The stage of menopause is a natural process that occurs in every
woman’s life. Once she is in her 40s or older, menopause begins to
creep in. Part of the reason why menopause is considered a transition
is because it makes it possible for a woman to enjoy pleasures in life
and explore many possibilities. The children have grown, there is no
fear for responsibilities, and she can now have more time for herself.
But menopause is not a very bright episode. Along with it are the
symptoms of menopause like hormonal fluctuations, cold sweats, weight
gain, and of course, hot flashes.

So what are hot flashes?

Hot flashes happen to women during years leading to menopause. Hot
flashes occur due to a drop of estrogen level in a woman’s body,
leading to a sudden rise of body temperature, and a feeling of warmth
on her chest, neck, head, arms and shoulders. Not all women have them,
but to those who do, they are a pain in the neck. To make matters
worse, hot flashes can also cause insomnia in women.  Researchers
from Stanford University School of Medicine interviewed 982 women, aged
35 – 65 years old by phone between June 28 and April 2004, by asking
their age, stage of menopause, severity of hot flashes and sleeping
habits. 57.2 percent of the participants were premenopausal. Another
20.5 percent were postmenopausal, without experiencing having periods
within the past year, and 22 percent were perimenopausal.

33 percent of the subjects they had hot flashes. Half of the women who
had hot flashes said they usually did not cause sweating. One – third
said they had moderate hot flashes that made them perspire but not
enough to make them stop what they were doing. On the other hand, 15
percent said their hot flashes caused them profuse perspiration, which
made them  

stop their activities.

81 percent of the women who experienced severe hot flashes said they
had trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for long. Researchers
found that as the severity of their hot flashes increased, so did their
insomnia symptoms.

Another interesting finding: According to a study done by researchers
of the University of California, Davis, in general, women who were
overweight were at greater risk of frequent vasomotor symptoms as were
smokers.

To women reading this article, you might be saying, “So what’s the use of counting sheep? The odds are all against me.”

No, not at all. Simple changes to your habits daily will improve your sleep. Here are some things you can do.

1. Say no to caffeine. Caffeine is found in chocolate, tea, coffee and certain medicines.

2. Get lots of morning sunshine by walking outside the house.

3. Quit smoking and lose weight. As stated earlier, smoking and being
overweight make you experience hot flashes more frequently. Besides,
they don’t do anything good to your health.

4. Do relaxation exercises like breathing exercises, meditation and guided imagery.

5. Exercise during the day, during late afternoon.  The more tired
you are, the better chances you have of falling asleep. And exercise
decreases your chances of getting heart illnesses, osteoporosis and
other conditions that may occur due to a drop of estrogen in the body.

To reduce the effects of hot flashes, here are the things you can do.

1. Exercise regularly. Taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes helps you
cool down when hot flashes arise. Avoid anything that can worsen your
hot flashes, like spicy foods, a hot weather, or alcohol.

2. Black cohosh. A series of German studies done in the past have shown
its efficacy in relieving hot flashes and other menopause-related
symptoms. The North American Menopause Society supports its use for up
to 6 months, because of its low side effects. However, cases vary in
each woman, but it’s still worth a try.

3.  Hormone therapy seems controversial because of a large study
funded by the National Institutes Of Health. The study was stopped
because the participants were found to have an increased risk of heart
attack, stroke and breast cancer. Low doses are recommended, depending
on your doctor’s advice.

So cheer up. Insomnia is not inevitable just because you are
menopausal. If these strategies do not work it’s high time for you to
seek your doctor’s help.

It seems that everyone is jumping on the antioxidant bandwagon and why not?  New research is coming out all the time that seems to indicate antioxidants can prevent cancer, strengthen your immune system and even keep you from aging.  Antioxidants work by sucking up free radicals that can damage your bodys cells and transporting them to the liver where eventually they exit the body.  

Heart Disease in particular has been the subject of recent studies.  Researchers in Italy examined three hundred and seven middle aged women for Atherosclerosis.  This is the formation of plaques and lesions in the coronary arteries, which can signal the development of cardiovascular disease years before a doctor diagnosiss it.  These women did not take vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C or E.  The researchers took blood samples to measure the womens baseline level of various antioxidants, took questionnaires and performed ultrasound examinations of their carotid arteries and branches of the heart.  They found that women who had plaques building in their arteries had a low intake of vitamin E.  Women with the lowest baseline concentrations of Vitamin E in their blood were twice as likely to have plaque build up in their carotid arteries and branches of the heart.

