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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

How To Relieve Pre-Mentrual Syndrome

What is premenstrual syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and emotional disturbances that occur after a woman ovulates and ends with menstruation. Common PMS symptoms include depression, irritability, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings. 



For some women PMS symptoms can be controlled with medications and lifestyle changes such as exercise, nutrition, and a family and friend support system.

Premenstrual Syndrome is a combination of emotional, physical, psychological, and mood disturbances that occur after a woman's ovulation and typically ending with the onset of her menstrual flow.

The most common mood-related symptoms are irritability, 
depression, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings with alternating sadness and anger.

The most common physical symptoms are fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness (mastalgia), 
acne, and appetite changes with food cravings.

A more severe form of PMS, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), also known as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder) occurs in a smaller number of women and leads to significant loss of function because of unusually severe symptoms. 

How common is PMS?

About 80% of women experience some premenstrual symptoms.  The incidence of true PMS has often been overestimated by including all women who experience any physical or emotional symptoms prior to menstruation. It is estimated that clinically significant PMS (which is moderate to severe in intensity and affects a woman's functioning) occurs in 20% to 30% of women. About 2% to 6% of women are believed to have the more severe variant known as PMDD. 

When was PMS discovered?

The mood changes surrounding this condition have been described as early as the time of the ancient Greeks. However, it was not until 1931 that this disorder was officially recognized by the medical community. The term "premenstrual syndrome" was coined in 1953. 

What causes PMS?

PMS remains an enigma because of the wide-ranging symptoms and the difficulty in making a firm diagnosis. Several theories have been advanced to explain the cause of PMS.  None of these theories have been proven, and specific treatment for PMS still largely lacks a solid scientific basis. Most evidence suggests that PMS results from the alterations in or interactions between the levels of sex hormones and brain chemicals known as neuro-transmitters.

PMS does not appear to be specifically associated with any personality factors or specific personality types. Likewise, a number of studies have shown that psycholo
gical stress is not related to the severity of PMS. 

What are the symptoms of PMS?

A great variety of symptoms have been attributed to PMS.  Women can have PMS of varying duration and severity from cycle to cycle. The most frequent mood-related symptoms of PMS include:
  • anger and irritability, 
  • anxiety,
  • tension,
  • depression,
  • crying,
  • over sensitivity, and
  • exaggerated mood swings.
The most frequent physical signs and symptoms of PMS include:
  • fatigue,
  • bloating (due to fluid retention),
  • weight gain,
  • breast tenderness, 
  • acne,
  • sleep disturbances with sleeping too much or too little (insomnia), and
  • appetite changes with overeating or food cravings. 

How is the diagnosis of PMS made?

The most helpful diagnostic tool is the menstrual diary, which documents physical and emotional symptoms over months.  If the changes occur consistently around ovulation (midcycle, or days 7-10 into the menstrual cycle) and persist until the menstrual flow begins, then PMS is probably the accurate diagnosis. Keeping a menstrual diary not only helps the healthcare provider to make the diagnosis, but it also promotes a better understanding by the patient of her own body and moods.  Once the diagnosis of PMS is made and understood, the patient can better cope with the symptoms.

The diagnosis of PMS can be difficult because many medical and psychological conditions can mimic or worsen symptoms of PMS. There are no laboratory tests to determine if a woman has PMS. When laboratory tests are performed, they are used to exclude other conditions that can mimic PMS. 

What conditions are like PMS?

Some examples of conditions that can mimic PMS include:
  • depression,
  • cyclic water retention (idiopathic edema),
  • chronic fatigue,
  • hypothyroidism, and 
  • irritable bowel syndrome.  

How is PMS distinguished from other conditions?

The hallmark of the diagnosis of PMS is that symptom-free interval after the menstrual flow and prior to the next ovulation. If there is no such interval and the symptoms persist throughout the cycle, then PMS may not be the proper diagnosis. PMS can still be present and aggravate symptoms related to the other conditions, but it cannot be the sole cause of constant or non-cyclic symptoms. Blood or other tests may be ordered to help rule out other potential causes of symptoms.

Another way to help make the diagnosis of PMS is to prescribe drugs that stop all ovarian function. If these medications produce relief of the troublesome symptoms, then PMS is most likely the diagnosis. 

What treatments are available for PMS?

The treatment of PMS can sometimes be as challenging as making the diagnosis of PMS. Various treatment approaches have been used to treat this condition. Some measures lack a solid scientific basis but seem to help some women. Other treatments with a sound scientific basis may not help all patients.

