Tag Archives: vaginal dryness

What Are the Symptoms of Being Low on Progesterone?

  By | February 7, 2011 - 2:51 am | Articles
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We now know that progesterone is a hormone created within a woman’s ovaries which helps to prepare the womb each month for acceptance of a fertilized egg, and attachment of a fetus.

Not having an adequate level of progesterone in the body is a problematic circumstance for many women. Why? Because a number of problems can result from low levels including irregular menstrual cycles, miscarriage and increased cancer risk from unchecked estrogen.

It is extremely important to a woman’s overall health during her entire lifetime (not just during her reproductive years) that her body produces and maintains normal levels of progesterone. The most important reason for this is so that it properly counterbalances the effects of estrogen. These levels can be adversely affected by a number of environmental factors including stress, prescription hormones, and hormones used in commercially produced and processed dairy products and meats.

Now that we know that it’s important for your body to maintain normal levels, we are faced with the following question: What are some signs that your body may have low Levels of progesterone? Here are some clues:

Breast tenderness

Fibrocystic breasts

Decreased/Low sex drive

Depression

Obesity

Night sweats

Bone loss

Irregular menstruation

Excessive bleeding during menstruation

Uterine fibroids

Water retention

Sleeplessness

Vaginal dryness

Thyroid dysfunction

Unclear thinking

Infertility/Miscarriage

Headaches

Endometriosis

Many of these symptoms don’t seem particularly alarming when considered separately, and therein lies the danger. Because they may appear harmless, oftentimes signs of low progesterone are not specifically noticed or interpreted as reasons for concern.

However, when you have noticed these symptoms occurring simultaneously, they should certainly be a signal that something in the body is not normal. This is then reason for a higher level of concern, and should warrant further investigation.


Other sites that may interest you

menopause.html
Menopause and menopause treatments fact sheet | womenshealth ...
European Menopause and Andropause Society - Wikipedia the free ...


Truly Effective Natural Treatments Vaginal Dryness During Menopause

  By | February 6, 2011 - 4:28 pm | Articles
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Having problems with vaginal dryness during menopause, but don’t want to risk your health by trying out potentially irritating creams or gels? If so, rest assured that there are several different natural treatments for menopause vaginal dryness.

Causes of vaginal dryness

Since vaginal dryness, also known as atrophic vaginitis, can have two distinctly different causes, it’s important to know what’s causing yours before you start looking for a treatment. The most common cause of vaginal dryness is a decline in estrogen production, which can lead to weakening, thinning and drying of the vaginal wall. A hormone-related decline in libido can also be responsible.

If you suspect this is the cause of your vaginal dryness, make sure it’s really menopause related.

It could be bacterial vaginitis or a yeast infection. It’s especially important keep watch for these conditions at menopause because dryness reduces the number of friendly bacteria in the area, leaving you more vulnerable to infections.

Another cause of vaginal dryness during menopause is depression and stress. When you’re feeling down or exhausted, you’re not likely to be in the mood, so your body just isn’t going to respond as well as it would under better circumstances.

The fact is, though, these two factors are often combined. Vaginal dryness can make intercourse uncomfortable if not downright painful. This alone can kill your libido, which in turn leads to even more dryness.

Vaginal dryness treatment

There are several different ways to go about treating vaginal dryness during menopause. The simplest is one you may not have thought about: drink more water. You may need to make a conscious effort to do this, but it really can help. Another thing to consider if you follow a low-fat diet is to get more fat. Yes, you read that right. The estrogen needed for vaginal lubrication is made from cholesterol, so you do need a certain amount of fat in your diet. The nutrients are vitamin E and magnesium are also important for vaginal health.

Home remedy for vaginal dryness

Once you’ve got your diet in order, you may want to try out some herbal remedies for menopausal dryness. Black cohosh and red clover are commonly recommended, especially if you also suffer from hot flashes. If you think your dryness is the result of stress or diminished libido, try chasteberry, wild yam, or passionflower, herbs which mimic the hormone progesterone. The only problem with these treatments is that they need time to take effect, so you may want use something else in the meantime.

Natural product for vaginal dryness

Many women find using a personal lubricant to be the best option for instant lubrication. While there are quite a few on the market, look for natural products based on water and vegetable glycerin with botanicals added to create the same pH level as in the vaginal area. These are far less irritating than the chemical-laden varieties. Another option is a natural progesterone cream, which is usually made from phytoestrogens (plant estrogen).

Fortunately, treating minor vaginal dryness during menopause isn’t too difficult. You may find drinking more water and adding a little fat and the right herbs to your diet solves the problem. If not, though, a commercial product like a personal lubricant or progesterone cream might be for you.


Other sites that may interest you

BBC - Health: Menopause
Menopause Introduction: MedlinePlus Interactive Health Tutorial ...
Menopause: What is Menopause? Menopause Symptoms ...


Is There A Safe And Effective Cure For Hot Flashes?

  By | February 6, 2011 - 12:09 pm | Articles
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Is There A Safe And Effective Cure For Hot Flashes?

If you’re a woman and you’re in menopause, then it almost goes without saying that you’ve suffered from hot flashes at one time or another. Hot flashes affect 75-85% of all women in menopause to varying degrees. It is not completely understood exactly what causes them, but most agree that it is due to hormonal imbalances caused by changes in the level of estrogen. Because they can be so uncomfortable and disruptive, most women are searching for a safe cure for hot flashes.

