Is there help for the 40 somthing menstrual cycles. Migraines, weakness, pain, poor concentration, heavy flow?
462730
I started addressing the peri-menapausal time with Progesterone cream, which really helped regulate my cycles and make them more manageable.  Then a friend of mine introduced me to the notion of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, first by Suzanne Sommers's book The Sexy Years (I would never have picked it up on my own...) and then other publications. My gynecologist was supportive.  Basically you have a blood test and use hormone creams or pills to adjust your specific levels of each hormone to optimum.  Not a one-size-fits-all, synthetic medication.  Changed my life and made the changing years not only bearable but better than ever!
376659
I feel for you, until recently I had the same problem.  Just to function on a daily basis was almost impossible.  I'm not aware of an early menopause but you may be able to help your symptoms by giving up caffeine during your period..   If your pain is really that bad perhaps you should consult your doctor.  You might have options that could make things easier for you.  You may even have something like endometriosis.. I had a hysterectomy in the fall and let me tell you, I've never been so thankful.  I can function like a normal human being .. I still have ovaries so no menopause..
402587
A recent edition of News Week had a cover illustration on Women's Health and devoted much of the magazine to women's health. One was on the very question you asked. There are women who won't use hormons and others who would, but should not use them.  \n\nThey had good explanations of what hot flashes are and how to deal with them. That included some good ways to cope with the hot flashes. I recommend that you check out the local library and find that issue. You can probably read the part on Hot Flashes in 15 minutes and copy anything you want to keep. Sorry I do not have the issue right beside me or I would give you some of their answers right now. Newsweek probably has a web site under their name.
911006
Yes I believe they make a difference.  My doctor said my iron storage was low and suggested I take a multi vitamin.  (I was feeling draggy for a long time before this.)  I noticed a difference in my energy level after about a week of vitamins.  Also I found Calcium/Magnesium pills work for women suffering from PMS.
255415
I just want to add about effect of stress to menstruation. Stress is causing an unbalanced hormone production, not to mention reproduction hormone, such as FSH & estrogen. So, when becoming unbalanced, the amount of those hormones (either lack or overdose)can effect metabolisme, including period cycle. Some women would have period twice per month, some women would have period once in 2 months, so it depends on each individuals. Reactions could be different.
17204
The Mayo Clinic has an article that is very detailed, including signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment, etc.\n\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menorrhagia/DS00394
989857
Contrary to popular belief menstrual cramps are not a necessary part of being a woman, excluding health problems such as endometriosis most women can prevent period pains all together, or at the very least cure the pain when they do get any easily without resorting to painkillers and without messing up their bodies with extreme hormonal methods.\n\nPeriods are only as good or bad as YOU make them – if you have a good attitude towards your period this does effect your periods including making period pains less painful, also of course if you have a positive attitude about your body it also means you are more likely to research and learn about it and so find out that there are in fact a lot of things you can do to prevent menstrual cramps all together.\n\nHere are some ideas both to prevent and ease menstrual cramps;\n\n•Do not use painkillers, these actually increase period pain over time as your body build immunity and gets used to the painkillers being within your system, not only that but they simply numb the pain they do not actually do anything about the cause of the pain – pain is your bodies way of telling you that something is wrong, don't ignore it. Coming off painkillers if this is what you normally use can be hard because the next few periods after stopping using painkillers can seem more painful, but if you use other methods to prevent or cure menstrual cramps it does get better.\n\n•Take herbal teas, many herbal teas are ideal for menstrual pains as well as other menstrual or cycle related problems including curing PMS, reducing flow, inducing your periods and regulating your menstrual cycle. Herbs to try are as follows; Lemon balm, Black Haw, Blessed thistle, Camomile, Wild marjoram, Red raspberry, Wild strawberry, Valerian, Yarrow, Raspberry leaf, Blue cohosh, Dong quai – Check with a health store to make sure they are right for you, some stores will also sell women's blends that would help as well.\n\n•Don't use tampons, as well as being very bad for vaginal health many tampons are also made in such a way that they expand lengthways meaning that they can expand straight into your cervix, which is already delicate due to menstruation, and increase cramping. Commercial pads are also best avoided because as well as also being bad for vaginal health they are generally uncomfortable so hardly help with menstrual cramps. If you use these options consider other options such as; rubber bell-shaped menstrual cups, silicone bell-shaped menstrual cups, diaphragm as menstrual cups, homemade menstrual cups, softcups, organic tampons, sponges, padettes, padded panties, organic pads, cloth pads, homemade pads, free-flow, free-flow layering, free-flow instinctive, extraction, toilet paper, period blankets, etc.\n\n•Avoid salty foods and alcohol, these can increase bloating by retaining water, and so make you feel generally sluggish as well as making cramping worse.\n\n•Drink lots of water, this can aid in avoiding bloating. This will also help with headaches or migraines brought on by menstruation. Also adding lemon juice, a natural diuretic can decrease bloating.\n\n•Eat your greens, and a healthy diet can make you feel a lot better at the best of times, but during menstruation it can be a good pick up and help avoid that sluggish feeling.\n\n•Avoid foods like dairy and caffeine, generally these can cause problems for people, during menstruation this can be particularly true, many find these increase period pains. Also avoid soy products; these are notorious for causing menstrual cramps.\n\n•Take up yoga, this is a very good exercise tip because as well as being gentle exercise it also has stretching that can help even further and breathing exercises that can help relax you and so further aid in relieving menstrual cramps.\n\n•Take a bath, a nice warm bath can help relax you and the heat can ease period pains as well, avoid things that can harm your vagina like bubble bath, however some nice
511530
I would defiantly go to the gynecologist! They will probably put you birth control pills to regulate your menstrual cycle. Hope this helps!