General management includes a healthy lifestyle including:
  • exercise
  • family and friends can provide emotional support during the time of a woman's cycle;
  • avoid salt before the menstrual period; 
  • reduce caffeine intake;
  • quite smoking;
  • reduce alcohol intake; and
  • reduce intake of refined sugars.
All of the above have been recommended and may help symptoms in some women. Furthermore, some studies suggest that vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium supplements may have some benefit. 

What medications are used to treat PMS?

A variety of medications are used to treat the different symptoms of PMS. Medications include diuretics, pain killers, oral contraceptive pills, drugs that suppress ovarian function, and antidepressants.

1.  Diuretics: Diuretics are medications that increase the rate of urine production, thereby eliminating excess fluid from the body tissues. Several nonprescription menstrual products (including Diurex PMS, Lurline PMS, Midol PMS, Pamprin Multisymptom and Premsyn PMS) contain diuretics, for example, either caffeine or pamabrom. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a prescription diuretic that has been widely used to treat premenstrual swelling of the hands, feet or face. Unfortunately, it has not been effective in all patients.

2.  Analgesics (pain killers):

These are commonly given for menstrual crampsheadaches, and pelvic discomfort. The most effective group of analgesics appear to be the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Examples of these are ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox) and mefenamic acid (Ponstel).

3.  Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs): OCPs are sometimes prescribed to even out ovarian hormone fluctuations. While older studies failed to provide evidence that OCPs can consistently provide relief for symptoms of PMS, the newer birth control pills, with their improved hormonal formulations, seem to be more beneficial.

4.  Ovarian suppressors: Drugs like danazol (Danocrine) have been prescribed to suppress ovarian hormone production. Unfortunately, Danocrine cannot be used over long periods because of side effects.

Complete suppression of ovarian function by a group of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs has been found to help some women with PMS. These GnRH analogs are not given long term (more than six months) because of their adverse effect on bone density and an increased risk of bone thinning (osteoporosis). In some cases these drugs may be prescribed along with hormone supplementation.

5.  Anti-depressants: These are widely used in treating the mood disturbances related to PMS. Anti-depressants appear to work by increasing brain chemical (opioids, serotonin, and others) levels that are affected by the ovarian hormones. These opioids are important in the control of mood and emotions. fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) are examples of antidepressant medications that have been found to be effective in treating the mood changes associated with PMS.

It is important to know that these drugs, although useful in treating mood disturbances in some women, are not necessarily effective in treating the physical symptoms. Often, it is a combination of diet, medications and exercise that is needed to afford the maximum improvement from the many symptoms of PMS. 

Can exercise help relieve some of the symptoms of PMS?

Research studies are still needed to demonstrate whether or not a true effect of exercise on the relief of PMS symptoms exists. However, evidence does suggest that exercise can help relieve some of the symptoms of PMS.

Physical activity improves general health and helps relieve nervous tension and anxiety. Exercise is believed to release endorphins. Endorphins contribute to euphoric feelings such as the "runner's high" experienced after prolonged exercise. Endorphins are chemical messengers for nerves (neurotransmitters) that affect mood, perception of pain, memory retention and learning.

Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and improves overallfitness by increasing the body's ability to use oxygen. Swimming,walking, and dancing are "low-impact" aerobic activities. They avoid the muscle and joint pounding of more "high-impact" exercises like jogging and jumping rope. Benefits include cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone,weight loss or control, decrease in fluid retention, and increase in self-esteem. 

Is there a "cure" for PMS?

Widespread recognition of PMS has attracted a broad range of research interest in the treatment and management of the symptoms of PMS. Although there is no "cure" for PMS at this time, there are many options in managing its signs and symptoms.

The first priority is an accurate diagnosis. Other medical or psychological conditions should be identified and treated. Proper diet, exercise and lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms, and if these measures are not effective, over-the-counter or prescription medications may be indicated.

Most women can control their PMS symptoms successfully so that they do not interfere with their leading healthy and productive lives.


[SOURCE: MedicineNet.com]

Sunday, August 17, 2008

FEMAPOS - Best Anti-Aging & Menopausal Relief


FEMAPOS is designed for women over 38 years of age whose estrogen levels have begun to decline.

It is especially suited for women suffering from some perimenopause or menopausal  symptoms.
 