Some of the earliest symptoms of menopause are hot flashes, abnormal menstrual bleeding, and mood swings. Hot flashes and night sweats often result in sleep problems and insomnia, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Women in menopause quite often also experience heart palpitations, vaginal dryness, weight gain, loss of libido, and urinary changes. Some women float through menopause with few symptoms, but for most of us it’s a different story. Is it any wonder that searching for a safe and effective cure for hot flashes can be such a priority?

Since the imbalance is caused by falling estrogen levels, it makes sense that estrogen itself is the most effective treatment for hot flashes. That’s why for so many years Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) – also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – has been the primary cure for hot flashes. In fact, it generally results in an 80 to 90% reduction in hot flashes and other symptoms.

The peak age for hot flashes is the early 50′s, but many women start getting them in their 40′s. There is also a growing number of women who have undergone breast cancer treatment who suffer from hot flashes as well. Estrogen is the most prescribed medication to cure hot flashes, often as a pill or a skin patch. Generally, the amount of estrogen it takes to reduce hot flashes and other symptoms is less than the amount needed for normal menstrual periods. In recent years, doctors have prescribed much lower dosages than in the past.

Unfortunately, very recent studies have made it very clear that hormone replacement can increase the risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, and strokes. That means the hot flash cure can be worse then just coping with the symptoms. This has led increasing numbers of women to search for a more natural cure for hot flashes.

Breast cancer survivors don’t even have the option of using estrogen as a cure for hot flashes. The concern is that taking estrogen would cause the reappearance and further growth of breast cancer cells. Hot flashes then become a routine occurence in women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Many of these women have severe hot flashes.

Fortunately, there are natural remedies and strategies that can lessen the effects of hot flashes and other symptoms. Many women have turned to herbal remedies that include black cohosh, soy, and vitamin E. They have found these natural remedies to be an effective part of their search of a cure for hot flashes. Lifestyle and dietary changes also play a part. Foods and beverages that often increase hot flashes are alcohol, caffeine, and hot, spicy foods. Removing them from the diet can improve your symptoms. Increasing physical activity will also help.

In summary, hot flashes are the most common symptom faced by women going through menopause. They are caused by changing levels of hormones, especially of estrogen. Hormone Replacement Therapy is still the most prescribed cure for hot flashes. However, women are increasingly investigating natural remedies due to the increase in breast cancer, uterine cancer, and stroke risk associated with HRT. Fortunately, they don’t last forever. For most women, they will decrease in intensity and frequency. It’s only a matter of time.

Discover how YOU can stop your hot flashes and menopausal symptoms without HRT. Pick up your free special report ”Coping with Hot Flashes the Natural Way” by clicking here: http://www.survivemenopause.com


Article from articlesbase.com

www.healthymenopauseremedies.com There’s plenty you can to reduce hot flashes and other menopause symptoms, but it will help a lot if you can fully understand what causes hot flashes in the first place. This will also help you decide on what, if any, menopause treatments you may want to look into.
Video Rating: 0 / 5


Other sites that may interest you

Perimenopause: Rocky road to menopause - Harvard Health ...
Menopause - University of Maryland Medical Center
Menopause: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia


What You Can Do About Low Libido at Menopause

  By | February 6, 2011 - 11:18 am | Articles
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For many women, low libido at menopause is more than just a minor nuisance. It can have a dramatic negative effect on intimate relationships and lead to low self-esteem. While a lot of menopausal women experience a diminished sex drive or even a complete lack of sex drive, it’s not something you just have to put up with. There is help for loss of libido and you don’t need to resort to pharmaceuticals to get it.

The causes

To understand what you can do about the problem, it helps to know what causes low libido in the first place. The cause is really fairly simple. Estrogen and testosterone are responsible for your sex drive and at menopause, these hormones are no longer being produce at the levels they were when you were younger.

Another issue leading to lack of libido is vaginal dryness. Estrogen helps keep your vaginal tissues healthy and lubricated, but when estrogen is lacking, the resulting dryness can make intercourse uncomfortable. That’s not exactly an aphrodisiac.

The emotional connection

A woman’s libido is never all about hormones, no matter what her age. If you have no sex drive after menopause or even during perimenopause, there could be emotional reasons for it. Quite often it’s stress. Maybe you’re facing retirement, the illness or death of a loved one, or even facing “empty nest syndrome.” Stress from dramatic changes likes these throws a big bucket of cold water on your libido. If you’re also feeling depressed or irritable, stress combined with hormone fluctuations is the likely cause.

During menopause, many women feel as if their body is betraying them. Let’s face it, heavy periods, weight gain, and saggy breasts don’t do much to help anyone feel more feminine. Not only that, but you stop knowing what to expect from your body anymore. Feeling like this usually leads to less confidence in the bedroom, which can seriously dampen your sex drive.

What you can do

If you think stress is causing your low libido, try stress reduction techniques like yoga or visualization. Moderate physical exercise can help, too. Make sure you’re not trying to deal with everything by yourself, either. Talking to other women about the change of life makes the transition a lot less stressful.

For lack of sex drive caused mostly by hormone fluctuations, one simple solution is to eat more.

foods rich in phytoetrogens (plant estrogen) to boost your estrogen levels. This includes soy, flax seeds, lentils, and apples. Certain herbs like black cohosh and dong quai also contain phytoestrogens. Beyond this, there are also natural progesterone creams that can help increase your levels of sex hormones and restore your libido.

