Clothes can make you feel better or miserable, depending on the way you look and the way you see yourself in them. The right style, color and material may have either a positive or negative impact on your mood and physical wellbeing. If you’re not undergoing a bioidentical hormone replacement, the typical symptoms of menopause are probably evident already. The wrong materials or size in clothes may be making these symptoms even worse and might bring on other difficulties, like infections, general discomfort and even embarrassment. Here are some tips to bear in mind in order to get rid of uneasiness and be more in control of your looks.

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE: Too tight will make you feel as you are about to explode (remember liquid retention), too loose will make you look older and heavier. Begin by the proper underwear. The right size will enhance your curves, and not leave marks around your hips, thighs or waist. Proper support to your breast and lower abdomen will make you look thinner, and the rest of the clothes will look great on you. That means instant gratification. Don’t pay attention to the number on the labels. If part of your waist “escapes” over the top of your pants, choose a bigger size or a higher waist line. Torso and sleeves should never be the same length; you don’t want to look like a box. A V-neck is always helpful, especially when it comes to hot flashes and that “lack-of-air” sensation. Knee length for skirts and dresses is ideal, and a good way to look sexy while keeping you fresh and comfortable. Just remember not to wear light colors on your lower body while your period is still intermittent.

2. NO HEAVY CLOTHES: Hot flashes and heavy clothes simply do not go together. Wear several layers of light clothes instead of one heavy, warm garment. You can take off the pieces that are making you uncomfortable, still look well-dressed, and not risk a bad cold. Besides, thick clothes will make you look heavier, as liquid retention and a bloated stomach may become frequent at this period of your life.

3. NO SYNTHETIC MATERIALS: Always prefer natural fabric and materials. Remember your hot flashes and the resulting perspiration. This is especially important in the case of underwear, as humid areas present a higher risk of fungi and infections. Cotton is probably your best choice for blouses, underwear, and pants. Genuine leather for shoes will also help you prevent bad odor, remember your hormones are crazy at this stage.

4. NO UNCOMFORTABLE SHOES: Menopause symptoms are difficult to bear already, there’s no need to put up with an extra burden. If your feet and ankles swell, stilettos are not your best choice. If you still need to wear high heels, decide for a medium heel height (2 inches maximum) with a luxurious look. You can mix the beauty of a fine pair of shoes with the comfort you need to spend hours in a good mood and with no aching feet.

Choosing clothes that make you feel like a million dollars will do marvels to your menopausal mood. Natural materials will alleviate hot flashes and prevent undesirable side effects like bad odor, fungi and allergic reactions. The proper shoe size and heel height will decrease the swelling and let you feel well-rested and relaxed the whole day. Menopause is all about changes, and getting rid of uncomfortable, unattractive clothes can transform this experience into a nice chance to bring about the hottest side of you. Why complain?

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The question of what makes women angry is one many reflect on. There are plenty of things that tick us off and most times men attribute our anger to hormone related issues where they are concerned. Let’s be honest. Sometimes that is exactly the case; after all it is a well known fact that changes in our hormones do affect us emotionally. Though it is also true that most times when we get mad, it is not just the hormones talkin’. So before you start consulting about treatment such as bioidentical hormone therapy you could ask yourself, what makes you mad? Here is a practical list a lot of guys might want to remember.

*Toilet seat: An all-time classic. Come on, guys! Is it so hard to put the toilet seat down?

*Saying women can’t drive. There is something guys should understand. Women can do anything they set their minds and hearts to, just like men. Saying women are unable to do something makes them feel that you think they are less than men.

*Stating something like, “Honey, I’m hungry”: Why is feeding men women’s main obligation? Unless you want women to regard you as a child or pet, I would start becoming a little more active where getting and preparing food is concerned.

*Look at other women: Though a lot of women can understand this, many others can’t, don’t want to, and what’s more, don’t like it when you do this. You can sneak a peak, guys, but don’t ogle and please, do avoid drooling. One more thing: never under any circumstances should you ask, “Why don’t you look like that in a bathing suit?”

*Grunt and nod instead of using words: Women are talkative by nature, so it is no surprise that blocking the lines of communication is yet another thing men do to make women mad. Try to make an effort to use whole sentences and not recur to grunting nodding, or one-word answers. Communication is healthy in a relationship and as soon as men realize it is not exclusively a feminine feature, things will go much more smoothly.

*Jealousy: This can be a delicate, even serious issue. There is a healthy amount of jealousy and possessiveness in every relationship, but extremes are never healthy. Some men think it is their place to control and run their women’s lives, and it is simply not their place or anyone else’s for that matter. Women don’t like this. Guys with this kind of attitude should start loosening the reigns and trusting their women.

Being angry for whatever the reason is never good. The secret to any healthy relationship is for men and women to open up, have a healthy level of confidence, be faithful, and treat each other as equals.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy blog as the original source).