FEMAPOS also helps combat the aging process and restores a youthful and vigorous life.
  • Increases the levels of estrogen in the body; balances the entire female hormonal system
  • Relieves menopausal symptoms, such as: flush, night sweats, pounding heart, vaginal dryness, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, emotional disturbances, and sexual disinclination
  • Prevents age-related diseases; improves the health of the skin
  • Improves cardiovascular health; prevents LDL cholesterol oxidation
  • Modulates the central nervous system
  • Protects against breast cancer and osteoporosis
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Helps increase the production of red blood cells
  • Lowers high blood pressure and improves levels of good cholesterol (HDL)
  • Has anti-histamine properties

SUGGESTED USE:

  • Take 1-2 capsules 1-2 times daily, with meal or after a meal. 

INGREDIENTS:


Pomegranate Fruit B.E.E. - contains flavonoids, polyphenol, and phyto-estrogen that help prevent and provide relief from most peri-menopause and menopause symptoms, such as flush, cold sweats, heart pounding, breathing difficulties, osteoporosis, headaches, dizziness and anxiety. As powerful anti-oxidant, it also helps slow the aging process and prevent age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancers.


Black Cohosh Root B.E.E. - contains plant estrogens that act like mild estrogens in your own body. Thus, it can help with many of the symptoms resulting from estrogen deficiency, including hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitations, headaches, vaginal dryness, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, with none of the side effects of HRT (Hormone Replacement Treatment).
Vitamin A - helps boost the immune system, protecting against invaders that may cause disease and fatigue. It's also needed for the normal production of red blood cells, helping prevent fatigue caused by anemia or heavy menstrual bleeding. It helps improve the health of the skin, suppressing premenstrual acne and oily skin.

Vitamin C - As an intioxidant, Vitamin C helps prevent LDL cholesterol oxidation, which is the process that can result in clogged arteries, heart attacks and strokes. It also lowers blood pressure, increases HDL cholesterol (the "good" protective type of cholesterol) and helps maintain levels of Vitamin E. It also has an anti-histamine effect, which can help women whose allergies worsen just before their periods. And, by bolstering the immune system, it helps prevent fatigue caused by infections. Vitamin C also helps you absorb iron critical in preventing fatigue.


Vitamin E - Helps to relieve hot flashes, balances mood, restores energy, and helps keep tissues and skin healthy. A 1997 National Institute on Aging study found that supplementing with 2,000 IU of Vitamin E daily even slowed the progression of Alzheimer's disease. 

Red Clover Flower B.E.E. - chronic headache is more prevalent in women than in men.  This fact has been linked to the decline in estradiol (a female hormone).  Red Clover B.E.E. contains high percentages of isoflavones, which have mild estrogen-like properties that may modulate and balance sexual steroids, and help to alleviate nervousness and stress-related symptoms, 

thereby helping to reduce headaches, especially migraine and tension-type headaches.  In addition, it may also thin the blood, thus allowing fat beneficial blood flow.

Wild Yam Root B.E.E. - contains natural steroids that rejuvenate.

Soy Bean B.E.E. - contains isoflavones that have an estrogenic activity that help combat hot flashes, as well as protect against breast cancer and osteoporosis.

MORE >>


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MENOPAUSE


Menopause is the absence of menstrual period for 12 months. The menopausal transition starts with varying menstrual cycle length and ends with the final menstrual period.

Perimenopause means "around the time of menopause." Postmenopause is the entire period of time that comes after the last menstrual period.

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when the function of the ovaries ceases. The ovaries are the main source of female hormones. The hormones also regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Estrogens also protect the bone. Therefore, a woman can develop osteoporosis later in life when her ovaries do not produce adequate estrogen.

The average age of menopause is 51 years old. But there is no way to predict when an individual woman will enter menopause. The age at which a woman starts having menstrual periods is also not related to the age of menopause onset.

Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, but menopause may occur as earlier as the 30s or 40s, or may not occur until a woman reaches her 60s. As a rough "rule of thumb," women tend to undergo menopause at an age similar to that of their mother's.

Perimenopause, often accompanies by irregularities in the menstrual cycle along with the typical symptoms of early menopause, can begin up to 10 years prior to the last menstrual period.

It is important to remember that each woman's experience is highly individual. Some women may experience few or no symptoms of menopause, while others experience multiple physical and psychological symptoms.

The extent and severity of symptoms varies significantly among women.


