Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual cycles for more than a year.  The average age of menopause is 52, but perimenopause, which is the transition from normal menstrual cycles to menopause, can last for five or more years.  Seventy-five percent of menopausal women experience hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and insomnia for more than a year. 

The most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms is estrogen.  The bioidentical hormones that you frequently hear about in the media refer to hormones that are “identical” to human hormones.  Interestingly, hormones produced by compounding pharmacies (those that “mix” the bioidentical hormones) and pharmaceutical companies are both made synthetically.  Bioidentical hormones may be favored by some experts, but are not proven safer nor more effective than other replacement hormones.  Studies indicate that the use of hormonal therapy is associated with an increase in breast cancer, heart attack, stroke and blood clots.  Therefore, any form of hormone therapy, including bioidentical hormones, should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.

For women who feel that hormone replacement therapy produces unacceptable risks, alternative therapies exist.  Antidepressants have been shown to reduce symptoms of menopause by 60 percent.  Natural remedies, such as, Vitamin E, soy-based products, and black cohash may be effective.  However, evening primrose, dong quai, wild yam, red clover, chasteberry and ginseng are not effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

For the years when fertility wanes, and periods become more irregular, it should be noted that menstrual cycles that occur more frequently than 21 days, last longer than eight days, are very heavy, or occur after six months without a period are abnormal and need to be evaluated by your gynecologist.

Registered Dietician Keri Glassman Explains What to Look for and Avoid When Shopping for Yogurt

Exercise Tip:

Spring is almost here, and this is usually the time that folks stray from their exercise routine. 
Stay committed by:
1. Schedule your workouts on a calendar as very important meetings, they are.
2. Try working out in the morning. Start your day off right, and nothing will then get in your way of getting your workout done.
3. Stay off the scales.  How do your clothes feel?  How do you feel?
4. Keep a journal.  Chart your progress.
5. Be kind to yourself.  If you miss a workout or even a week of exercise, simply start up again and keep going.

Purple and blue may not be as common to find in the average meal as some other colors, but purple and blue foods have many health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-aging benefits and also may help with memory, urinary tract health and reducing your cancer risks.
March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is "Eat Right with Color," encouraging everyone to pack more nutrition into your day with colorful foods on your plate. Here are examples of just a few nutritious options to add more purples and blues to your plate:
Fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, plums and raisins make a great snack or can be added to cereal, oatmeal, pancakes, salads or desserts.
Vegetables such as eggplants, purple cabbage and purple potatoes are healthful options that may be added to salads or even served as a main ingredient in entrees. ------eatright.org

Shape up for Summer
Instructed by: Carol Wasp, LifeWorks personal trainer/nutrition coach
Held at LifeWorks of Southwest General, Middleburg Hts., 44130
April 7, 7–8 p.m.

Moving Forward for Menopause
Instructor to be decided.
Held at Brunswick Library
May 11, 7–8 p.m.

Making Time for Menopause
Instructed by Dr. William Hahn, obstetrics/gynecology
Held at Strongsville Library
June 2, 7–8 p.m.

To sign up for all or any of these free talks, contact Shannon Finkovich at
440-816-5395 or sfinkovich@swgeneral.com