico, particularly those who descended from the Mayan people, view menopause in a very different light. When interviewed by experts whether women experience symptoms of menopause, women from these places do not recall experiencing any of them or they simply just do not talk about it.

Researchers believe that the lack of information on the matter is not really because women do not experience them in this part of the world, but rather because it is a taboo in their society for women to publicly talk about menstruation and menopause. Experts theorize that women in this part of the globe just suffer in silence or find ways to alleviate their symptoms by taking traditional and herbal remedies, which are abundant in these places.

But in reality, in places where shamanic beliefs are still strong, menopause are welcomed because it is a time when women can start accessing their healing and shamanic powers. Mayan women and even Canada’s Cree women believe that those who still have menstrual blood are bestowed with the power to create life. However, after the cessation of menstruation, women are now ready to embrace wisdom and healing powers as the blood that has power to create life is kept within them. Old women in such communities start to be spiritual leaders and soothsayers. There is a big probability that the symptoms they feel during this period in their lives are embraced as necessary in order to be transformed to greatness.

Japan And The Hot Flash

Linguists believe that you will know the importance or relevance of a thing, feeling or phenomenon within a society depending on the number of ways it is described or called in that society. For example, in many Asian countries where rice is a staple food, rice-related words or derivatives are plenty. They have a name for rice that is uncooked, just harvested, steamed, fried, spoilt or even overcooked rice. In the West, however, rice is simply called rice, whatever form, color or state it is in.

It is a known fact that Japanese people are precise and detail oriented. You can see these traits in the way they manufacture cars and equipment, and even in their language. Until recently, however, there is no word for hot flashes or hormonal imbalance in this country. This shows that hot flashes experienced during menopause is either not important in Japanese women or they simply do not experience it. However, in the spirit of globalization, the Japanese media coined the words horumon baransu for hormonal imbalance and hotto furasshur for hot flash.

But probably one of the reasons why hot flashes and other signs of menopause are not so apparent in Japan is due to their love of soy and soy products. Tofu and other soy-based food are staples in this country. Research has proven that soy contain isoflavones, a phytoestrogen that mimics the effect of estrogen in the body, which is important during The Change when the levels of estrogen starts to dwindle.

The knowledge of how menopause is perceived and experienced in other countries may not relieve your symptoms; however, this might help you address the changes that you are feeling. If Japanese women are not feeling the symptoms because of eating soy or other soy products, then maybe you can change your diet and find ways to incorporate soy and other foods rich in isoflavones and other phytoestrogens to minimize hot flashes, mood swings, and hormonal imbalances among others.

If you are not keen on eating tofu or you are not sure what foods are rich in such nutrients or you do not expect to be a soothsayer in your neighborhood, then you can always take supplements, such as Menersa, which contain soy and other herbs that can help ease your menopausal woes. For more information on how this product can help you, just visit http://www.menersa.com/.



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The dreaded menopause, we all go through it. Studies show even the kindest bodies suffer hot flashes during menopause. Hot flashes can be embarrassing. You feel sweaty, flushed and uncomfortable in a room that’s considered cold by everyone else. You’re not alone. Hot flashes are reported in almost two-thirds of all women who are perimenopausal and almost all women with induced menopause. Since we all have this inconvenience there are plenty of ways to work around those pesky hot flashes.

How do you know you’re having a hot flash? A hot flash is a momentary sensation of heat. You may also have a red face and sweating. Hot flashes are thought to be caused by changes in circulation. Hot flashes occur when the blood vessels near the skin’s surface dilate to cool. WebMD reports that a woman may also perspire to cool down the body and some women experience a rapid heart rate or chills. Doesn’t sound like a good time does it?

There are proven ways to avoid and prevent hot flashes. Things you may not have even thought about. Most women accept hot flashes as an inevitablity. You can prevent hot flashes by avoiding stress. Stop hot flashes in their tracks by refraining from alchol, caffiene and spicy foods. For even more relief be sure to steer clear of intense heat and wear loose fitting clothing. Bet you didn’t even realize that tight clothes can encourage hot flashes! Taking supplements of Vitamins E and B can help keep hot flashes at bay as well. If you want a more natural approach in relieving your hot flashes Flaxseed oil is thought to prevent the symptoms of hot flashes, but there is no scientific evidence to support this.

Don’t wait another day to start curing your hot flashes and return to your normal life! You are worth it! Hot flashes, like all the other glaring symptoms of menopause, are not just something you have to accept for your life. There are countless ways to avoid and prevent the onset of hot flashes.

Aren’t you ready to return to your regular every day life? Don’t worry about waking up in a sweat anymore. Get out all those cute sweaters you’ve been neglecting, and resume your life as usual. You will be so glad that you did.



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Hot Flashes are probably the most common symptom associated with menopause. This symptom is believed to affect around 50% of perimenopause and nearer to 75% of menopausal women. Hot flashes can be described as sudden feelings of extreme heat in the upper area of, or even the whole body and these can happen at completely different times of the day, regularity and severity in different women. During a Hot Flashes experience, the neck and the face may appear flushed, along with red blotches occurring on the back, chest and arms. At times, the symptom may also result in heavy sweating, followed by cold shivering as the temperature of the body resettles.