If you’re fed up with dealing with a low libido at menopause, you should know there are a number of things you can do about it. Your first step should be to deal with any major stress than may be sapping your energy and sex drive. Once you’ve done that, look into natural treatments for low libido like herbs and progesterone replacement.


Other sites that may interest you

Definition of menopause - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms - National ...
Menopause - PubMed Health
Menopause | What to expect during menopause | womenshealth.gov


The Symptoms of Menopause – What You Can Expect

  By | February 6, 2011 - 7:08 am | Articles
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If you’re just now entering menopause or approaching that age, you’ve probably started wondering if all the rumors are about hot flashes, loss of libido, and weight gain are true. Certainly they’re exaggerated, right? Well, there’s always hope. For most women, though, at least a few of the typical symptoms of menopause do show up. Here’s a little of what you can expect as you enter menopause.

Irregular periods

This is usually the first and probably the most obvious sign that something about your hormone levels has changed. Women going through menopause and perimenopause may experience missing or more frequent periods, heavy periods, longer periods or a combination. Like menarche, it’s largely an individual thing, though what your mother experienced can give you some indication of what’s in store for you.

Hot flashes and night sweats

The butt of so many menopause jokes and cartoons, hot flashes and night sweats are one of the better known symptoms of menopause, yet few women know exactly what causes them.

During menopause, your hormone levels become unbalanced and this fools your body’s heat-regulating system into thinking you’re too warm. To dispel this extra warmth, your body sends out signals to increase your heart rate and open your sweat glands, giving you a rush of heat and perspiration.

Vaginal dryness

Estrogen is what keeps the membranes in your vaginal area moist, supple, and at a pH level that wards of bacterial infection. With less estrogen in your body, these membranes dry out and become thinner. Not only is it uncomfortable, it also puts you at greater risk for yeast and urinary tract infections.

Weight gain

Weight gain around the stomach area is another common problem many women deal with during and after menopause. Less estrogen is being produced in the usual manner, your body starts looking for other ways to create it. Since body fat is the next best place to create estrogen, your body starts deliberately packing on more fat as a way to pick up your falling estrogen levels.

Another cause is water retention. This leads to edema (swelling) in the legs, arms and abdomen. While physical changes do play a part, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle don’t exactly help.

Bladder control problems

One of the most frustrating symptoms of menopause is frequent urination and a weak bladder. This problem comes from the fact that estrogen also helps keep the lining of the bladder and the urethra healthy. Without enough estrogen, these muscles weaken can you end up with a bladder control problem.

Sound like enough problems? Well, unfortunately, this isn’t a complete list. Some women also experience thinning hair, facial hair growth, trouble sleeping (a major problem for many), and mood swings. The good news, though, is that all of these symptoms have proven-effective natural treatments available that can help reduce the discomfort and inconvenience they cause. These include things like herbal remedies that support the female reproductive system, stress-management techniques like meditation, and natural hormone replacement treatments made from plant estrogens.


Other sites that may interest you

Andropause - Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
Menopause and menopause treatments fact sheet | womenshealth ...
Perimenopause: Rocky road to menopause - Harvard Health ...


Can Natural Progesterone Relieve the Symptoms of the Menopause?

  By | February 5, 2011 - 9:38 pm | Articles
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Natural progesterone is highly recommended as a menopause symptoms reliever. It will even out the hormones in the body if a female becomes estrogen dominant, which often happens around the time of menopause. It can also benefit women who have had a hysterectomy or who are suffering from symptoms of PMS.

Natural progesterone cream such as NatPro matches the progesterone that is found in the body without any unnatural substances being used. This means there are no side effects as you are simply replacing the body’s natural hormones with progesterone cream. You must be aware when purchasing progesterone cream that you only purchase the natural varieties such as NatPro, which is known to be a top of the line natural progesterone product. Synthetically produced progesterone will bring upon side effects to the menopausal woman such as migraines, asthma, fluid retention and cardiac problems.

These creams like NatPro are simply used on the skin. The skin then absorbs the progesterone. It is a painless method and even easier than taking pills. Natural progesterone will relieve the symptoms of menopause. Not only that, it also provides middle aged women with a host of additional benefits including:

Increases libido

Helps prevent against various cysts and cancer

Relieves depression

Normalizes blood sugar levels

Menopause generally occurs from age 50-55 in women. Symptoms associated with menopause commonly include:

Hot flashes – flushing of the face and overall increase in body temperature

Depression – Hormonal changes often cause depression

Irritability – Mood swings and irritability are common

Vaginal itchiness – Dryness and itchiness in the vagina is a common menopause symptom. See your doctor to rule out serious problems here.

Fatigue – Many women note that they feel extra tired during menopause.

There are also other symptoms experienced by menopausal women.

NatPro, the natural progesterone cream, provides fantastic menopause symptom relief. There are no toxic substances in NatPro and it is not tested on animals.

Progesterone has a regulatory effect on the body so if it exists in lowered amounts, the body can begin to react inefficiently. Many pre-menopausal women can tend to be estrogen dominant; therefore progesterone needs to be supplemented to even out the hormonal balance.

Estrogen dominance can lead to such things as uterine fibroids, weight gain, infertility and cancer. This is where natural progesterone comes in. It will help maintain optimal levels of progesterone whilst helping to avoid an over abundance of estrogen. With that said, menopausal women will eventually experience a drop in estrogen levels. This can lead to the usual array of menopause symptoms.

Supplementing with natural progesterone cream can help this situation dramatically. Natural progesterone cream like NatPro aims to resolve problems such as vaginal dryness and hot flushes amongst other menopausal symptoms.

