Apr 20, 2008

menopause-benefits

Menopause Has Benefits???
One unfortunate menopause symptom that many people fall prey to is the belief that life is over after menopause. Life isn't over after menopause, in fact for many it has just begun!
Whether you are in early menopause, experiencing pre menopause symptoms or whether you have crossed over into complete menopause, one thing you should recognize is that for much life continues to improve after the change.
Life after Menopause
For most women pre menopause begins at or around the age of 40, with most women reaching actual menopause in their early 50s.
Once menopause occurs, your body will never be the same. That isn't necessarily however, something negative. In fact many consider the changes that occur during menopause a positive sign that they are maturing and moving on into the next phase of life.
It is important to remember that the average life expectancy for a woman exceeds that of men, and for many that means living well beyond the 70s and 80s. To that extent you should consider menopause a sign that you have only lived half your life, and still have half a lifetime of experiences to come!
When you look at it that way, menopause is like a stepping stone into the next part of the journey that is your life!
Benefits of Menopause
  • There are actually many benefits for women who have reached menopause. Think about the following:
  • After menopause, you no longer have to deal with monthly menstrual cycles, which are often accompanied with cramping and bloating.
  • You can have sex with wild abandon after menopause, because you no longer have to worry about getting pregnant.
  • Many women report that their relationship becomes stronger after menopause because they communicate more with their partner.
  • Sex can be more liberating after menopause, particularly at an age where most women are just coming into their own.
  • Reaching menopause is a sign that you are physically and emotionally mature enough to handle all the tuff stuff that life has to dish out with grace and elegance.
  • Living life fully and completely after menopause will depend on a number of factors. First and foremost you have to be willing to embrace your body and the changes it is going through or has already gone through.
  • Most women accept the fact that their body will undergo changes over the course of a lifetime. Puberty is a perfect example of a time when your body went through remarkable changes. As a young woman, you were probably more than willing to accept the changes that were taking place during puberty however, to become a woman. Likewise, during puberty you probably felt a bit awkward and uncomfortable initially as your body changed and blossomed into something new.
  • The same is true of menopause; during menopause there are some periods of awkwardness as you learn to adapt to your changing body, both physically and emotionally. However once you have passed through this period you will blossom once again into your mature self, a vision to be beheld with wonder and excitement.
  • One thing that is crucial for your happiness after menopause is establishing meaningful relationships with friends, family members and peers. Touching and intimacy, physical contact, communication and companionship are all vital elements of life after menopause.
  • Remember too that it is important that you not focus too much on one element of your self, such as any one symptom you might be having, but rather your body as a whole.
  • If you find you are struggling to adapt to your changing body, be sure to reach out to other women who are going through menopause as well. You will find all the comfort and reassurance you need during this remarkable time in your life!

menopause-pre menopause symptoms

Per menopause Symptoms: - Menopause isn't something that occurs overnight. In fact, most women will experience early menopause symptoms and the signs of menopause years before their periods actually stop, for most women, per menopause or pre-menopause will happen long before full blown menopause occurs.

Per menopause:- Menopause isn't something that occurs overnight. In fact, most women will experience menopause symptoms and the signs of menopause years before their periods actually stop. For most women, per menopause or pre menopause will happen long before full blown menopause occurs. Per menopause is best defined then, as the period of time leading up to menopause.

What Happens during per menopause

Much like during menopause, per menopause is a period of time when a women's hormones fluctuate and change.

The symptoms of per menopause often begin years before a woman's period actually ceases. Menopause isn't a process that happens overnight; rather over a period of a few years a woman's health and body goes through many different changes both physically and emotionally.

During per menopause a woman might experience many of the same symptoms they would associate with menopause, including:

Headaches, Night sweats, Hot flashes, Weight gain, Insomnia, Heart palpitations, Fatigue, Urinary problems, vaginal dryness
Depression and Anxiety
Fortunately most of these symptoms can be managed and even eliminated through a variety of interventions, including diet, exercise and supplementation. Many women actually go through the first stages of per menopause without even realizing that their body is undergoing any drastic hormonal fluctuations.

If you are someone who has experienced excessive pms symptoms in the past, you may be likely to experience more of the symptoms of per menopause than someone who has not.

When can I Expect per menopause Symptoms to Strike? Most women will experience per menopause around the age of forty, however this may vary for a woman depending on a number of factors including genetics. If your mother started experiencing signs and symptoms of per menopause earlier then you are more likely to as well. For some women it isn't uncommon to experience signs of per menopause in the late thirties.

For most women per menopause will last anywhere from five to fifteen years. The good news is that during this period of time you can live an ordinary and healthy life. Many women can get pregnant during the per menopausal period, so do not assume that because you are having some of the signs of menopause that you are infertile.

When does True Menopause Symptoms Begin? True menopause is officially defined as the period in time when your menstrual flow stops completely. Menopause can be diagnosed after your periods have ceased for at least one full year.

