EFFECTS OF HORMONE LOSS As women age estrogen levels fall, which
impacts many parts of the body including skin, bones, and bladder
Dry itchy skin is a common complaint. FACT: Without estrogen,
the body tissues lose elasticity and shrink. A common complaint
is you feel like your skin is crawling or it becomes sweaty and
hot. There is an increased sensitivity to the sun, problem with
teeth such as bleeding gums, lose teeth, and the eyes may be dry
and itchy. FACT: Estrogen is a hormone that is circulated in the
blood and affect both the well being and general state of
health. FACT: Menopause is triggered by hormonal changes in the
endocrin system. FACT: The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates
(the father of medicine) was the first to describe menopause,
which he put at the age of 50. FACT: A blood test called the
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) can reveal the arrival of
menopause. The common medical response to menopause and estrogen
loss is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). HRT is a synthetic
form that acts as a replacement for the natural hormone,
estrogen, the body produced in higher levels prior to menopause.
Hormone Replacement Therapy must be prescribed by a licensed
physician. Recent studies indicate HRT has the potential for
significant side effects. The side effects should be carefully
evaluated. More information on the risks of HRT can be found
from the following sources:
1. National Women’s Health Network – 514 10th Street NW, Suite
402, Washington, DC 20004, Phone 202-347-1140.
2. National Institution on Aging Information Center – P.O. Box
8057, Gaitnersburg, MD 20898-8057, Phone 800-222-2225, Publishes
resource directory for older people, resources for women’s
health and aging.
Because of the risks now found to be inherent in hormone
replacement therapy, all natural estrogen formulations from
plant sources are becoming available. Carefully formulated
hormone balancing creams are available both with and without
herbs that resolve the physical and emotional changes that occur
during menopause but from all natural sources. Look for herbal
balances that include black cohosh, chaste tree berries, dong
quai, evening primrose oil, red clover, alfalfa, licorice, and
ginseng. These creams are available over-the-counter and can be
ordered online from www.ihdistribution.com.
Exercise and diet are also important during menopause. The best
type of exercise will build strength and stamina, increase
flexibility, and help balance and concentration. Exercise such
as tennis, brisk walking, jogging, and step aerobics are
recommended. A carefully balanced diet, often including
supplemental vitamins and minerals, help the body function at
its optimal level.
Typically, Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral Selenium, commonly
termed antioxidants, become more important in protecting body
cells from damage as we age. Vitamin D, combined with calcium,
formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin are typically
recommended.
© IH Distribution LLC, 2004 No material to be used without the
expressed permission of IH Distribution LLC