Symptoms of Menopause

1. Irregular vaginal bleeding. Some women have minimal problems with abnormal bleeding during perimenopause, whereas, others have unpredictable, excessive bleeding. Menstrual periods may occur more frequently or they may get farther and farther apart before stopping.

There is no "normal" pattern of bleeding during the perimenopause, and patterns vary from women to woman. It is common for women in perimenopause to get a period after going for several months without one.

There is also no set length of time it takes for a woman to complete the menopausal transition. The menstrual abnormalities that begin in the perimenopause are also associated with a decrease in fertility, since ovulation has become irregular.

However, women who are in perimenopause may still become pregnant until they have reached true menopause (the absence of periods for one year).


2. Hot flashes and night sweats. A hot flash is a feeling of warmth that spreads over the body and is often most pronounced in the head and chest. It is sometimes associated with flushing and is sometimes followed by perspiration.

Hot flashes usually last from 30 seconds to several minutes, and are likely due to a combination of hormonal and biochemical fluctuations brought on by declining estrogen levels. There is currently no method to predict when hot flashes will begin and how long they will last.

Hot flashes occur in up to 40% of regularly menstruating women in their forties, so they may begin before the menstrual irregularities characteristic of menopause even begin. About 80% of women will be finished having hot flashes after five years. Sometimes, in about 10% of women, hot flashes can last as long as 10 years.

Sometimes, hot flashes accompanied by night sweats (episodes of drenching sweats at nighttime). This may lead to awakening and difficulty falling asleep again, resulting in unrefreshing sleep, and daytime tiredness.


3. Vaginal symptoms. These occur as a result of the lining tissues of the bagina becoming thinner, drier, and less elastic as estrogen levels fall. Symptoms may include vaginal dryness, itching, or irritation, and/or pain with sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). The vaginal changes also lead to an increased risk of vaginal infections.


4. Urinary symptoms. The lining of the urethra (the transport tube leading from the bladder to discharge urine outside the body) also undergoes changes similar to the tissues of the vagina, and becomes dryer, thinner, and less elastic with declining estrogen levels. This can lead to an increased risk of urinary tract infection, feeling the need to urinate more frequently, or leakage of urine (urinary incontinence). The incontinence can result from a strong, sudden urge to urinate or may occur during straining when coughing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects.


5. Emotional and cognitive symptoms. Women in perimenopause often report a variety of cognitive (thinking) and/or emotional symptoms, including fatigue, memory problems, irritability, and rapid changes in mood. The night sweats that may occur during perimenopause can also contribute to feelings of tiredness and fatigue, which can have an effect on mood and cognitive performance.


6. Other physical changes. Many women report some degree of weight gain along with menopause. The distribution of body fat may change, with body fat being deposited more in the waist and abdominal area than in the hips and thighs. Changes in skin texture, including wrinkles, may develop along with worsening of adult acne in those affected by this condition. Since the body continues to produce small levels of the male hormone testosterone, some women may experience some hair growth on the chin, upper lip, chest, or abdomen.


Saturday, August 16, 2008

ENERMAX Enhances Energy and Vitality

ENERMAX is uniquely designed to promote the cellular production of energy, while supporting the normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. 

ENERMAX
also plays an immuno-modulating role, thereby boosting energy to combat fatigue and stress, and enhancing intellectual and physical performance.
It builds muscular density and increases muscular strength, minimizes sore muscles after physical exertion, and preserves muscle fibers.

  • Improves concentration and mental alertness
  • Improves the muscular use of oxygen enabling longer aerobic exercise and quicker recovery/ increases stamina and endurance
  • Enhances immune function
  • Has adaptogenic properties
  • Helps the body produce ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) - the immediate source of cellular energy
SUGGESTED USE:
1 to 4 vegicap/s (when necessary).
Take ENERMAX during the daytime.
Never take ENERMAX before bedtime (unless you desire to stay awake the whole night and still remain fully refreshed in the morning).

