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Archive for July, 2008

How to Talk to Your Doctor about Menopause?

July 30th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Menopause Treatment

Stop Suffering From Menopause. Find Relief Now!

doctor menopauseWhen you talk to your doctor, ask what your options are to relieve symptoms and what you can expect. Ask about side effects and alternatives to these treatments. Knowing what your options are and what to expect will help you make an informed decision about your health.

Here are some tips for talking with your doctor:

* Make a list of concerns and questions to take to your visit with your doctor. While you’re waiting to be seen, use the time to review your list and organize your thoughts. You can share the list with your doctor.

* Describe your symptoms clearly and briefly. Say when they started, how they make you feel, what triggers them, and what you’ve done to relieve them.

* Tell your doctor what prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and other supplements you’re taking. Be honest about your diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol or drug use, and sexual history withholding information can be harmful! Describe allergies to drugs, foods, or other things. Don’t forget to mention if you are being treated by other doctors.

* Don’t feel embarrassed about discussing sensitive topics. Chances are, your doctor has heard it before! Don’t leave something out because you’re worried about taking up too much time. Be sure to have all of your concerns addressed before you leave.

* If your doctor orders tests, be sure to ask how to find out about results and how long it takes to get them. Get instructions for what you need to do to get ready for the test(s) and find out about any dangers or side effects with the test(s).

* When you are given medicine and other treatments, ask your doctor about them. Talk about the latest studies and recommendations for treating menopausal symptoms. Ask how long treatment will last, if it has any side effects, how much it will cost, and if it is covered by insurance. Make sure you understand how to take your medicine; what to do if you miss a dose; if there are any foods, drugs or activities you should avoid when taking the medicine; and if there is a generic brand available at a lower price (you can also ask your pharmacist about this).

* Understand everything before you leave your visit. If you don’t understand something, ask to have it explained again.

* Bring a family member or trusted friend with you to your visit. That person can take notes, offer moral support, and help you remember what was discussed. You can also have that person ask questions as well. (more…)

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Talking to Your Doctor about Menopause Symptoms

July 20th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Menopause Treatment

Stop Suffering From Menopause. Find Relief Now!

Some women say their doctors treat menopause like a disease. It’s important for you to remember that menopause is not a disease. However, you may have some symptoms that are difficult to cope with. There are ways to make this time in your life easier.

Learn About Your Options to Deal with Menopausal Symptoms

You have probably heard about different ways women relieve menopausal symptoms. We know that hormone therapy (HT) for menopause relieves symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, using HT may increase your chances of getting breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. There are other products, such as soy, ginseng, black cohosh, and flax seed, which women use to relieve symptoms. But are they safe?

Unfortunately, we don’t yet know if they’re safe and effective. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is supporting research to find out.

In the meantime, before you take HT or any herbs or dietary supplements, talk to your doctor. Also, keep in mind these points about herbal therapies:

* Herbs are NOT necessarily safer than medicine prescribed by your health care provider.

* Herbs can cause side effects.

* Herbs can interact with other medicines you’re taking.

If you’ve already started using herbal therapies, tell your doctor. It’s important to get his or her advice.

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What Increases Your Risk of Menopause?

July 10th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Menopause FAQs

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Menopause is likely to occur naturally after age 45. However, menopause will occur at any age following the removal of both ovaries (oophorectomy). Radiation therapy or other treatment that damages the ovaries so that they no longer function will also cause early menopause.

Other factors that increase the risk of early menopause (before age 45) include:

* Heavy smoking.

* Radiation therapy to or removal of the pituitary gland.

* Chemotherapy.

* Radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis.

* Treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRH-As).

* Genetic and autoimmune diseases.

* Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.

ill be to manage any menopause-related problems that might come your way.

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