In a side note some promising research has come up relating to breast cancer in women.  Researchers gave thirty-two women between the ages of thirty-two and eighty-one with metastasized breast cancer a multivitamin supplement.  It contained vitamin C, E, Beta Carotene, selenium, coenzyme Q10 and other vitamins and minerals daily for eighteen months.  None of the patients died during this period, which is wonderful because without supplements it could be expected that at least four of the volunteers would have died.  Also the cancer in each of the patients appeared t
o stop spreading.  Six of the patients showed partial remission.  One of the six patients in partial remission had her dosage of coenzyme Q10 increased to 390mg daily and within two months her tumor could no longer be seen on a mammogram.

Antioxidants are beneficial but they seem to be able to do only do so much.  In a French study publicized in 2004 it was found that antioxidants tended to benefit men more than women.  The Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale and Unite de Surveillance et dEpidemiologie Nutritionnelle studied the effects of taking supplements in more than thirteen thousand men and women for seven and a half years.  The participants were divided into groups, each one taking a different antioxidant daily.  The antioxidants were ascorbic acid, Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, Selenium, Zinc and a placebo.  At the end of the study they found that the men who took antioxidants were thirty-one percent less likely to develop cancer than women.  Some of us women may be automatically thinking what a sexist finding!  While it is possible that antioxidants are simply more effective in men its not probable.  It is more likely that the men had a lower baseline of antioxidants in their bloodstream than women, in other words women may have a better diet than men with lots of antioxidants and their baselines were already high.  So the antioxidants that men took simply brought the mens baseline up and the antioxidants that women took may have been superfluous.

As a result of this study the researchers suggested that you are able to get a high and beneficial level of antioxidants in your blood with a diet containing lots of fruits and veggies.

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Whats a womens libido-booster and why would I want one?

In recent years, most of the focus has been on mens sexual performance and pleasure. Now, there are products to help the woman achieve a stronger sex drive, a healthy excitement and interest in sex, a more complete natural arousal, and better responses throughout the sexual arousal cycle including a more powerful climax.

If you or your partner has experienced diminished sex drive and lower levels of sexual response due to fatigue, hormonal changes, stress, aging, or inadequate diet — or if theres simply a disparity between the womans and the mans sex drive in your relationship — womens libido-booster supplements can help.

How do natural supplements for the womans libido work?

These supplements are typically blended herbal formulas with a number of natural ingredients that each address some aspect of the female sexual response cycle. For instance, some ingredients act on the circulatory system to increase blood flow to the genitals, while others directly enhance production and balance of hormones associated with sexual health. Other ingredients may be specifically chosen for their beneficial effects on the female reproductive system and ability to create overall relaxation or a sense of well being. Taken daily, these supplements are meant to increase sexual response time, boost libido, intensify sexual sensations and orgasm, and balance the hormonal system for proper reproductive functioning.

Can I expect instant results from these products?

If you choose a good-quality, top-notch product, you will notice some results right away, mostly in the form of immediately increased sensations. Most women find that responses improve progressively with daily use over a period of time. Of course, inferior products may have little or no effect, so choose your supplement with care from a respected company thats been in existence for a while — one excellent choice is Provestra™ from Albion Medical, a company that has been devoted to sexual health for men and women for many years.

I have never had a strong sex drive and seem not to have much sensitivity in the genital area. Can a womens libido-booster product help?

Its difficult to say exactly what may be behind your lack of interest in sex and lack of sexual response. You may wish to consult your practitioner if you want to understand the underlying causes. For most women who describe themselves as you do, however, natural supplements are very helpful. Women can experience the benefits of a healthy sex drive and proper sexual functioning with the correct, quality formula.

Are there any side effects?

If you choose a pure, natural product manufactured in a cGMP pharmaceutical facility (such as Provestra™ by Albion Medical), you can be assured of receiving a completely safe, herbal supplement that will not interfere with other medications or disrupt birth control. There are no side effects. However, because the herbal ingredients have effects on the entire sexual system, some women notice a slight increase in breast size. Also, you are advised to beware of products whose origin or ingredients are uncertain.

I know the cost of mens products like Viagra and Cialis and really high. Are these womens products prohibitively expensive, too?

The truth is, some are ridiculously costly and some are suspiciously cheap. The rule of thumb here is that you get what you pay for — and for a good quality, clinically backed womens supplement, you can expect to pay about $50 for a months supply, with reputable companies offering a discount for larger orders. So no, its not prohibitively expensive when you consider that a good supplement contains top-quality ingredients which are more costly (and are more effective!) than cheaper substitutions. When you find out how fantastic this is for your sex life, you will likely feel that the cost is worth every penny.

Is it safe to take a product like this if Im trying to get pregnant?