894859
In Chinese Medicine (TCM) amenorrhea is caused by Yin deficiency, poor blood circulation to the lower body, or sometimes anemia (low iron and B-12).\n\nI will not explain much here other than to say you need to really increase foods which build yin and the blood.  A great herb supplement to take that will help bring your yin reserves back up, and clear blood stagnation in the lower body is Women's Precious Pills.  Or look for some Dong Qi Tea. \n\nFood wise avoid hot spices, eat WHOLE grains with their outer casings on them (that is where the minerals are that build blood and hormones), increase cooling foods and slow down and get enough adequate rest (maybe more than you realize YOU need).\n\nBut this Yin Deficient imbalance is something you really want to correct because it effect's you in many other ways as well.  You are probably very prone to stress and traumas, anxieties, pregnancy troubles, poor concentration, broken leg veins, dry skin & hair, blood sugar imbalances, and later on strong menopause troubles (to much heat etc) etc etc etc  You should really try to address it.  :-)  Take care
821697
I have suffered migraines since I was 10 and I am 48.  Try 2 Tylenol and 1 benedryl only if not allergic.  Put a warm compress across the forehead and lay down in a dark area.  After a couple of hours check on her and see if it has subsided.  If she continues to have the headache she needs to go to the hospital.  Headaches don't always happen because of her menstrual cycle.  Stress can cause this.  As far as a tumor don't worry unless a doctor  tells you its a tumor.  Get checked anyway.
1018968
I'm currently teaching my man how to deal when I'm suffering from PMS. Men need know women really do suffer.. The mood swings are beyond a lady's control. \n\nJust dont have a smart mouth. This is the worse thing a man can do.\n\nDONT FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE\n\nAPOLOGIZE A LOT\n\nAPOLOGIZE FOR ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING\n\nAPOLOGIZE FOR NOT HAVING A PERIOD TOO\n\nAgree with her and tell her its OK and please please sympathize and empathize
112593
Yes, your body is trying to store up nutrients because you going to lose a lot once you start to flow.\n\nIf you have painful periods eat green leafy veggies like broccoli, cabbage, romaine lettuce, and collar greens.  It will lessen your flow and ease your pains.  It's the high amounts of natual vitamin Bs that do the trick. Pills won't work.
358584
OMG, I know exactly how you feel.  I've had to get up in the night and take a hot shower just to see if it would work because nothing else had and I'm a grown women and they still hurt so bad I cry.....\n\nIf you have a family doctor you should get a prescription they really do help.  Mine make me a little "loopy" for awhile but I'd rather have that then the killer migraine.
957718
Hi! Worry not - these are all symptoms of premenstrual syndrome - but that does not make them normal as others have said. It is not normal to suffer symptoms just because you are a woman having periods! Something is out of balance & this can be successfully treated - drug free - by a number of therapies. I am a regisitered Homoeopath & treat lots of this very successfully. Many women decide to take the oral contraceptive pill but I do not believe this is the answer - to take a foreign substance every day of your life & interfere with your bodys normal functioning - madness!! Contact The Society of Homeopaths to find a practitioner in your area who will be able to help you. Best wishes
960671
Here are some all natural supplements that are very effective for PMS and most also are very helpful for relieving headaches.\n\nGLA Complex:  regains hormonal imbalance by minimizing fluctuations due to nutrient deficiency\n\nB-Complex:  helps regain hormonal imbalance; reduces stress; reduces water\n\nAlfalfa Complex:  reduce trace mineral deficiencies; reduces water retention; anti-inflammatory especially for sinus pressure\n\nLecithin:  insulates nerve bundles; absorptive aid for all fat soluble nutrients\n\nOsteoMatrix:  reduces cramps; reduces insomnia; reduces vascular tension\n\nHope this is useful and feel free to contact me with questions or if you wish to know the brand I use.
1002900
Have you seen a specialist? I have complicated chronic migraine headaches with pretty bad pain daily so I know somewhat what your going through. I also have neurological side effects and left side numbness. ( I've been through much testing to see what its caused by and its just complicated migraines)\nI have optical disturbances where I go blind through the day  because the nerves in my head are messed up because of the migraines and I start to see flashing lights and colours. I have found releif with medications and weekly injections into the nerves in my neck and head. I've also found releif with massage. I dont know if that would work for you, but definately go see a specialist! Prayer gets me through it too!
273815
Many physicians believe that exercise for 15-20 minutes per day is helpful for reducing the frequency of migraines.\n\nAt least two British studies have shown a relationship between the use of eyeglasses containing prism and a reduction in migraine headaches.\n\nThe plant feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a traditional herbal remedy believed to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Clinical trials have been carried out, and appear to confirm that the effect is genuine (though it does not completely prevent attacks).\n\nKudzu root (Pueraria lobata) has been demonstrated to help with menstrual migraine headaches and cluster headaches. While the studies on menstrual migraine assumed that kudzu acted by imitating estrogen, it has since been shown that kudzu has significant effects on the serotonin receptors. Kudzu Monograph at Med-Owl.\n\nCannabis has been reported to help people through an attack by relieving the nausea and dulling the head pain. There is some indication that semi-regular use may reduce the frequency of attacks. Further studies are being conducted.\n\nMassage therapy and physical therapy are often very effective forms of treatment to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. However, it is important to be treated by a well-trained therapist who understands the pathophysiology of migraines. Deep massage can trigger a migraine attack in a person who is not used to such treatments. It is advisable to start sessions as short in duration and then work up to longer treatments.