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There are numerous reasons why women may struggle to maintain a healthy weight.  Many factors contribute to weight gain such as a poor diet and lack of exercise but 1 in 10 women are affected by a condition called PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome.  

 

Often, PCOS goes undiagnosed for an extended period of time as it shares the same symptoms as other women’s health issues.  Women with PCOS have higher levels of male hormones and are insulin resistant which leads to serious complications.  What should you know so you get diagnosed before your weight exceeds healthy levels?

 

 

Common symptoms include irregular periods, infertility (due to poor ovulation), hair growth, and unusual weight gain.  Often, women will go on a diet plan to reduce calorie intake or increase the frequency of exercise to overcome the weight gain but continue to gain weight.  Additionally, excess hair growth may take place on the face, chest, stomach, and back.

 

The underlying problem in women with PCOS is that it makes it difficult for the body to use insulin.  Insulin difficulties where glucose is not properly absorbed from the bloodstream lead to a condition known as insulin resistance.

 

The production of male hormones increases when insulin levels are high which causes weight gain to happen in the abdominal area since this is triggered by male hormones.  Excessive fat in the abdominal area increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer, sleep apnea, and heart disease.  How can you avoid additional health complications?

 

 

Signs of polycystic ovaries in patients can start from the adolescent years to post menopausal depending on the type and severity.  The key is to get diagnosed early through patient symptoms, a vaginal ultrasound, and lab tests.  Specific treatments for each symptom are available through Kristi and Dr. Mac to control your hormones and weight.  If left untreated after a diagnosis, women with PCOS can expect to gain 60 pounds over the next 10 years!

Women’s health may vary in many ways through the transition of menopause.  Rapid hormone fluctuations have a troubling effect on some women that causes them to experience new levels of unexplainable emotions.  Other women experience a smoother transition during this time without the emotional "ups and downs".

 

Feelings of intense sadness, irritability, and mood swings can occur around the time of menopause that ultimately have an impact on a woman’s health.  Generally, physical changes are noticed first but your emotional well-being is an important component to your health as well and should always be a concern.

 

 

Some women have a personality of naturally being more emotional at times than others.  When hormones change, it can set off chemical changes in the brain that play a key role in controlling your mood.  If you experience mood swings before menopause then you could be more emotional through the menopausal transition.  Feeling down for a day or two could lead to more frequent feelings of anxiety, sadness, irritability, and even depression if left untreated.

 

Women that have their emotional health under control increase their chances to overcome challenges and recover from stressful situations.  Often, women with a greater emotional well-being maintain a positive outlook through menopause as they avoid negative mood states.  Mild emotional symptoms can be corrected with lifestyle changes by eating a healthy diet, exercising, and reducing stress.  What should you do if your emotional symptoms persist?

 

 

Lifestyle changes may be inadequate when attempting to improve your emotional health.  Ordinarily, hormone replacement therapy is used as an effective treatment of physical symptoms related to menopause but may help relieve emotional symptoms.  Live life to the fullest with a menopause treatment in Indianapolis from Dr. Mac or Kristi to get the relief you deserve.

Male menopause is an unfamiliar term for most people as men do not experience a drastic decline in hormones the same way women do.  Male menopause or andropause refers to a gradual decline in testosterone levels as a man ages.  Declining levels of testosterone in men usually start around the age of 40 but are rarely noticeable under the age of 60.  You might be wondering, what are the symptoms of low testosterone?

 

 

Some symptoms may be difficult to notice since the production of testosterone slowly declines over a period of many years.  In a day, total testosterone levels fluctuate with it being lowest in the evening and highest in the morning.  Low testosterone or low T can lead to feelings of fatigue, depression, weakness, and sexual problems.

 

Sexual problems such as infertility, a lower sex drive (decreased libido), and erectile dysfunction can all point back to a low level of testosterone.  These signs may also be caused by another condition and other men may have no symptoms at all.  The only way to properly diagnose low T or male menopause is to have a blood test ordered.  Are you seeking relief from symptoms of male menopause?

 

 

A blood test measures your testosterone level to rule out any medical issues that could be partly responsible for your condition.  A medical condition could be the reason of low testosterone levels and treating this condition might raise your level of testosterone and relieve your symptoms.

 

The normal total testosterone level for an adult male is around 300 to 1,070 nanograms per deciliter with testosterone levels declining 1% per year after the age of 30.  If you are experiencing low testosterone, take back your vitality with a low T treatment in Indianapolis from Dr. Mac or Kristi.
 

In most cases, the average age for the onset of menopause is 51 but there are exceptions where women start to experience menopause earlier in life.  Some women go through the transition before the age of 40 due to genetics, medical procedures, or an illness.  This is commonly referred to as early menopause, or premature menopause.  While there are various known causes, it may also happen on its own where the cause is unknown.