Again, you should choose an excellent quality supplement in any case, but especially if you are contemplating pregnancy. Look for assertions of safety from the manufacturer, and when in doubt, consult your doctor or midwife. In the case of Provestra™, its been known to increase fertility. Once you confirm your pregnancy, you should always check with your practitioner regarding any supplements or medications you are taking — even vitamins.

Should I tell my partner I am using a product like this?

Were all in favor of open communication — and for some couples the fun of experimenting with a new sexual enhancer is a definite turn-on! For some women, though, having a little secret is an aphrodisiac all its own, not to mention a good gauge of how well your secret potion is working: if you and he are very happy with the more sexual you, theres your answer! Later if you want to cop to your secret, it may open him up to the whole category of natural supplements for men.[[ could link to vigrx ]]

Women have finally gotten their fair due in the category of all-natural sexual arousal and pleasure enhancers. Currently, there are dozens of such products on the market for men (not to mention several prescription meds that cater only to men), but only very recently have women’s products moved into consumer focus. It’s a booming segment of the natural supplement market that’s more popular than ever.

However, the use of herbs and nutrients to enhance women’s sex drives and pleasure is nothing new. For many years, folk medicine and naturopathic healing have had a variety of natural and botanical ingredients in their arsenal of tools to combat women’s flagging sexuality due to fatigue, stress, dietary deficiency, aging, hormonal changes or emotional upset. What’s new now is the availability of specialized, pre-calibrated formulas in new standardized dosages using many of these time-honored ingredients.

The great news is that the formulas work — so well that women are buying them in record numbers and celebrating the results. The bad news? That the natural supplement market is easily infiltrated by fakes and poseurs, products that do nothing but cost as much as the real thing.

The wise consumer should first gain an understanding of how these products work, and what goes into a quality supplement, then make an informed choice to enjoy the best results.

What you’re looking for is a non-prescription, balanced formula that can be taken as a daily supplement without side effects or interference with birth control or other medications you might be taking. The specific formulation varies by manufacturer, however, all formulas worth purchasing are created in a cGMP pharmaceutical-grade facility, of top-quality ingredients. Here’s what else to look for: The ingredients in a good supplement individually will work to promote better blood flow and increased muscular relaxation, plus act on hormones for increased, more energetic sexual response. In addition, the hormone-balancing factors in the formula may combat the negative effects of menopause, such as night sweats and hot flashes, and may even balance mood and attitude before or during menopause. Taken together, in a blend that is thoughtfully created and precisely calibrated, the effects on the overall female reproductive system are overwhelmingly positive — from a healthier, more satisfying sex life to natural fertility.

With all the choices out there, it takes a diligent researcher to find out which are the effective formulas. One that meets all the critieria above is Provestra™, which in addition to being an effective and very popular libido-booster for women, is also provided by o
ne of the top legitimate companies in sexual health improvement for men and women. Here’s a partial list of Provestra™’s ingredients, and a description of how each works specifically on the female reproductive system:

Maca - legendary South American herb with centuries-old reputation for increasing libido

Red raspberry leaf - a female tonic, uterine contraction regulator, pregnancy herb

Red clover - a blood cleanser and nutritive, positive effects on hormonal systems regulating pregnancy and lactation

Cayenne pepper - a stimulant that equalizes circulation and strengthens the heart

Licorice root - a botanical that strengthens and tonifies the adrenal glands and enhances hormonal function

Bayberry fruit - natural ingredient that increases blood flow and capillary dilation in the mucus membranes of the vagina to enhance lubrication

Damiana leaf - a centuries-old remedy used as an aphrodisiac for its ability to stimulate genitals

Valerian root - a time-honored remedy that reduces tension and emotional stress, aids in a restful sleep, and eases menstrual cramps

Ginger root - a total system stimulant that enhances the action of other herbs

Black cohosh root - a favorite of midwives that acts on the uterine and vaginal ability to contract, balances hormones and has a mild sedative effect

Notice that the blend described above goes to work on the libido from multiple fronts: circulatory, hormonal, stress reduction, female-specific tonification and overall effects on the genitals. Other formulas may contain amino acids, vitamins, enzymes or various vegetable extracts. Though many of these ingredients are available individually from health food stores or herbal pharmacies, the prevailing wisdom today points to the superiority of formulas like this, that are pre-calibrated and blended to take the guesswork out of herbal extracts — not to mention the more economical approach of buying a complete tablet as opposed to a bewildering array of pills or tinctures that must be measured, mixed or calculated each day.

Results vary for individual women, but most report positive effects after only about a week or two on the supplement. Unlike prescription meds, these natural supplements have no side effects and can be obtained without a prescription or costly doctor’s office visit. Because of their safety and efficacy, natural supplements are the number one choice today among women seeking to improve their libido and sexual pleasure.

