Early Symptoms of Menopause: It's Not You, It's Me

As you age, natural fluctuations in hormones cause emotional and physical changes in your body. Menopause is of course a natural stage of a woman’s productive cycle. After you reach the average age of 40 to 45, you may start to experience symptoms of early menopause. From emotional symptoms such as mood swings to physical symptoms such as an increase in body temperature, the symptoms of early menopause are many and can be often. Here are some of the most common types of symptoms:

Mood Swings – If your mood is swinging from a happy high to an ultimate low, you may be experiencing hormone-induced mood swings, one of the most common of symptoms of early menopause. Mood swings during early menopause are normally caused by hormone changes and fluctuations in the body, specifically female ovarian hormones (like estrogen). It is normal to experience mood changes during early menopause, but you should be aware of your overall emotional state. If your daily mood swings are leaning towards a stronger stage of depression, it is important to seek appropriate treatment.

Hot Flashes – Another “classic” in the list of symptoms of early menopause, hot flashes are one of the most frequent side effects of menopause and affect the majority of women. During early menopause, you may experience a sudden change in body temperature, causing your face to flush red and your body to sweat. Many women also experience hot flashes during the night – or rather, “night sweats”.

Irregular Periods – If you are noticing irregular periods or your period tends to be on the very light or very heavy side, you may be experiencing symptoms of early menopause. Caused by your fluctuating hormone levels, an irregular period is a normal sign of menopause. Your periods may go from light to heavy, or vice-versa, range from a normal amount of days to several months in between. Periods during early menopause can change several times with no pattern at all… until finally they end completely.

Low Libido – One symptom of early menopause can be a decrease in libido, or sex drive. If your normal desire seems to wane or you are experiencing a disinterest in sexual activity, it may be your hormones to blame. A natural side effect of aging (and not just menopause), lower hormone levels can cause a decrease in your libido. Not to mention, sexual drive can be affected by many factors other than hormones. It is important to check your stress levels, physical health and overall happiness when it comes to your sexual health.

These are just a few of the symptoms of early menopause. If you are nearing the average age for early menopause (between 40-45 years) and experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to discuss different treatment options with your healthcare provider. Different treatments such as multivitamins, supplements or even hormone replacement can help lessen severe menopause side effects and help you get through this natural change with ease. Take control of your health today by taking charge of your early menopausal symptoms.

How to Recognize Low T Symptoms

Low testosterone levels have a significant impact on the quality of life.  Unfortunately, the condition often goes undetected, simply because the signs are also associated with other physical and emotional issues.  By learning more about what causes low testosterone and the way those lower levels manifest, it is possible to work with a physician and design a course of treatment.  Here is some information that males and their partners need to know.

The Causes

Knowing what causes low testosterone is one way to get a better idea of what is happening inside.  Many people are surprised to learn how many things can cause this condition.

Chronic health issues are definitely a factor.  Men with type 2 diabetes are likely to have lower testosterone levels.  Obesity is another underlying cause.  Heart problems, high levels of bad cholesterol, and infections are also common causes.  Lung, liver, and kidney disorders may play roles in the reduced production of testosterone.

The Signs

Along with recognizing what causes low testosterone, it pays to look for symptoms of low T.  One of the most common is a change in sexual function.  The inability to gain and maintain an erection is one example.  A waning desire for intimacy is not unusual with low testosterone levels.  Even the amount of semen released during ejaculation will decrease if testosterone levels are dropping.  

Not all signs have a direct connection to sexual function and desire.  Men may find they have less energy, both in mind and in body.  Concentrating on tasks becomes more difficult and the endurance needed to complete those tasks is harder to come by. 

Mood changes are also a sign of low T.  An increased level of irritability is not uncommon.  Some men will become depressed or begin to develop anxiety disorders.  

Physically, a male with low T will find it easier to gain weight and harder to build or maintain muscle mass. Even the bones may begin to become more brittle.  

What Can Be Done?

Fortunately, low testosterone levels can be treated.  The first thing you should do is undergo a complete physical.  Doing so will make it easier to determine if there are any developing health issues that are contributing to the problem.  For some men, identifying those issues and undergoing treatment for them will be enough to restore the body’s ability to produce a sufficient supply of testosterone.

For example, being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes could answer the question of what causes low testosterone in that patient.  At that point, changes in diet and exercise will help.  Couple that with the use of an oral medication designed to keep blood glucose levels under control and those testosterone levels could begin to increase.  

Along with addressing any chronic or ongoing health issue, it also pays to make some lifestyle changes.  If you spend most of the day at a desk, engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.  Even brisk walking will help.  Your body is made to be active.  By getting up and moving around, you’ll stimulate the production of endorphins, neurotransmitters that help to regulate mood, and the production of testosterone.  In a matter of months, you may find that your desire for intimacy is returning.

Under the direction of the doctor, you may undergo testosterone replacement therapy.  Like other approaches, the therapy will not produce results overnight.  It also does not serve as a replacement for a proper diet and regular exercise.  Your doctor can provide guidelines that will lead to the best possible results.

Low T is reversible.  Seek help today and things will be better tomorrow.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Female Hormone Imbalance

Emotional and physical changes in the body can occur when hormones become imbalanced. If you think you may be experiencing female hormone imbalance symptoms, you are not alone. With age comes the on-set of menopause, but other factors can cause a hormonal imbalance in women as well. It is important to distinguish between what type of symptoms you are experiencing and determine if a hormonal imbalance is to blame. Here is a list of several different female hormone imbalance symptoms:

Anxiety and Depression – Mood swings are a common side effect of hormone changes, and many women experience mood changes during PMS and/or menopause. If you have a hormone imbalance, you may also suffer from anxiety or depression – not just your typical mood swing. If you are one of many women with a severe hormonal imbalance that causes anxiety or depression, it is important to seek proper treatment to improve your mental (and physical) health.

Fatigue – Fluctuating hormones make day-to-day activities tiring for most women, causing fatigue to be one of most common female hormone imbalance symptoms. If you find yourself more sluggish than usual or even a bit fuzzy in your head, a hormone imbalance could be the cause. Having your hormone levels tested is the best way to know the cause of your fatigue, so proper treatment can be applied to help you get the “pep” back in your step.

Weight Gain – Of course it’s possible that lifestyle choices and dietary issues could be to blame for weight gain… But when all else seems healthy and normal, a hormone imbalance can result in persistent weight gain. Food cravings are another factor in female hormone imbalance symptoms, and can contribute to weight gain as well. Weight gain is not only a nuisance for your self-image and personal looks, but it can be dangerous to your health. Getting your hormones in control again can help keep your weight at a healthy and stable level.

Increased Body Temperature – Hot flashes are common for menopausal women, and so an increase in body temperature is a normal side effect of female hormone imbalance symptoms. A spike in body temperature can cause sweating and a flushed face, making you uncomfortable in even a cool room. These can occur at night as well, which affects your sleep patterns and overall health. Your fluctuating, imbalanced hormones are to blame for these unwanted bursts of heat. Be ready with a cooling fan and a change of clothes to help you cool down.

Similar to the symptoms of menopause and sometimes even PMS, female hormone imbalance symptoms are varied and many. Once you recognize the signs of a hormone imbalance, you can visit your healthcare professional to be certain of your fluctuating estrogen levels. Several treatment options are available to help you find a hormonal balance and return your body and mind to a normal, stable level.