Just one among other symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, dryness, mood swings, sleep disruption, irritability and general discomfort. The onset of acne during menopause and experienced by some in perimenopause can be quite alarming. Often thought of as simply female adult acne but his is not the case. The fluctuation of hormones is unsettling at best.

Women produce both male and female hormones. Male hormones called Androgens, are responsible for the development of muscles, as well as stimulating hair follicles and for producing skin oil called sebum. The Sebum is the culprit at large here. The production of sin oils is part of the equation as the hormone testosterone effects the way in which the body disposes of dead cells. It is believed that dead cells get stuck in the hair follicles and pores, with excessive dirt triggers the immune system to send large amounts of white blood cells to try and stop the flare up. The white cells get trapped as well. Since all this is trapped in the pores, the cells along with the oil and dirt, is exactly what causes the inflamed bumps or acne.

Cleansing the skin with soap-free products is a great way to keep your skin healthy. Soap’s with large moisturizer counts can and in most cases will aggravate the skin. Astringent must also be minimized. The benefits of applying astringents to the skin daily are that they remove excess oils however; this is only a temporary fix and does not address the underlying cause of the acne. Astringents and harsh cleansing may cause blackheads and can and most likely increase the development of acne. In a time when beauty seems to be of utmost importance in our culture this cosmetic phenomena can be quite alarming for a woman.

As women age they naturally lose the elasticity important in maintaining a youthful and healthy appearance. Non-comedogenic cosmetics, sunscreens and moisturizers are highly recommend as the smallest irritation will cause a break out. Benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient found in Proactive has shown to be highly effective in the treatment of women suffering from menopausal acne. It is advised for women to avoid direct sunlight as this will also be an irritation. A woman should also consider a Vitamin D supplement if she is avoiding extended exposure to the sun as it is the bodies only means of producing this hormone.

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Menopausal symptoms are being treated in various ways, these symptoms are hot flashes, urinary tract infections, sleep disorders, vaginal dryness etc. There are herbal treatments, over-the counter medicines, hormone replacement therapies, alternative therapies, prescription agents, diet controls and exercises. These treatments are described below:

· Herbal Treatments: Many women these days are approaching herbal agents to treat menopausal symptoms. Some may have proven effects; however, these agents can have adverse effects too. Black Cohosh is an agent most extensively used for menopausal symptoms; it can increase ovarian cancer risk. Flexseed, Duang Quai, Ginseng, Kava and DHEA (Dehydroepiandostrone) are other agents for treating menopausal symptoms.

· Over-the-counter Medicines: These drugs are usually called NSAID (Nonsteroidal anit-inflammatory drugs) which include common painkillers aspirins. They are used for short term relief of menopausal symptoms. Long term use can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. They also include lubricants for vaginal dryness such as KY Jelly.

· Hormone Replacement Therapies: HRT has been a standard treatment for preventing many of the health problems associated with menopause. Studies have shown an increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer. This outweighs HRT’s protection against osteoporosis and colon cancer. HRT agents include oral estrogens, oral progestins, oral combination of estrogens and progestins, skin patch administration, vaginal creams and other forms of vaginal administrations. HRT helps protect bone density, urinary tract infections, wrinkles and skin aging, beneficial against mental disorders etc.

· Alternative therapies: These include acupuncture, meditation and relaxation techniques which have been proven good for symptoms such as mood swings, stress, sleep disorders and heart effects.

· Prescription Drugs: These include oral contraceptives which can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Anti-depressants may be used for mood management. Testosterone can be used to increase bone mass and improve sex drive. Bellergal is non-hormonal drug which is specifically used for alleviating hot flashes. Gabapentin is another drug used to alleviate hot flashes.

· Diet Controls: Healthy diet is also a way to treat the symptoms of menopause. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that are important for heart and overall heath. Soy and animal meat have proteins that protect women from cancers and Alzheimer. Slight excess of fat help protects bone. Green tea, black tea and coffee also have positive effects on heart related problems.

Exercises: For protection against major age related health problems, weight gains and bone problems women should adopt such exercise programs as suited to their age and health conditions. Hiking, dancing and brisk walking are some beneficial exercises.

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Hormone therapies come in many forms as well as dosages depending on the woman. Some will be prescribed a pill form of estrogen which is combined with a synthetic form of progesterone known as Progestin. Estrogen can come in many forms and may be prescribed as a patch, a cream, a topical ointment as well as gels. There are also time released tablets which administer estrogen in controlled amounts to the woman as the day progresses.