So far, it’s mostly men’s sexual pleasure and health that’s been addressed both by prescription drugs and the burgeoning all-natural supplement sector. Fortunately, a few companies are paying attention to women’s needs, and have developed stimulating creams that not only lube but also boost a woman’s sensitivity and ability to orgasm more powerfully.

These work by means of the innovative transdermal delivery system. By combining botanical extracts and therapeutic nutrients with natural skin permeation enhancers such as olive squalane, important ingredients can cross the lipid barrier of the epidermis. The result is greatly enhanced sexual sensations in a woman’s body.

Some creams and ‘natural’ products on the market contain ingredients that have well-recognized health hazards associated with their use; the best choice is a sexual enhancement cream that does not contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances or color, or synthetic preservatives.

The exact herbal and all-natural formulation of different women’s creams varies a great deal. However, it’s important that, no matter which product you choose, you pay attention to the details: is the product developed by professionals or naturopaths who have experience in helping women attain ideal sexual and reproductive health? Is there research or documented findings of scientists and herbalists? How have they pinpointed the optimum natural ingredients for clitoral arousal, erection and sensitivity? One we found that meets the criteria for a great, effective women’s cream is Vigorelle™. The makers of Vigorelle™ have developed a formula with ingredients combined in the optimal proportions to improve all sexual stimulation. They have created the opportunity for a woman to achieve orgasm, and have implemented revolutionary technology in L-Arginine HCL, responsible for fast, effective absorption of key herbal ingredients into the female lymphatic system. Vigorelle™ also contains powerful antioxidants such as Vitamin A and C for optimum health and nutrition.

Here are some of the ingredients in an effective women’s topical preparation, along with their effects in the body:

• Damiana Leaf - Folium Turneraceae
  Herb from the subtropics that counteracts chronic loss of sexual power. Damiana has a reputation as a powerful woman’s herb with its progesteronic action and powerful aphrodisiac properties. It acts as a tonic to the central nervous system, urinary, reproductive, digestive, and respiratory systems. Damiana is also useful in the treatment of vaginal dryness.
  
  
  
• Suma Root - Radix Pfaffiae Paniculatae
  
  Suma root contains an amazing 152 identified compounds containing the nutritive value of 19 amino acids and many minerals and vitamins. Suma is an excellent natural neuroendocrine restorative, metabolic regulator, antioxidant and immune enhancer. Suma restores the endocrine and immune systems, and also increases estrogens and androgens.
  
  
  
• Motherwort - Herba Leonori
  Motherwort is known as a true woman’s remedy. This wonderful herb is a uterine tonic that contains alkaloids with the ability to produce uterine contraction. Motherwort is reputed to release tension caused by emotional and mental stress.
  
  
  
• Wild Yam - Rhizoma Dioscorea Villosae
  Wild Yam is also called Mexican Wild Yam or Colic Root. Balances human hormone production, enhances a woman’s sexual energy. Wild Yam also contains diosgenin, a steroid-like substance that when used in small doses in its natural form, increases fertility.
  
  
  
• Ginkgo Biloba
  Increases moisture retention in the upper layers of the skin, and soothes irritation. Improves circulation and vasodilation. Ginkgo is also an antioxidant useful against free radicals, substances that damage cellular health and accelerate aging from both internal and environmental toxins. Gingko leaf it is one of the best herbs available for promoting blood flow and oxygenation throughout the entire body.
  
  
  
• Peppermint Leaf - Folium Menthae Piperitae
  Helps the absorption of other substances through cell membranes, induces natural lubrication, invigorates the mind, improves the mood and relaxes a tension-filled, anxiety-ridden nervous system.

As you search for the best women’s cream, seek a smooth topical cream packaged in a vacuum sealed pump dispenser by an FDA approved facility GMP (good manufacturing practices) certification. Also consider looking for these features:

• Developed for those who are chemically sensitive and/or health conscious.
  
• Contains no petrochemical byproducts, artificial colors, flavors and fragrances.
  
• No propylene glycol and metha or proply paraben.
  
• Condom compatible.
  
• Water based.
  
• pH Balanced.
  
• Edible non-toxic pleasant flavor.
  
• Formula that caters to woman’s varying needs.
  
• Easy-to-use pump for dispensing.
  
• Can be reactivated by water or body fluids.
  
• Easy to wash off.

Whether you are a woman buying the product for yourself, or a man obtaining it for a partner, insist on the best, highest-quality product. That means accepting that quality (especially organic) herbal ingredients cost more. Once you sample the benefits of these products we’re sure you’ll agree; it’s worth it! If you are unsure of which product to try, we recommend Vigorelle™ for both its performance and the company’s customer service.