 

 

Often, the cause for early menopause is likely due to genetics and discovering the age your mother started can provide some insight as to when you might start.  If your mother experienced premature menopause, you are 6 times more likely to do the same.  Ordinarily, this is the case when no definite reason can be diagnosed for menopause happening earlier.

 

The age at which you experience menopause is influenced by many factors.  Lifestyle factors that you can control like smoking contribute to the onset of early menopause.  Many studies reveal that regular smokers are prone to experiencing menopause 1 to 2 years sooner than women who are non-smokers.

 

Medical treatments such as chemotherapy or pelvic radiation may increase your odds for early menopause as the ovaries could be damaged from those treatments.  Additionally, surgeries where both ovaries are removed directly causes menopause to start since periods halt and hormones decrease rapidly.  

 

 

Signs of menopause like hot flashes, sleep problems, irregular periods, and vaginal dryness are inadequate when trying to determine if you are experiencing menopause.  Blood tests where estrogen and other hormones are measured will make it conclusive whether or not you have started menopause.  To feel your best, Dr. Mac or Kristi will implement a menopause treatment in Indianapolis that focuses on eliminating your symptoms!
 

Your mood throughout menopause can fluctuate drastically where you feel joyful one minute and irritable the next.  The signs of menopause are both physical and emotional so it can be difficult to cope with depending on your decreasing levels of hormones.  We all feel unhappy from time to time but how will you know when mood swings are too frequent and your mental health is affected?

 

 

There are a few factors to consider when determining what may be causing you to have negative feelings in the years leading up to and during menopause.  Hot flashes, night sweats, and poor sleep are typically due to lower levels of estrogen.  As a result, women feel more irritable and dispirited without adequate sleep which influences their mental health.

 

First, rule out any physical reasons that may be attributed to your decline in mental health as a drop in hormone levels may not be the only reason your mood has changed.  Do you consistently feel negative about yourself and find it difficult to enjoy a day without feeling annoyed?  If so, talk openly with Dr. Mac or Kristi about an effective menopause treatment in Indianapolis (more info) that lifts your spirits and supports your mental well-being.

 

 

Several studies have shown a close link between sleep and mood.  Poor sleep increases your risk for depression or anxiety that eventually influences your mental health.  Prevent this from happening by following a regular sleep schedule where you go to sleep in the evening and wake up at the same time each day.

 

Maintain healthy sleeping habits and keep your room cool to reduce the chance of waking up in a night sweat.  Menopause does have an influence on your mental health if you fail to get quality sleep on a regular basis so seek treatment early to get the relief you deserve.
 

Menopause is a change of life that women tend to dread as many changes are unpleasant and life changing due to a “shift” in hormones.  When hormones drop, women typically become much more sensitive to stuff that never used to bother them before.  During this time, weight gain is almost inevitable where fat accumulates around the belly and thighs.

 

Consistent and moderate exercise that focuses on your core is an integral part to trimming away unwanted belly fat and staying healthy.  Will exercise ease your menopausal symptoms?

 

 

Exercise improves your life in many ways such as feeling better, having more energy, and maybe even prolonging your life.  Exercising on a daily basis is one of the most important things you can do to prevent excess weight gain or maintain weight loss.  Did you know the average adult should aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day?

 

The health benefits of engaging in physical activity include controlling your weight, combating health conditions, getting better sleep, and boosting your mood.  Generally, women should set a goal of exercising for 2 hours and 30 minutes each week.  You can reap the benefits of increased weight loss with more intense activity that is proven to burn calories.  Studies show that regular exercise improves the quality of life and relieves stress associated with menopause.

 

 

Through lifestyle modifications, women can address problems due to menopause by exercising and getting menopause treatment in Indianapolis from Dr. Mac or Kristi.  Maintain a schedule of moderate exercise during and after menopause to prevent weight gain, strengthen bones, and lower your risk for diabetes.  Regular exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to muscles so the cardiovascular system functions more efficiently which improves your energy levels.

Physical changes during menopause are not the only changes a woman notices but emotional changes too.  While these changes are common, they should be taken seriously to avoid the chance of being depressed.  Ordinarily, women are more likely to experience depression than men with adults in the age group of 45-64 being at a higher risk.  Fortunately, there are ways to cope with these emotional changes and diminish the risk of experiencing depression during menopause.

 

 

Symptoms of depression usually start in the early stages of menopause as hormone levels fluctuate.  In the beginning, you might dismiss feelings of fatigue and sleep problems for menopause without knowing it could be the start of depression.  Become aware of the causes and risks associated with depression to stop it from negatively impacting your health.  Left untreated, depression can develop into a serious medical condition.

 

A variety of factors may increase your chances of depression such as genetics, abuse in the past, medications, death of a loved one, and major events in life.  Awareness of these causes enables you to find out in advance about the risk of becoming depressed so estrogen levels are monitored on a regular basis.  How do you plan on coping with your emotional changes during menopause?