INGREDIENTS:

Ginseng Root B.E.E. - is uniquely extracted from both Siberian Ginseng and Asian Ginseng by a certain proportion that has stronger effects than any single extract. It contains ginsenosides, eleutherosides and polysaccharides that contribute to support the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal function, and enhance immune function. It improves the use of oxygen by the muscles, thus maintaining longer endurance during exercise, and helping to aid in a quicker post-workout recovery. In addition to enhancing physical endurance, it also enhances mental acuity and counter effects the symptoms of stress.
CoQ10 - is present in the mitochondria, which are the energy factories within cells that convert food into energy. It plays a crucial role in the generation of cellular energy, because it carries into the cells the energy-laden protons and electrons that are used to produce Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which is the immediate source of cellular energy. ATP increases energy and stamina, builds muscular density, increases muscular strength, buffers lactic-acid buildup (the reason for sore, achy muscles after physical activity), delays fatigue and preserves muscle fibers. CoQ10 is also a powerful anti-oxidant that is beneficial for the enhancement of the immune system and the protection of the cardiovascular system.
Beta 1, 3 Glucan - is a polysaccharide (a complex type of carbohydrate molecule) with immune-stimulating properties. It is useful for treating many bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases that are common problems for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). As CFS often results in serious damage to the immune system, beta glucan is thought to provide very effective protection for the immune system.

Vitamin B Complex - is a natural energy booster and essential for increased energy levels and normal brain fuction.
Eleuthero Root B.E.E. - is an extract from Siberian Ginseng and contains eleutherosides and polysaccharides that play a critical role in supporting immune function. Also, eleuthero is an "adaptogen" (an agent that helps the body adapt to stress). It helps support adrenal gland function when the body is challenged by stress, thus improving immune function, because stress can run the immune system down. In addition, it helps enhance intellectual and physical performance and promote general health.

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FATIGUE
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness,exhaustion, or lethargy. It is generally defined as a feeling of lack of energy.

Fatigue is not the same as drowsiness, but the desire to sleep may accompany fatigue. Apathy is a feeling of indifference that may accompany fatigue or exist independently.
Symptoms of Fatigue
Symptoms of fatigue include the following:
  • weakness, lack of energy, tiredness, exhaustion
  • passing out or feeling as if you are going to pass out
  • palpitations (feeling your heart beating)
  • dizziness
  • vertigo
  • shortness of breath
Causes of Fatigue
There are many possible physical and psychological causes of fatigue.
1. Sleep disturbances
  • not enough sleep
  • too much sleep
  • sleep apnea
  • shift work (changing shifts, night shifts)
  • alcohol
2. Heart diseases
  • congestive heart failure (fluid in lungs)
  • cardiomyopathy (dysfunction of the heart muscle)
3. Lung diseases

  • asthma
  • emphysema or choronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • pneumonia
4. Nutritional disorders
  • malnutrition (kwashiorkor, protein deficiency or morasmus, total calorie deficiency)
  • obesity
  • vitamin deficiency (thiamine, B12, B6, folate, vitamin C)
5. Electrolyte disturbances

  • low potassium
  • low magnesium
  • low or high calcium
  • low sodium
6. Endocrine disorders

  • low blood sugar or high blood sugar (diabetes)
  • high or low thyroid
  • low cortisol (Addison disease)
  • high cortisol (Cushing disease)
7. Gastrointestinal disorders

  • gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
8. Neurological disorders

  • multiple sclerosis
  • stroke
  • Lou Gehrig disease
9. Infectious causes

  • any chronic disease
  • HIV/AIDS
  • tuberculosis
  • hepatitis
  • mononucleosis
  • chronic fatigue syndrome
  • urinary tract infections
10. Connective tissue disorders

  • arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheutamoid arthritis)
  • lupus (SLE)
  • fibromyalgia
  • acromegaly

11. General disorders

  • cancer
  • anemia (blood loss or not making enough blood)
12. Gynecologic

  • pregnancy
  • menopause
13. Exercise disturbances
  • lack of exercise
  • too much exercise (worn out)
  • excessive workload
14. Psychological

  • depression (loss of interest, ambition)
  • anxiety
  • grief
  • stress
15. Medications
  • blood pressure medications work by different mechanisms to decrease blood pressure. The ultimate decrease in blood pressure also means a decrease in the amount of work the heart is doing, which can lead to a feeling of fatigue. Sometimes, the drug works not only on the heart, but also on the central nervous system.
  • heart medications work in different ways to regulate the heartbeat. Fatigue can be related to the effects the medication has on the heart or to the effects that spill over to other areas of the body.
  • psychological medications used to help depression and anxiety work by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain that have a calming effect on the body, thus stimulating fatigue.
  • narcotics - many pain medications are opiate derived. Drowsiness can be caused by opiates.
  • muscle relaxants work to decrease the contraction of muscles. This relaxation can lead to total body relaxation, which may cause you to feel fatigued.

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