For most women this occurs sometime after the age of 50. It is important to know that even after menopause your body will go through a number of changes. Thus it is vital that you still seek out routine care from your healthcare provider and engage in a variety of healthy activities to maintain your health and well being.

If you feel that you are having any of the signs or symptoms of per menopause or menopause, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider for an exact diagnosis. Some of the signs and symptoms of per menopause are similar to those of other diseases or conditions, thus it is important that you receive an accurate diagnosis.

Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a reasonable healthcare routine that will help you minimize any symptoms you are having and continue leading a normal, healthy and productive lifestyle.

Apr 18, 2008

menopause-weight and menopause

Weight Gain during Menopause:-
Many women experience menopausal weight gain more than any other symptom of menopause. In fact, menopause is often considered one of the most common causes for weight gain.

The good news is however, that you do not have to sacrifice your figure during or after menopause. Many women go through menopause looking as good if not better than they did in their younger years.
What Causes:- Weight and Menopause?

It is not uncommon for some women to experience weight gain anywhere from ten to fifteen pounds during menopause or per menopause. Weight gain during menopause might happen for any number of reasons.

For some women the weight gain is associated with a decreased metabolism. For other women their thyroid function begins to decline in the years preceding and after menopause. Changes in body composition also occur as a result of hormone fluctuations, which can result in weight gain. Some of the most recent studies suggest that some women are simply hungrier during menopause, which can impact caloric intake and subsequent weight gain.

Managing Menopausal Weight Gain:-

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to control weight gain during menopause. The best thing you can to is engage in a regular routine of exercise. Your exercise routine should incorporate resistance training, which not only helps build muscle, it helps burn fat.

Resistance training is also beneficial for building and maintaining bone mass, a crucial factor in women going through menopause.

You should also take a good look at your diet. If your metabolism has slowed and you have not significantly reduced your caloric intake or increased your activity level, you will gain weight. Some women find that reducing their caloric intake slightly is enough to halt weight gain during menopause. Others find they need to eat well and maintain a regular exercise regimen.

Regardless of your weight status, you should aspire to consume foods that are high in fiber, low in calories and nutrient dense. If you do this and embark on a regular exercise regimen, chances are you will halt or at least slow any weight gain during menopause.

What are some good food choices?

Legumes

  • Green Leafy Vegetables
  • Fruits, particularly those with the skin on (apples, pears)
  • Whole grains
  • Lean proteins, including fish, chicken and pork
  • If you are following a well balanced diet and exercising, yet still find that you are putting on weight, be sure to visit your healthcare provider's office. They can measure your thyroid levels to ensure that your thyroid is functioning properly.
  • Remember that weight gain during menopause is not inevitable, but it can happen! If you take steps to eat right and exercise however, you will head off any excessive weight gain and find that your figure remains as flattering as ever throughout your menopausal years!

menopause-weight and menopause

Weight Gain during Menopause:-
Many women experience menopausal weight gain more than any other symptom of menopause. In fact, menopause is often considered one of the most common causes for weight gain.

The good news is however, that you do not have to sacrifice your figure during or after menopause. Many women go through menopause looking as good if not better than they did in their younger years.

What Causes:- Weight and Menopause?

It is not uncommon for some women to experience weight gain anywhere from ten to fifteen pounds during menopause or per menopause. Weight gain during menopause might happen for any number of reasons.

For some women the weight gain is associated with a decreased metabolism. For other women their thyroid function begins to decline in the years preceding and after menopause.

Changes in body composition also occur as a result of hormone fluctuations, which can result in weight gain. Some of the most recent studies suggest that some women are simply hungrier during menopause, which can impact caloric intake and subsequent weight gain.

Managing Menopausal Weight Gain:-
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to control weight gain during menopause. The best thing you can to is engage in a regular routine of exercise. Your exercise routine should incorporate resistance training, which not only helps build muscle, it helps burn fat.

Resistance training is also beneficial for building and maintaining bone mass, a crucial factor in women going through menopause.

You should also take a good look at your diet. If your metabolism has slowed and you have not significantly reduced your caloric intake or increased your activity level, you will gain weight. Some women find that reducing their caloric intake slightly is enough to halt weight gain during menopause. Others find they need to eat well and maintain a regular exercise regimen.

Regardless of your weight status, you should aspire to consume foods that are high in fiber, low in calories and nutrient dense. If you do this and embark on a regular exercise regimen, chances are you will halt or at least slow any weight gain during menopause.

What are some good food choices?

Legumes

  • Green Leafy Vegetables
  • Fruits, particularly those with the skin on (apples, pears)
  • Whole grains
  • Lean proteins, including fish, chicken and pork
  • If you are following a well balanced diet and exercising, yet still find that you are putting on weight, be sure to visit your healthcare provider's office. They can measure your thyroid levels to ensure that your thyroid is functioning properly.
  • Remember that weight gain during menopause is not inevitable, but it can happen! If you take steps to eat right and exercise however, you will head off any excessive weight gain and find that your figure remains as flattering as ever throughout your menopausal years!