 

 

With just 10 minutes a day, exercise improves physical health and mood as your body releases chemicals, called endorphins that reduce anxiety and lower rates of depression.  Endorphins interact with receptors in your brain and trigger a positive feeling in the body!  As well, quality sleep is vital for promoting physical health and managing symptoms of depression.

 

Declining estrogen levels may increase mood swings during menopause that eventually lead to the onset of depression.  Control your hormone levels with menopause treatment in Indianapolis by contacting Dr. Mac or Kristi so you experience fewer symptoms and prevent avoidable suffering.

The cause of migraines from woman to woman is influenced by many factors with all women wanting relief they can count on.  Migraines are typically excruciating and can last for hours depending on factors such as your hormone levels, stress, diet, physical exertion, and environment.

 

Women who experience migraines before menopause are likely to notice them more frequently as they go through that transition.  Other women may experience no difference in their migraines during that time but recognize they are affecting their happiness.

 

 

Often, a woman will notice menopausal symptoms that tend to worsen over time without any form of treatment. Migraines are one of those symptoms that some women experience more frequently due to a sudden drop in hormone levels.  With a reduction in hormone levels, that causes an imbalance where a woman lacks the hormones her body needs.

 

Research shows a link between migraines and menopause in women with a history of migraines prior to menopause.  As women transitioned into menopause, the occurrence of migraines increased up to 60 percent. The key is to determine what might be triggering the migraine to happen and implement a treatment to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

 

With regulated hormone levels, migraines are usually less frequent or no longer an issue in women with a history of them.  Evaluate your hormone levels with blood tests, then discuss the management of your menopausal migraines with Dr. Mac or Kristi to hopefully, finally, get some relief.

Communicating with your doctor about your health may be a challenge depending on how comfortable you are to openly discuss your body and menopause.  One key to managing menopause is choosing an experienced doctor that will listen to your concerns and thoroughly answer your questions.  Prior to your visit, make a list of what you are experiencing and review that so you clearly explain to Dr. Mac or Kristi all of your concerns during the appointment.

 

 

When talking to the doctor, you should never feel embarrassed since they have discussed many sensitive topics with other patients.  This is your health and if you leave something out it could affect the rate at which you get relief from menopause.  Menopausal symptoms vary among women so describe your symptoms with detail such as when they started to happen and what you think might be triggering them.

 

Increase the rate which you get relief from menopause by providing organized and accurate information.  As well, be honest when listing what you are taking as far as prescription drugs and supplements.  Important information to include is your diet, exercise, sexual history, whether or not you smoke or drink alcohol, and if you have any allergies.

 

 

After you visit with the doctor, be sure all your concerns and questions have been addressed before leaving the office.  At this point, it may be helpful to double-check your list and ask follow-up questions.  If the doctor ordered tests, be sure to ask when you can expect to hear back from them about the results and the side effects of those tests.

 

In regard to treatment, talk with your doctor about how long it will last and what you can expect in menopausal symptoms and side effects.  Learn as much as you can prior to receiving menopause treatment in Indianapolis by asking questions so you make a well-informed decision about your health!

Prior to menopause, some women may be unfamiliar with the effect hot flashes can have on simple daily activities.  Hot flashes are a sudden feeling of intense heat in the upper body where a warm sensation is felt that can cause sweating and an accelerated heartbeat.  During perimenopause and menopause, hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms a woman will experience.

 

In the United States, 75% of women reportedly experience hot flashes while going through perimenopause.

These are frequently caused by the changing of hormone levels associated with menopause and often corrected with menopause treatment in Indianapolis.

 

 

Hormone replacement therapy is very effective but there are changes you can make to manage hot flashes so they are less troublesome.  In the beginning, document when you have a hot flash and include what you were doing at that time.  Also specify the clothes you were wearing and your location.  You may recognize a pattern where an adjustment can be made to stop triggering the hot flash to occur.

 

Occasionally, a woman will trigger a hot flash by consuming products with caffeine, eating spicy foods, and wearing tight clothing.  Instead, dress in layers with clothes that are more loosely fitting and try drinking ice water when you start to feel hot.  Simple techniques such as these can eliminate or lighten the intensity of a hot flash episode.

 

 

Today, there are a variety of diets to implement into your life so you live healthier.  The HCG diet is one way for women to lose 20-25 pounds in the first month where an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin is given.  On most diets, muscle mass is lost which is bad for your body and metabolism. The HCG diet is different as the HCG injection elevates hormone levels and creates an anabolic state that promotes muscle building.

 

The result is a more pure loss of fat without losing muscle.  This allows for a stronger metabolism and increases the chances for long-term weight loss.  For women, a healthier weight improves her chances of avoiding hot flashes and enjoying a more balanced lifestyle.