In 2002 a clinical trial study known as the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) reported that hormone therapy actually poses more health risks than the before though of benefits of this treatment. Hormone therapy is not the magical cure for aging as was once believed, however it’s still the most effective treatment for uncomfortable menopausal symptoms for the majority of women.

Despite risks such as more likelihood of heart disease, breast cancer, & stroke Hormone Replacement therapy still seems to be the marketed treatment of choice for many women. Some reports indicate that women taking a Hormone Replacement Therapy can actual protect the heart. Information concerning Hormone Replacement therapy can be disconcerting and may cause alarm for many women.

There are more natural treatments available with nominal side effects. Some alternative therapies are: food/diet, acupressure and acupuncture, exercise, ayurveda, herbal medicine to name a few. A cup of soy milk daily can help in common menopause symptoms such as mood swings,, hot flashes, insomnia, decreased sexual interest and bone loss. Eating tofu or a soybean curd can also be essential in helping the body to restore natural hormone levels. Other foods to consider are: whole grains, seaweed, beans, fresh vegetables and miso soup. Daily exercise will greatly assist in the regulation of hormones. Dryness caused from menopause can also be relieved by consuming your fair share of water daily.

Chinese medicine once again makes it’s way to western culture by offering some really great alternatives as well. The chinese have used black sesame seeds, String beans, Barley, Mung beans and sprouts, Wheat germ and wheat germ oil. A daily does of 100-400 milligrams of Royal jelly help to tone the female hormonal system. Since menopause is a naturally occurring event for women, it is best to understand that the symptoms at some point will diminish, so a woman should seriously consider what all of her options are before deciding on a treatment.

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There is no set age menopause can start at, just like puberty they can start at any time. It normally occurs in women over the age of 50; however it can occur as early as 35 years old. Below you will find some interesting facts on menopause and the age in which this starts.

1. When menopause in women occurs earlier than the average age than it is known as premature menopause. Premature menopause occurs in women before the age of 40 years.

2. Premature menopause is higher and identical and fraternal twins and research indicates that approximately 5% of both twins experience menopause before they reached the age of 40.

3. The average age menopause begins is at 51. However some might not see their first symptoms until there in their 60′s.

4. There are many factors when trying to determine at what age you should be starting menopause. For instance a woman’s average age when menopause will occur is largely related to when menopause happened for her mother and any older sisters. Genetics may be a big factor.

5. Most women however will begin to experience indications of hormone during their early 30s and 40s. This depends on various factors such as how early your period started or the environment you live in and also the heredity.

6. Most women will spend a third of their life in this phase.

7. Very few doctors can give their patients and complete list of menopause symptoms. Not only are fair menopause symptoms, here are pre-menopause symptoms and per menopause symptoms. People get frustrated with the doctors and ask them why not? First off, it’s a very long list. A woman’s time in the doctor’s office could be very long indeed if she was to ask just for a few of these.

8. If this trend continues, women might start getting their menopause at a really early age. Recent research indicates that girls have been developing much earlier; however a new study indicates that women get their menopause when they are quite old, what this study states is that every year when a woman will be born, their age of menopause will be a month a later. Just imagine, if you compare a woman who is born in 1930 with the one who is born in 1954, the age of the menopause of the latter will be after 2 years!

9. Menopause simply means for stopping up your menstrual cycle. When you reach menopause you stop ovulating and therefore your periods stop.

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It is important for women to understand that menopause is a natural process and post-menopausal effects can be reduced by following some simple advises. In this article, we will discuss the common problems and effects most women face after menopause and how they should be dealt to carry on their life normally.

· Hot Flashes

It is the most common symptom that occurs after menopause due to low estrogen level. To minimize hot flashes, women should avoid alcohol, caffeine, hot and spicy food and warm environments. Diet changes and relaxation therapies like yoga and meditation can also reduce the onset.

· Facial Hair

Excessive hair growth on face is again due to hormonal imbalance after menopause. Facial hair can be removed by tweezing, waxing, and shaving or can also be bleached. Removal of facial hair by electrolysis is painful and expensive by Laser treatment.

· Vaginal Dryness

Due to drastic drop in estrogen level, the membranes of vagina thin and lose elasticity. Decrease in lubricating fluids production can make sexual intercourse painful. To reduce vaginal dryness, women should try to avoid strong soaps or using barrier creams.

· Bone Thinness or Osteoporosis

Bones tend to get thin due to low estrogen in body and lead to osteoporosis. Ample intake of vitamin D can reduce the risk of bone loss and can stimulate calcium and mineral absorption in body to make bone strong. Milk is a rich source of Vitamin D.