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Like many women, I have always believed that eating plenty of soy was good for me.  After all, it seemed to be popping up everywhere from soy drinks to soy snacks. It was the food to eat.  But then suddenly I started hearing that it was actually harmful for me to be eating it, especially now that I’ve gone through menopause. Apparently there is a darker side to soy that I was unaware of. And so, being just a little confused, I decide a little research was in order.

The first thing I learn from my research is that we are eating a lot more soy on a day to day basis than we realize.  Even when we are not looking for soy in particular, it is there in many of our breads, baked goods, oils, beverages, and snacks. So while small amounts of soy may be beneficial to good health, large amounts are not.

In Asian cultures, where soy is an important part of the daily diet, the average person still only consumes about 9 grams a day of fermented soy products.   Fermenting soy creates probiotic bacteria which is good for us.  However, in our culture, it seems most of the soy food such as snacks and drinks that we consume are not only made of non fermented soy which fails to provide this goodness, they also contain almost 20 grams of soy per item.  This means we are not just getting too much of a good thing, but we are in fact, getting way too much of a good thing gone bad!

Now as for soy after menopause, I had for a long time believed it was soy’s ability to increase estrogen that made it good for menopausal women.  Since estrogens decreases after menopause, it made sense that eating something that increases estrogen would be beneficial.  But now I am reading that this is not necessarily the case and that, in fact, eating soy and increasing estrogen levels may actually increase the risk of breast and other cancers.

Apparently, as far as eating soy is concerned, there are a couple things to keep in mind.  First, read the labels.  Soy is popping up in everything, so it is wise to be aware of how much you are really getting.

Next, look specifically for fermented soy.  I didn’t even realize there was such as thing.  It is the healthy soy. Also, as with any food, moderation is the key.  By incorporating some good soy into your diet you can reap its benefits.

And finally, talk to your doctor about things like bioidentical hormone therapy, and other natural ways to help you get through menopause and develop a healthy post menopausal lifestyle.

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As people become more aware of the links between diet and health, more and more people are wanting to change their diet so they can lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lose weight, and increase their general health.  But which foods are the healthiest?  Which foods should you be adding to the grocery cart as you try to improve your diet?

1.    Salmon. To gain the most benefits, fresh wild salmon is preferred, though canned wild salmon and fresh farm-raised salmon are also good choices.  Salmon is packed with Omega 3 fatty acids, which can improve brain function as well as lower cholesterol levels.  The American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish a week – it’s easy to make canned wild salmon cakes one day, and grilled or pan-seared wild salmon another day later in the week.  Your brain and heart will thank you for it!

2.    Olive Oil. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the least processed of the varieties of olive oil, and has the most documented benefits, though all olive oils contain healthy fats.  The anti-oxidants in olive oil are good for the health of your heart and improve cholesterol levels. Use olive oil in your salad dressings, drizzle over vegetables before roasting, dunk a crusty piece of bread in it, and cook with it in place of vegetable or corn oils.    Fat carries flavor, so toss your pasta with a bit of olive oil after cooking, rather than butter or margarine, and enjoy a wonderful taste – plus, new research is showing you could be lowering your risk for cancer and diabetes.

3.    Soy. Soy beans are filled with protein – the only vegetable source of all the necessary amino acids, and studies have shown that soy protein is good for your heart.  Naturally filled with calcium, omega 3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, iron, and fiber, soy protein packs a nutritional wallop. Soy protein is available in a myriad of forms – soymilk and tofu are the most well known, but steamed edamame (soybean pods) are a delicious snack, and you can find many other products enriched with soy protein.  Soy protein can mimic estrogen, which can lower your risk of breast cancer, but if you are participating in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, talk with your doctor before adding a lot of soy protein to your diet.  Some health experts have questioned if Genetically Modified (GMO) soybeans are as healthy as non-GMO soy, so consider purchasing soy products that specify they are non-GMO.

4.    Leafy Greens. Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, beet greens, chard, and bok choy are filled with vitamins and minerals.  If you are worried about getting enough calcium for the health of your bones, dark leafy greens are a great source for calcium.  Eat them raw in salads, sautéed with olive oil and garlic, or cooked in a soup or stir-fry - these delicious greens are great sources of vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber.

5.    Berries. Whether you’re talking about blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, or acai berries, they are all rich in vitamins, good for cardiovascular health, and can help with weight loss. In addition to their anti-oxidant properties, blueberries contain a compound called anthocyanin, shown to slow aging processes in the brain.  Whether you serve them raw or cooked, berries contain significant amounts of vitamin C, folic acid, fiber, and are low in calories and high in flavor!

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy blog as the original source).