Every woman will require a different amount of natural progesterone cream. It will depend on whether you are menopausal, pre-menopausal (where estrogen dominance can occur) and any other health issues you may have. It is best if you see a doctor before taking on any progesterone supplementation plan.


Other sites that may interest you

menopause.html
BBC - Health: Menopause
Perimenopause: Rocky road to menopause - Harvard Health ...


Balancing Your Hormones With Progesterone

  By | February 5, 2011 - 4:01 pm | Articles
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Natural progesterone can assist you by balancing your hormones and therefore reducing highly uncomfortable and life altering hormonal induced symptoms and complications. Progesterone can also help you with issues that you may not even know you had! For example, did you know that natural progesterone can improve the quality of your hair? Or your skin? This is entirely possible and in fact, very likely through the use of a progesterone cream like NatPro.

Progesterone supplementation will balance your body, leaving you feeling healthier and stronger than ever. The creams like NatPro contain a hormone which is the same as the one found in the human body. When a woman goes though menopause, her hormone levels drop. This brings about the symptoms of menopause like moodiness, skin irritation and generally not feeling yourself.

It is important that you stick to the recommended dosage of progesterone to ensure that you receive the greatest benefits. There is no benefit in using higher than the maximum recommended dosage; in fact the benefits may even be reduced if you do this. It can even cause your body to become estrogen dominant again, which is the opposite of what you want to achieve when balancing your hormones.

Natural progesterone cream should only be used to balance your hormones after a doctor has confirmed that you are deficient. This can be achieved through saliva testing. The cream replaces hormones through the skin (transdermally) and this ensures that it enters straight into your blood stream. What else can progesterone cream do? It will assist in balancing your hormones which in effect can help with the following hormone related symptoms:

Irritability

Migraines and headaches

Low libido

Fatigue

Mood swings

Bloating

Fluid retention

Hot flushes

Sore joints

Vaginal dryness and itching

Bladder problems

Anxiety

Depression

Backache

Sore breasts

All of the above are symptoms of menopause, PMS (pre menstrual syndrome) or both. These problems generally occur due to estrogen dominance in the body. The goal of natural progesterone is to introduce more progesterone back into the system to create the balance that is needed to restore “regular” body patterns, as it is before menopause begins.

It is not only menopausal women who need progesterone. Other situations may require it as well.

Women are on estrogen replacement therapy may have a drop in progesterone which can be “topped up” with natural progesterone cream. Women on birth control pills which have too much estrogen in them can also be at risk of estrogen dominance and lack of progesterone. Women who have undergone a hysterectomy are also candidates for natural progesterone treatment as well as post menopausal women, particularly those who suffer from insulin resistance or who are overweight.

It is even thought that people who are over exposed to a substance found in the air called xenoestrogens may be estrogen dominant. Most women use progesterone for around three months before feeling normal again and this is a good point of reference to go by once you start using a progesterone cream like NatPro.


Other sites that may interest you

Endometrial cancer - Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
Menopause - Cedars-Sinai
Menopause: What is Menopause? Menopause Symptoms ...


Experiencing Peri-menopause Symptoms but Not Sure?

  By | January 27, 2011 - 11:34 am | Articles
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Experiencing Peri-menopause Symptoms but Not Sure?

You suspect that you are feeling peri-menopause signs but are not 100% sure? Know that prior to reaching menopause you are going to endure several signs of premenopause like vaginal dryness, depression, sweating episodes, hot flashes. Another typical changes will endure are weight change, anxiety, allergies, night sweats, fatigue, and panic disorder. The hormone imbalance will feel like you and everybody around you is riding a roller coaster.

It is very hard to discuss to other women who have not been through premenopause what it feels like. It’s even worst to attempt to talk with your male partner when he cannot relate to woman’s menopause experience in any way. This situation can leave you feeling even more lonely, desperate, and disappointed.

At times, female in their mid 30s may start experiencing early menopause For the most part; premenopausal symptoms do not become apparent until female get to their forties. It is possible for some female not to feel any symptoms of early menopause, continue having their normal period and then one day it’s totally ends. The majority of female will have to learn how to cope with peri menopause symptoms which can last anywhere from 2 to ten year when we enter the menopausal phase.

When you initially start feeling pre-menopause symptoms it may be very tough to comprehend most of the changes that your body is enduring. Women menstrual cycle will be irregular for some cycles and then become consistent again. A woman possibly could have times of upsetting night sweats and then times with nothing. Premenopause, is a phase as no two female go through the same symptoms and the exact intensity.

Here are more details on the most common premenopause symptoms:

Hot Flash Episodes: These cycles can feel like you are turning pink to feeling totally wet. How strong and for how long they will hold out is dissimilar from one episode to the other. Seconds after, a hot flash a woman can experience a cold cycle as the body is trying to balance its temp.

Irregular flow: As ovulation gets more erratic, the intervals between periods may be longer or shorter, and the flow menstruation may be scanty to profuse, and then may skip several menstruation cycles.

Night Sweat Episodes: Is a common signs, in which you wake up throughout the middle of the night all wet in sweat. This time can simply develop to other medical problems due to the fact that they are cannot enough sleep.

Fatigue: Your energies are going to be on the low side after dealing with many of the perimenopause signs. You may also be tired as of the lower levels of testosterone which helps you perk up.