· Skin Dryness

Skin dryness is another problem which follows menopause. Women feel their skin getting dry and itchy due to decrease in estrogen. By adding oils in their diet, they can fight and reduce this effect. Applying moisturizer immediately after taking short shower reduces the dryness. Regular exercise can also improve complexion as body gets extra oxygen and blood supply.

· Unexplained Weight gain

The reason of gain weight after menopause cannot be explained. Weight gain can be controlled by changing eating habits. More fiber containing food like fruits and vegetables should be included in diet and fatty foods should be avoided.

Women should take menopause as a new phase in life and should be accepted as happily. Women should think positively that none of the symptoms would last forever. They can combat the symptoms and improve the quality of postmenopausal life by taking proper care of them, by doing exercise and eating nutritious diet. They should remember the life after menopause is as normal as they make it.

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When a woman reaches her menopause, she is expected to go through physical and emotional changes which are a resultant of hormonal changes. For an easier menopause it is advisable to seek a doctor’s advice for all the side effects that the hormonal changes bring in.

As in a holistic approach, it has been observed that soy and menopause have a significant link. Adding soy to the diet helps decrease as well as heals the menopausal effects. Phytoestrogens like soy isoflavones help in binding estrogen receptors to reduce the effect of low estrogen. Soy diet includes soy pasta, soy pasta noodles, soy milk, soy cheese, etc.

For some women, it is hard to digest beans, which is why adding soy pasta twice weekly to the diet is an easy and effective diet. It can help reduce or even eliminate menopausal symptoms. It is healthy and unlike most other holistic medicines, it is tasty to eat. You can devise different recipes to cook the soy pasta meal and enjoy the benefits without any risk, nothing at the cost of the taste. Soy pasta can be very effective in alleviating the menopause and perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty losing weight, and joint pain. An ample quantity of soy can provide them long and beneficial results.

Some women fear that soy effects the production of estrogen in the body. This information is incorrect. In actual, Soy contains adaptogenic phytoestrogens which are plant molecules that bear a resemblance to estrogen to the extent that they can weakly bind to estrogen receptors. They are tools that your body uses as needed to regulate its own, natural estrogen levels.

Consumption of Soy is recommended during menopause as it is a rich isoflavones source. In addition, soy also contains phytoestrogens which will reduce the production of estrogen. Close association between Soy and menopause is a fact that proves soy contains low fat proteins, along with iron and many other nutrients that are essential for treating menopause symptoms.

Women going through estrogen replacement therapy or hormone replacement therapy are more likely to get breast cancer. Soy diet is not a replacement for HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) but it is a possible alternative for women who want to avoid the risks of HRT.

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Menopause is a natural process in women which takes place at the age between 40 and 50. In this process, estrogen level decreases and ovaries stop functioning. It is the end of women’s menstrual cycle. For some women it is a blessing while for others it is a nightmare.

Cancer itself is a very scary word for everyone, irrespective of gender. It can develop in any organ of the body and can spread easily to other parts. There are several treatments of cancer, which are very painful themselves and have many side effects on body and health. Some types of cancer are incurable and can also be fatal.

Women, in their menopausal age, are already going through emotional and mental depression as the side effect of menopause and the thought that menopause can develop cancer is very frightening for them.

It is a very controversial debate for scientists and researchers to decide whether menopause can be a cause of cancer or not? After extensive research, it was discovered that:

- Menopause is not listed as a cause of cancer, but the risk of cancer in postmenopausal women is higher than in premenopausal women. Woman’s age, at which she reaches menopause, has an impact on her likelihood of developing certain types of cancer.

- Women who get early menstruation, at age of 12, but have late menopause after age of 55, are at higher risk of developing cancer of ovaries, breast or uterus. Uterine and breast cancer are caused due to prolonged exposure to estrogen. Long history of menstruation means that the woman had a longer exposure to high estrogen level during her reproductive years so she is at more risk to get cancer.

- The chance of developing ovarian cancer depends on the total count of ovulations a woman had. The long menstrual history increases the chances of ovarian cancer because the woman ovulates more.

- Symptoms of menopause including hot flashes and vaginal dryness are treated by hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in which estrogen and progestin are combined. Recently it was discovered that hormone replacement therapy increases the breast cancer risk in women. Now after the latest research, they are advised not to take “combined hormone replacement therapy.”

Research work on how to reduce the risk of cancer due to menopause is in progress to improve the life quality of women who are near or in menopausal age.

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