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There are many things that can bring a mature person down, and one of the most important ones is the Empty Nest Syndrome.  You may find yourself crying for no reason; days seem endless and empty; you may feel useless, and forget about friends and the things you love to do… in a few words, life has stopped.  This is how this syndrome may manifest itself in your life right after your children leave home, and they don’t need you on a daily basis anymore.

The Empty Nest Syndrome is especially strong in the case of parents who have a very strong bond with their children and have sacrificed their personal lives for a long time to take care of them.  The parents’ lives normally revolve around the children and their activities, making it a shock when they leave home to start their own lives.

Do not despair!  There are ways to avoid falling into the dark void this syndrome presents, and live your own life fully and happily, sharing it with your grown up children instead of subordinating yourself to them.

1.    Prepare in advance. Recognize early on that your children will grow up and leave.  Get ready to let them go.  Understand that love involves freedom, respect for the other’s individuality and right to experience life.  Allow yourself, and be open, to live all the possibilities life brings.  Accept the fact that your children will not need you in the same way forever and look forward to the stage when you will have time for yourself.

2.    Look for someone to listen to you. Whether it is through counseling or through a good friend, having somebody you can share your pain with is an important part of healing, of looking at things positively and taking the necessary steps to rebuild your life.

3.    Stay busy. Use the free time you have now to take on those activities that interest you and never had time to pursue.  Go back to school, learn to paint, take up gardening, travel, write a book, do yoga! There are endless possibilities to what you can do during this new stage of your life; you can actually live it for you and not someone else!

4.    Make new friends. Get in touch with old friends you haven’t seen in a long time and make new ones in new places, while you pursue new activities.  Contact that person you stopped talking to so many years ago and don’t recall why; renew your life.

5.    Keep in touch with your children. Take advantage of the modern means of communication: phone, Skype, Messenger, etc., to talk to your kids and see them regularly.  Visit them as much as possible and take joy in their new life. Support them in their new endeavors; participate in any way you can.

6.    Take better care of yourself. Eat healthy and see your physician about an exercise program. Consult your gynecologist and find out about bioidentical hormone treatment to get some relief from any discomfort or depression that may be associated to menopause.

7.    Stay positive and learn to see the bright side of life. Look at the new relationship you have with your children. It is now a grown-up relationship, and rejoice in it.  Look back with pride at what you have accomplished and look forward to all the new doors that are opening up for you!  Can it get any better?

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy blog as the original source).

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You may be too familiar with the weakness, lack of energy, tiredness, and discomforts that come with menopause, and if you still have to take care of your young, energetic kids, you are in for a real challenge.

Many women who wait and become mothers after forty, may experience the first stages of menopause while the kids are still pretty young and demand lots of energy and attention.  So, how do you deal with all their stamina and still cope with debilitating menopause symptoms?

1.    First and foremost, take care of yourself.  If you are in good condition, physically and emotionally, your kids will be too.  Find creative ways to get rest and rejuvenate yourself.  Take the time to look for natural therapies or inquire about Bio Identical Hormone Replacement to help you ease the symptoms of menopause. Spend time outside exercising or relaxing. Take at least five minutes every day to meditate, breathe deeply, or do yoga.  The time you devote to yourself will greatly improve the time you devote to your loved ones.

2.    Take your time.  Do not allow schedules to run you; on the contrary, plan for family activities and kids activities to fit your life.  There is time for everything, just take it easy and enjoy each moment, if you do not, stop and adjust.  Do not be afraid to ask for help from family or friends to drive the kids to their activities if you need some time off; you can even plan schedules with other parents and share driving responsibilities to free some of your time.

3.    Teach your children about “resting time”.  Set aside half an hour every day for you and the kids to rest; they can read a book, color, take a nap, listen to music, or do any other relaxing activity. Eventually, they will learn to really enjoy these moments and will be more willing to calm down if you are feeling weaker on a particular day.

4.    Remember that you are not alone.  Ask for help, and learn about practical ways to deal with homework, fights, planning, and scheduling; this will get rid of a lot of stress and will enhance your relationship with your kids.  There are many tricks you can learn to ease your routine with the kids and lighten up your life, so that you can look after yourself in a better way.

5.    Talk to other parents and share advice about dealing with the kids and daily activities.  Maybe you can share responsibilities with other parents to care for the kids some days of the week so that you and the others can take turns and have a whole day to yourself.

6.    Ensure your children are getting a good night’s sleep.  This will guarantee they are more manageable and calm during the day, giving you a break and easing stress.  Enforcing a consistent routine of going to bed at the same time every day will create good physical and mental habits.

7.    If you feel extremely weak or tired, you will not be able to deal with anything.  Ask for some time off and for help.  Explain to your kids that you need to relax for a while in order to be able to function.  Ensure your children are safe and go take care of yourself.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy blog as the original source).

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