Maintaining track of your cycles including times and lengths on a daily basis is a smart thing to do. It is not easy to determine if your physical or emotional changes are related to “change of life” phase, the on going aging process, or something else. Once you have collected all this information it will be easier to analyze if what you are getting is related to growing old or premenopause. Then when you see your doctor you will be able to furnish detailed information about your cycles and all the symptoms you’re feeling.

When your body figures out how to balance the new hormones levels these early menopause symptoms will stop. Try to maintain a positive mental attitude as the pleasures of life following this time are in abundance, just hold on the perimenopause age will be over soon.

Click the link http://signsperimenopause.com now and continue reading more deatiled articles on premenopause symptoms like night sweats, depression, treatment.


Article from articlesbase.com


Other sites that may interest you

Menopause (journal) - Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
Menopause and Depression - U-M Depression Center
menopause.html


Symptoms of Peri Menopause

  By | January 2, 2011 - 11:31 am | Articles
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Symptoms of Peri Menopause

The most dreaded stage of a woman’s life is the menopausal period. This is the time when a woman starts to feel bizarre changes in her body. This may be a bit uncomfortable hence women should be well educated on the menopause symptoms so she too can know what to do in case it happens. Menopause is actually the time from the last period and start counting twelve months forward.

There is also what we call the peri menopause stage. This happens when it takes 2-6 years for the body to stop producing estrogen and other reproductive hormones. This is in this period when a woman would begin feeling the normal menopause symptoms. Some of the classic symptoms of peri menopause will be discussed in this article to help women be aware and be prepared for this normal occurrence in women.

Once you know the peri menopause symptoms, you will certainly know on how to deal with it and not be alarmed. Hot flashes or night sweats are the most common symptoms of peri menopause. In order to get rid of the discomfort brought by this symptom, drink something cold and refreshing. Stay away from alcoholic beverages and settle for the unsweetened and nonalcoholic drinks. You can also wear layers that are made of natural fabric once you feel the first sign of hot flashing. This can be easily removed once you experience hot flashes. It would also help if you use sheets and blankets that are made of natural fabrics so your skin can regulate the temperature.

Vaginal dryness is another symptom of peri menopause. This symptom can be caused by the thinning tissues. However, the itching and the dryness can be solved by using personal lubricants and moisturizers. Experts also suggest that women who experience vaginal dryness need to perform Kegel exercises in order to enhance blood supply and tone the muscles.

Peri menopause can also let you experience anxiety, depression and mood swings. This is actually the result of the hormonal changes that happen in the body. It would help if you get plenty of sleep and avoid caffeine in order to counter this symptom. You can also learn the relaxation techniques such deep breathing, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation and a lot more. And most importantly, avoid smoking. This would only increase the risk in heart diseases and other health problems.

These are just some of the peri menopause symptoms. If you are also experiencing these, then it would also help to consult your trusted doctor to know the best ways in dealing with these symptoms. Never fret as this is only normal and part of a woman’s life.

Click here to learn more about various common women health problems at http://womenhealthcare.net

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Article from articlesbase.com


Other sites that may interest you

Hormone replacement therapy (menopause) - Wikipedia the free ...
Perimenopause: Rocky road to menopause - Harvard Health ...
Introduction to Menopause


Mind & Body Solution for Pms

  By | January 2, 2011 - 11:31 am | Articles
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Mind & Body Solution for Pms

About Dr. Jarret Morrow:

Dr. Jarret Morrow, MD is the President & Chief Science Officer of University Health Industries, Inc.  Dr. Morrow received his Doctor of Medicine from The University of Alberta in June 2001 and prior to that, received his Bachelor of Science With Specialization in Pharmacology With Distinction, also from The University of Alberta, in June 1997.

Dr. Morrow has been a distinguished presenter at numerous scientific and medical conferences worldwide, generally involving various areas of psychiatry, including anxiety disorders and the physical impact of psychological stress, and has also co-authored numerous medical research publications generally involving similar subjects. Dr. Morrow is the inventor of two patent-pending dietary supplement formulations.

University Health Industries Disclaimer:

The information that is provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care providers with any questions that you may have regarding a specific medical condition.
Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking medical advice or treatment it because of something you have read on this site or the University Health Industries™ site.

Part 1: About PMS

What are PMS and PMDD?
What causes PMS?
What are the symptoms of PMS?
What are the risks of PMS and PMDD?
How can I tell if I have PMS?
What can I do to manage my symptoms?
What medical treatments are available?
How effective are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of PMS?
What is the effectiveness of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) therapy in treating PMS?
Is bright light therapy effective for treating the depression associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Part 2: About Zenstral

What is Zenstral PMS™?
Who should take Zenstral PMS™?
What are the ingredients?
How does Zenstral PMS™ work?
What is evidence based medicine?
What is a meta-analysis?
What scientific evidence was used in formulating Zenstral PMS™?
Who should not take Zenstral PMS™?
How much should I take?
When will it start to work?
What are the possible side effects?
What is the NPA TruLabel Program?
What is your guarantee?
Who is University Health Industries, Inc. (UHI)?
What other nutraceuticals are available from UHI?

Part 1: About PMS

Understanding PMS is one of the most important things you can do to manage your symptoms. In this booklet, Jarret D. Morrow, MD, chief scientific officer and president of University Health Industries, presents the known facts about PMS, an overview of treatment options, and current independent research that supports the use of Zenstral PMS™ for relieving PMS and PMDD.