Feb 21, 2008

medication

Medications Used During Birth

Now that you are pregnant, your excitement is probably growing as you anticipate welcoming your new little baby into the world. But despite this excitement, you may be a little [or even a lot] nervous about getting through labor first. Deciding whether or not to use medications during labor and delivery can be particularly nerve wracking for many moms-to-be. But you can lower your anxiety levels considerably just by becoming familiar with the types of medications that you may be offered during childbirth. Here is some detailed information about the various types of labor medications, their side effects, and the pros and cons of using them.
Epidural

The epidural is by far the most common type of medication given to women during birth. An epidural is actually a mixture of anesthetic medications [like lidocaine or chloroprocaine] and narcotics [like Demerol or morphine]. An epidural is administered through a catheter. This catheter is inserted in your back into the space surrounding the outside membrane of your spine. It helps to relieve labor pains by blocking most of the pain that you experience in your lower body. The epidural takes about 20 minutes to start working, but it allows for continuous pain relief while you are giving birth.

Pros :

The epidural blocks most child birth pains

It works for extended periods of time

You can easily control the amount of medication that runs through the epidural catheter

An epidural leaves you awake and alert for labor

Cons :

It is an awkward procedure and takes time to begin working

An epidural makes it necessary to have continuous fetal monitoring

You may lose your ability to stand or get out of bed for the rest of your labor

Epidurals can interfere with your ability to push, extending your labor

Occasionally, epidurals can cause your blood pressure to drop, decreasing baby’s heart rate

Very rarely, epidurals can cause severe headaches [if spinal fluid leaks during insertion of the catheter]

Spinal Block

Like the epidural, the spinal block is a mixture of anesthetic medications and narcotics. It is administered during the active stages of labor or just prior to a cesarean section. The spinal block works immediately to relieve pain as the medication is injected directly into the fluid in your spinal column. A spinal block provides total pain relief from the chest down for up to two hours.

Pros :

Spinal blocks allow for complete pain relief

A spinal block allows you to remain awake and alert throughout labor

Cons :

The spinal block procedure can be uncomfortable to have administered

A spinal block can cause loss of bladder control, necessitating a catheter

Spinal blocks can cause a decrease in your blood pressure, which may lower baby’s heart rate

A spinal block may interfere with your ability to push

Side effects can include itching, tingling, nausea, and lightheadedness

Systemic Medications
During labor you may also be offered various narcotics and tranquilizers to help you deal with any pain and anxiety that you may be experiencing. Narcotics help to dull your labor pains, but they won’t eliminate them completely. Tranquilizers won’t be helpful for your pain, but they can help to reduce your anxiety, allowing you to rest during labor. These medications are usually given intravenously or through intramuscular injection. They usually last between four and eight hours.

Pros :

These medications can reduce pain and relieve anxiety effectively

They may allow you to catch up on rest during the early stages of labor

Tranquilizers and narcotics can be administered easily, without the help of an anesthesiologist

They are less likely to slow labor

Cons :

Systemic medications can pass through the placenta and enter baby’s bloodstream, making him less active upon delivery

These medications may affect baby’s health, including his heart rate and ability to breathe

Side effects can be unpleasant and include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and itching

Narcotics are less effective on pain than the epidural or the spinal block

These medications may reduce your memory of labor and delivery

Pudenda Block

A pudendal block uses anesthetic medications to numb the area between the vagina and the anus. You may be offered a pudendal block if you have had an episiotomy or if a tear has occurred during labor. A pudendal block can also help reduce the pain associated with a vacuum-assisted delivery or a forceps delivery. A pudendal block lasts anywhere from several minutes to an hour.

Pros :

A pudendal block provides excellent local pain relief

The pudendal block rarely causes any side effects for mom or baby

Cons :

A pudendal block doesn’t relieve labor contractions

This medication can sometimes decrease your urge to push

Rarely, a pudendal block can cause your blood pressure to drop, which may interfere with your baby’s heart rate

There is a possibility of an allergic reaction with a pudendal block

Feb 19, 2008

masturbating

Masturbating

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know : It can be excellent therapy to open up and talk about masturbating, to give details of your technique as well as to express yourself concerning your responses during your masturbation and climax; the release you feel in your genitals after a satisfying self-induced orgasm or frustration for those times you masturbate and find no release. Let readers share your experiences or mark it private.

What do you like about this subject? There is no expense associated with masturbation unless you want to buy some toys or supplements for enhancement, and everybody can do it regardless of age.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject Females are beginning to masturbate at ages younger than ever before. Mature women also benefit greatly if they learn to masturbate successfully. All ages can become orgasmic. For some individuals it takes a little more effort and maybe some coaching, but is certainly possible. Any age female can learn to masturbate and find intense pleasure and needed sexual release.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field? I want more girls to try masturbating. You don’t have to learn to masturbate, but if you ever want a sexual experience with another person in the future you need to get in touch with your sexual feelings and masturbation will help you a lot with that. Try it and see how good it feels. All you really need to do is locate your clitoris and rub it.