It is thought that hormonal imbalances and changing levels of hormones create these Hot Flashes.  Symptoms can differ from woman to woman but can usually stick to a pattern of timing and severity.

Intense feelings of heat in the face, neck, torso and upper limbs are the most common symptoms, however, heart palpitations, flushing, varying levels of perspiration also occur any time of the day. Interrupted sleep patterns due to hot flashes are known as night sweats. These night seats are more likely to be driven by reduced levels of estrogen during menopause. Some women can develop bad sleeping patterns precisely due to these Hot Flashes and night sweats.

A decrease in the hormone estrogen can confuse the body into thinking it is overheating and trigger these hot flashes. However, women who are experiencing hot flashes and night sweats can help to manage these with many simple lifestyle changes.

*      Taking a cold or tepid shower during the day and at night time

*      Dress in layers so that clothing items can be removed at the very first       indication of a Hot Flash.

*    Make sure you relax during the day – do not rush around.

*    Take a glass of cold juice or water at the onset of a Hot Flash.

*     Always sleep in a room that has proper cross-ventilation, or better still, air conditioned or fans.

*      Always use cotton clothes, lingerie and sheets to allow the skin to breathe, especially during bed time.

*     Avoid consuming an excess of alcohol, caffeine and stop smoking

*     Stay away from hot things: heaters, hairdryers, ovens, warm sun rooms etc.

*      Try not to eat hot and spicy foods.

This is not a medical condition, menopause is simply a life stage. Approached in a positive way , menopause can be a time when you can experience anew zest for life!. Exciting news is coming from the UK and over 14 countries across the world, where thousands of women have discovered relief from menopause symptoms with the help of a small device called LadyCare. This device is thought the rebalance the hormones in your body in a safe and natural way. For more information see www.ladycareusa.com. Above all find time to relax, exercise lightly and eat a balanced diet – make time for yourself.



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Hot flashes don’t just affect women at the menopausal stage. If you are pregnant, you can also experience what are known as pregnancy hot flashes.

A hot flash is normally manifested by flushed sensations and sudden intense heat through the chest, neck, and face. This symptom may also be accompanied by perspiration, vertigo, heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea, anxiety, headaches, night sweats, and weakness. A hot flash can last up to four minutes. However in some extreme cases, it can last from twenty minutes to one hour.

There are two major reasons for pregnancy hot flashes:

1. Hormonal Changes. The major hormones affected by pregnancy are progesterone and estrogen. A pregnant woman produces more estrogen compared to non-pregnant women. Likewise, her levels of progesterone are extremely high. The progesterone changes cause the loosening of joints and ligaments in the whole body. Moreover, internal structures increase in size, including the ureters that connect the maternal bladder with the kidney.

Progesterone is also important in the transformation of the size of the uterus from the non-pregnant state to the state where it can accommodate a baby at its full stage. You have to realize that progesterone and estrogen are critical for achieving successful pregnancies. Hormonal changes are responsible for mood swings during pregnancy as well as pregnancy hot flashes. This condition is very common in pregnant women.

Exercising may become more difficult, so pregnant women are at higher risk of acquiring strains and sprains. The body posture of pregnant women also changes. The breasts become larger and the abdomen changes to convex from once being concave or flat. This increase the curvature on the back. Since gravity is now concentrated on the front of the body, this can sometimes lead to an unbalanced state that can cause injuries.

Body weight also increases. This extra gravity and weight slows down blood circulation and body fluids to the lower limbs. These fluids are retained and causes swelling of the hands, legs, and face. Water weight is another hindrance for exercising. Since exercise is one way to decrease the symptoms of hormonal changes, you may experience more pregnancy hot flashes.

2. Changes in Body Temperature. Heat stress is developed for two reasons: hyperthermia and dehydration. The core temperature of pregnant women increases (hyperthermia). Whether pregnant women are exercising or not, their core temperature and metabolic base rate continuously increase. However, they can regulate core temperatures very efficiently through the skin’s blood flow increase and skin surface expansion, which releases excessive body heat. Pregnant women are advised to wear breathable clothing, avoid exercising during humid or hot weather conditions, use fans when doing activity indoors, or use swimming as their major exercise. These simple changes can help relieve pregnancy hot flashes.

Pregnant women are prone to dehydration after exercising for 20-30 minutes, especially in humid or hot weather because of excessive sweating. Body fluids are lost from perspiration, decreasing blood flow to the uterus, muscles, and other organs.

Bodily changes in pregnant women may lead to stress. This stress reaction causes the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine in their blood stream. Blood flow increases which also increases heat. Then pregnancy hot flashes occur to remove the heat. During sleep, night sweats may be triggered if the body becomes too warm due to thermal blankets.

A recent survey reveals that pregnancy hot flashes quite commonly interfere with getting a good nights sleep, and almost eighty percent of pregnant women are affected. Some simple ways to find relief are to wear cotton sleep gowns or pajamas, sleep in a cool room, do early afternoon exercises, nap during the day only when exhausted, and practice deep breating. Always keep in mind that pregnancy hot flashes are a normal part of pregnancy. Like pregnancy itself, they won’t last forever.



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