What are PMS and PMDD?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of PMS, are both very common and potentially debilitating conditions from which many women suffer. Hormonal changes following ovulation trigger a group of disruptive symptoms that appear approximately 14 days before your period. PMS and PMDD affect an estimated 40 million women in the United States, with more than 5 million requiring medical treatment.

What causes PMS?

Though the exact cause of PMS is not completely understood, it appears that the hormones progesterone, estrogen and testosterone are involved, along with changes in the level of the brain chemical serotonin. Nutritional deficiencies in magnesium or vitamin B6, hormonal changes, neurotransmitter activity, diet, and stress have all been implicated in the etiology of PMS.1,2

What are the symptoms of PMS?

Most women feel some discomfort before their periods. But if you have PMS, you may feel so anxious, depressed, or uncomfortable that you can’t cope at home or at work. Common symptoms of PMS include:

Physical Symptoms/Psychological Symptoms

Breast tenderness (mastodynia)
Irritability
Cramping
Angry outbursts
Swollen hands or feet
Low self-esteem
Headaches
Anxiety
Weight gain
Confusion
Bloated abdomen
Difficulty concentrating
Constipation
Mood swings
Joint pain
Crying spells
Fatigue
Decreased libido
Acne
Depression

Symptoms usually stop or taper off soon after your period begins, and you may be symptom free until about two weeks before your next period.  For an extensive list of natural anxiety remedies, or for more information about dietary supplements to reduce weight gain and bloating, follow the respective links.

What are the risks of PMD and PMDD?

PMS and PMDD are not mere inconveniences. These conditions can adversely impact a woman’s personal, professional, and financial success. Women suffering from PMS are at increased risk of depression, absenteeism from work, strained relationships, reduced productivity, and worsening of medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or migraine headache during specific phases of their menstrual cycles.

How can I tell if I have PMS?

According the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you may have PMS if

Your PMS symptoms occur only during the last two weeks of your cycle.
the symptoms are sufficiently uncomfortable to impair your quality of life.
other disorders that may be mistaken for PMS have been excluded.

If you suspect you have PMS, ACOG recommends keeping a daily log of your symptoms for two or three consecutive months to help in diagnosis. It’s important to talk with your doctor to confirm your diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as depression, migraine headaches, seizure disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, or allergies.

What can I do to manage my PMS symptoms?

Women can often manage the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome by making changes in the way they eat, exercise, and approach their daily lives. To reduce your discomfort, try implementing as many of the suggestions below as you can.

Dietary Tips for Controlling PMS

Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce bloating and the sensation of fullness.
Eat complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads, pasta, and cereals.
Cut back on sugar and fat in your diet.
Avoid salt for the last days before your period to reduce bloating and fluid retention.
Avoid caffeine intake to feel less tense and irritable.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Consuming alcohol before your period can make you feel more depressed.
Choose foods rich in calcium.
Increase consumption of dietary fiber.

Lifestyle Tips for Controlling PMS

Get aerobic exercise. Regular daily exercise will help improve your overall health and can alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and a depressed mood.
Ensure adequate sleep—about eight hours per night.
Attempt to schedule stressful events for the week after your period.
Maintain a regular schedule of meals, bedtime, and exercise.
Practice deep-breathing exercises to help reduce headaches, anxiety, or trouble sleeping.
Avoid smoking cigarettes.

What medical treatments are available for PMS and PMDD?

There are four types of prescription drugs used for PMS/PMDD:

Antidepressants that act on serotonin, including fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine.The FDA has recently ordered makers of several antidepressants to issue black box warnings that patients on these medications should be closely monitored for “clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.”
Agents that suppress ovulation, such as danazol, transdermal estradiol patches, and some oral contraceptives. These medications carry risks for serious side effects and can be very expensive.
Other psychotropics to reduce anxiety, such as alprazolam and other anxiolytic benzodiazepines. Since alprazolam has a very short half-life, there is a risk of addiction for patients who are started on this medication.
Spironolactone, a diuretic that is only available by prescription. It has proven effective in reducing premenstrual fluid retention, but doesn’t address the other symptoms of PMS.

How effective are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) for the treatment of PMS?

SSRI’s are a class of drugs used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Patients can experience many side effects from the use of these medications including weight changes, increase in anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and sexual dysfunction. A study published in the Cochrane Database concluded that there is very good evidence to support the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the management of severe PMS. However, withdrawals due to side effects were 2.5 times more likely to occur in the treatment group than in the placebo group.3

What is the effectiveness of using gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) to treat PMS?

GnRH analogues work to stop menstrual periods by decreasing estrogen production. A recent meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded that GnRHa treatment appears to be an effective option in the management of PMS.4 Unfortunately, patients who take these analogues can experience several serious side effects, including menopausal type symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and increased LDL cholesterol and bone loss.

Is bright light therapy effective for treating the depression associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Light therapy consists of exposure to full-spectrum light for a prescribed amount of time. A recent meta-analysis of bright light therapy published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded that “the current evidence justifies neither enthusiastic dissemination nor confident rejection of this therapeutic modality.”5 Essentially, this suggests that more research is required to study the potential benefit of this treatment for PMS.

Part 2: About Zenstral PMS ™

From University Health Industries

Zenstral PMS from University Health Industries

Testimonial:

“I want to thank you for all of your help. I have had the most terrible PMS with every symptom possible. Zenstral PMS has made all the difference! I have none of the symptoms: no headache, cramps, irritability, mood swings, or aches. This works! Thanks so much for this product!”

– Debbie W, North Carolina.

What is Zenstral PMS™?

Zenstral PMS™ is an innovative blend of natural compounds that are scientifically proven to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Unlike other PMS treatments, Zenstral addresses both the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS/PMDD in one convenient product, without the risk of dangerous side effects.

Using the principles of evidence based medicine, our physicians and pharmacologists formulated Zenstral PMS™ after months of reviewing the results of university research studies worldwide. The result is a powerful nutraceutical that is as effective as other PMS remedies—and safer.†

Who should take Zenstral PMS™?
Zenstral PMS™ is recommended for women suffering fromgeneral PMS-related symptoms

cyclical mood symptoms of PMS including irritability, tension, depression
lower back and joint pain associated with PMS
fluid retention associated with PMS
breast tenderness associated with PMS

What are the ingredients in Zenstral PMS™?

Each caplet contains 20 mg of Vitex agnus castus (.3% casticin), 200 mg of magnesium oxide (MgO), and 50 mg of vitamin B6 (pyroxidine)..

The Vitex agnus castus (VAC) compound used in Zenstral is casticin, a flavonoid from the chasteberry. This is the same substance used in the clinical studies that show Vitex agnus castus to be effective. Nearly all other products on the market standardize to agnuside, a terpene compound from the chasteberry tree.

How does Zenstral PMS™ work?

The natural compounds in Zenstral work on many of the biochemical mechanisms that contribute to PMS:†

Vitex Agnus Castus Extract (VAC):VAC acts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a set of complex interactions between three hormone-producing organs. It also reduces stress-induced prolactin levels by simulating the effects of dopamine in the brain (dopamine agonist).6 In addition, VAC has been found to elevate beta-endorphin and opiod levels, naturally occurring substances that decrease pain and create a feeling of calm and well-being.7,8

Magnesium: Low levels of red-cell magnesium have been correlated with symptoms of PMS.9 This is the rationale for supplementation with magnesium and has resulted in a number of studies on magnesium supplementation in women suffering from PMS.

Vitamin B6: Also called pyroxidine, vitamin B6 has a positive effect on levels of neurotransmitters such as serontonin, norepinephrine, histamine, dopamine, and taurine.10

What is evidence-based medicine?

Evidence based medicine (EBM) involves examining a broad spectrum of evidence—such as meta-analyses, systematic reviews of existing research, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and other methods of inquiry—to make decisions about patient care and treatment.

EBM is rapidly becoming the new paradigm in health care, replacing the older authority-based model where the value of a medical treatment (and sometimes its availability) was based on the work of a limited number of experts.

To learn more about evidence based medicine, a non-profit organization called the Cochrane Collaboration (www.cochrane.org) is an excellent place to begin.

What is a meta-analysis?

A meta-analysis involves collecting data from many similar research studies, then analyzing the pooled data for statistical significance.

What evidence was used in formulating Zenstral PMS™?

Below is a representative sample of the scientific evidence used in formulating Zenstral PMS™:

Vitex Agnus Castus Extract (VAC)

A recent double-blind, randomized controlled trial published in the British Medical Journal demonstrated a 52 percent reduction in PMS symptoms in women treated with dry extract of agnus castus fruit.11 Similar results were obtained in another study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.12

Another recent study found Vitex agnus castus extract to be as effective as fluoxetine for the treatment of PMDD, a more severe form of PMS. The authors reported that 57.9 percent of patients responded to VAC extract in the treatment of this disorder, and also found that VAC extract was more effective than fluoxetine in treating the physical symptoms of PMDD.13

German health authorities have approved the use of chasteberry for three gynecological conditions: menstrual cycle irregularity, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and mastodynia (breast pain).14

Magnesium

A recent randomized, double-blind crossover study concluded that magnesium works synergistically with vitamin B6 to relieve anxiety symptoms associated with PMS.15

Vitamin B6

The British Medical Journal did a meta-analysis of vitamin B6 in the treatment of PMS and concluded that it was likely to be beneficial in treating premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual depression.16

Who should not take Zenstral PMS™?

Consult a physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking birth control pills, have a hormone-sensitive medical condition such as breast cancer, or are taking dopamine-related medications.

How much should I take?

The typical dosage is one caplet twice daily. Take Zenstral™ every day of the month, not only when you’re having symptoms. It needs to reach and maintain therapeutic levels in the body to work.

When will it start to work?

With daily use, Zenstral™ will reach therapeutic levels in your system within three to four weeks, so you should feel relief by the second cycle. In contrast, prescription antidepressants take at least a month to start working and don’t address the physical symptoms of PMS.

What are the possible side effects?

No serious side effects have been reported for the ingredients in Zenstral PMS™. Data from clinical trials, post-marketing surveillance studies, spontaneous reporting systems, manufacturers, and herbalist organizations indicate that the compounds in Zenstral PMS™ are generally well tolerated, and that any adverse events following VAC treatment are mild and reversible.17 Possible side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, or pruritus.11,12,13,15,16,17,18

Consult a physician if you experience any of these side effects or use this product longer than six months. Discontinue use and consult a physician if an allergic reaction occurs.

No drug interactions have been reported. However, because of Zenstral’s mode of action, consult your physician before use if you are taking dopamine-related medications.

What is the NPA TruLabel Program?

The Natural Products Association (NPA) TruLabel program is the industry’s most expansive and successful self-regulatory program.

University Health Industries and other NPA members voluntarily pay for random monitored tests of their products by independent laboratories. If a test reveals any deficiency in product quality or accuracy in labeling, NPA immediately alerts the member company and expects it to take corrective action. NPA revokes the membership of any company that does not comply.

What is your guarantee?

University Health Industries’ products are backed by our 100% money-back guarantee for first-time orders. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your order, simply return it within 30 days and we’ll issue you a full refund of your purchase price, less shipping and handling.

Who is University Health Industries, Inc?

Every year, research labs around the globe identify and test natural compounds with the potential to improve human health—yet more than 98% of these discoveries are never commercialized for the benefit of the public.

University Health Industries, Inc. (OTC:UVHI), in collaboration with universities worldwide, researches natural compounds with clinically proven efficacy, identifies those with the greatest potential for enhancing human life, then develops them into patented nutraceutical products for treating common chronic ailments.

Our mission is to make the latest clinical discoveries in natural compounds available to consumers, delivered in patented pharmaceutical-grade formulations with guaranteed quality and potency.

UHI is a proud American company with offices and manufacturing facilities in Boca Raton, Florida. All of our products are GMP-approved and made in the United States to ensure they adhere to standards the American public can trust.

What other nutraceuticals are available from UHI?

UHI will introduce three new products in the coming weeks , each developed with the same quality and efficacy standards as Zenstral PMS™:

Arthroleve ULT™ for bone and joint pain †
Premium SAMe ULT™ for mood support†
Cold & Flu RMD™ for immune system support and relief from the common cold†

 

References

1 Mortola J. Premenstrual syndrome-pathophysiologic considerations. N Engl J Med. 1998; 338:256-7.

2 Chrousos GP, Torpy DJ, Gold PW. Interactions between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the female reproductive system: Clinical implications. Ann Intern Med. 1998;129:229-40.

3 Wyatt KM, Dimmock PW, O’Brien PM. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(4):CD 001396.

4 Wyatt KM, Dimmock PW, Ismail KM, Jones PW, O’brien PM. The effectiveness of GnRHa with and without ‘add-back’ therapy in treating premenstrual syndrome: a meta analysis. BJOG, 2004 Jun;111(6):585-93.

5 Krasnik C, Montori VM, Guyatt GH, Heels-Ansdell D, Brusse JW; Medically Unexplained Syndromes Study Group. The effect of bright light therapy on depression associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Am J Gynecol. 2005 Sep;193(3 Pt 1):658-61.

6 Merz PG, Gorkow C, Schordter A, Rietbrock S, Sider C, Loew D, Dericks–Tan JSE, Taubert HD. The effects of special Agnus castus extract (BP 109E1) on prolactin secretion in healthy male subjects. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 1996;104:447-53.

7 Brugisser R, Burkard W, Simmen U, Schaffner W. Untersuchungen an Opiod-Rezeptorin mit Vitex agnus-castus L. Z Phytother. 1999;20:140-58.

8 Samochowic L, Glaesmer R, Samochowic J. EifluBvon Monchspfeffer auf die konzentration von beta-Endorphin im Serum weiblicher Ratten. Arztez Naturheilverfahren. 1998;39:213-215.

9 Rosenstein DL, Elin RJ, Hosseini JM, et al. Magnesium measures across the menstrual cycle in premenstrual women. Biol Psychiatry. 1994;35:557-61.

10 Schindler R, Thoni H, Classen HG. The role of magnesium in the generation and therapy of benign muscle cramps. Combined in vivo/in vitro studies on rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations. Arneimittel-Forschung. 1998;48:161-66.

11 Schellenberg, et al. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomized, placebo controlled study. BMJ. 2001;322;134-7

12 Berger D, Schaffner W, Schrader E, Meier B, Brattstrom A. Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2000; 264:150-53.

13 Atmaca M, Selahattin K, Texcan E. Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Human Psychopharmacol Clin Exp. 2003;18:191-5.

14 Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. The complete German Commission E. monographs: therapeutic guide to herbal medicines. Austin TX. American Botanical Council. 1998, p1694.

15 De Souza M, Walker A, Robinson P, Bolland K. A synergistic effect of daily supplement for 1 month of 200mg magnesium plus 50mg vitamin B6 for the relief of anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Journal of Womens Health & Gender-Based Medicine. 2000 Mar;9(2)131-3.

16 Wyatt K, Dimmock P, Jones P, Shaughn O’brien PM. Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systemic review. BMJ. 1999; 318:1375-81.

17 Daniele C, Thompson J, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf. 2005;28(4):319-32.

18 Walker A, De Souza M, Vickers M, Abeyasekera S, Collins M, Trinca L. Magnesium supplementation alleviates premenstrual symptoms of fluid retention. Journal of Women’s Health. 1998 Nov;7(9):1157-65.

19 Proctor M, Murphy P. Herbal dietary therapies for primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea (Cochrane review). The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2002. Oxford: update software.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Dr. Jarret Morrow, MD, is the president of University Health Industries (OTC:UVHI). Dr. Morrow received his Doctor of Medicine from The University of Alberta in June 2001 and prior to that, received his Bachelor of Science with Specialization in Pharmacology with Distinction, also from The University of Alberta, in June 1997.

Dr. Morrow has been a distinguished presenter at numerous scientific and medical conferences worldwide, generally involving various areas of psychiatry, including anxiety disorders and the physical impact of psychological stress, and has also co-authored numerous medical research publications generally involving similar subjects. Dr. Morrow also serves as the Company’s Chief Science Officer.

For more articles by Dr. Morrow, you can visit his dietary supplement blog or the Hive Health Media blog network.


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