Some women sail through it, others find it a challenge but few women like to talk openly about the menopause.

With 70 per cent of women aged between 45 and 59 now in work, The University of Nottingham has been commissioned by the British Occupational Health Research Foundation to ask women, in total confidence, about their experience of working through the menopause.

The menopause happens to all women, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. Researchers are hoping that several hundred women in this age group will answer their questionnaire – the more responses they get, the more powerful the results will be.

The research team hopes the results, based on the views of women in 6 different organisations throughout the UK, will provide useful information for women about how to cope with the menopause at work. It will also help employers and doctors support and advise them.[DFR::021078006336-10369852-cj|align_left_1]

Although women constitute nearly half of the UK’s workforce and the menopause is a significant event in the lives of all women, its effects on women’s working life have been subject to very little research.

The study, led by Professor Amanda Griffiths in the Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, will explore the huge gap in our understanding of women’s experiences of working through the menopause. Professor Griffiths said: “With so many women aged between 45 and 59 now in work, and with this figure expected to rise, it is surprising how little research has been carried out into women’s experience of working through the menopause. Women are very keen to help rectify this and are being very generous with their time talking to us about their experiences. I hope the results of this work will make a difference.”[DFR::021078010067-10369852-cj|align_right_1]

The menopause marks the end of a woman’s fertility. Changes in hormone levels can result in intermittent symptoms, over several years, such as ‘hot flushes’, sweating, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, stress, increased susceptibility to anxiety, even concentration problems. Some women may need medical advice and treatment.

Employers and trade unions are slowly beginning to recognise that menopausal women may need special consideration in the workplace. Health and safety policies rarely acknowledge the problems that can be experienced by women in later life.

The research team have designed an anonymous, confidential questionnaire that asks about if and how the menopause affects women at work, how they cope, and what employers could do to help. The questionnaire is based on interviews undertaken with 60 women.  Click Here To Search For Menopause Products

The research is due to be completed by early next year.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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Source: Lindsay Brooke
University of Nottingham

There’s a very good reason for the stubborn weight surrounding your abdomen. As a matter of fact, this explanation is quite simple – it’s your hormones. I know they’ve caused numerous problems for you from the day you started menstruating, but your hormones are not quite finished wreaking havoc just yet. You see, as you approach menopause your hormone levels have begun to decline drastically, thus causing the weight gain you’re now experiencing. Many women become complacent and accept this gain in weight as just a normal part of the aging process. While this is certainly an option, it’s not the only avenue that can – or should – be taken.

It’s inevitable – every woman approaching menopause is going to experience symptoms associated with declining hormone levels. As a matter of fact, the decrease in your estrogen level plays a significant role in the weight gain you’re now noticing. You see, estrogen is the hormone which is responsible for causing monthly ovulation. Obviously, as you enter the menopausal years your estrogen level decreases, thus causing your body to eventually cease ovulating. Since your body is producing less estrogen it’s only natural that it will look for other places from where to get needed estrogen. It just so happens that fat cells in your body are capable of producing estrogen, therefore, your body works harder to convert calories into fat to increase estrogen levels.

Unfortunately, you’ll also experience a decrease in your level of testosterone. Why is this unfortunate? Well, testosterone is the hormone that helps your body to create lean muscle mass out of the calories you consume. As you may know, muscle burns more calories than fat cells do, which will contribute to increased metabolism. Obviously, your body burns more calories with a higher metabolic rate.

With the combination of a decrease in estrogen and testosterone levels working against you, you’re now faced with a body determined to be a walking pile of fat. Is it the end of the world? Must you accept this terrible fate bestowed upon you? Absolutely not. Now that you know what’s taking place inside your body, you’re armed and ready with the tools you need to combat these changes, right? You’re well aware of the significant role muscle plays to burn calories, so if you want to be lean and toned you’ll need to build muscle to help your body burn calories.

You’ll benefit tremendously by committing to a regular exercise regimen, which includes weight training to lose the extra weight you’ve gained. It’s not rocket science; it’s simple common sense – build muscle, burn calories and keep the weight off. By making a few simple lifestyle changes you will reduce many of the menopausal symptoms you’re experiencing and you’ll begin to feel beautiful, youthful and energized once again.

By Susan Megge

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/menopause-weight-gain-why-you-have-it-and-how-to-lose-it-52643.html

I have found this to be especially true for myself and others I’ve interviewed for this piece. Allow me to take a few moments to briefly summarize my experiences since I’ve entered midlife and began noticing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. A few years ago I started waking up during the night, drenched in sweat. I knew without a doubt that I must have had cancer or some other medical condition; I was too young to be experiencing “night sweats” associated with menopause and middle age. So, off I went to the doctor, describing my symptoms and explaining that I would face whatever illness I had with confidence and bravery. If I must endure radiation, chemotherapy or some other type of treatment I would willingly do so in order to stay on this earth and witness the upcoming events of my children and future grandchildren. Well, no need to worry; I was simply experiencing what so many other women go through as they enter midlife and the transition into menopause.

No big deal, right? I could handle sleep interruptions, waking up soaking wet. Then, the next symptom popped up, although it was probably gaining momentum without my notice. I was fat; my midsection looked like it came straight out of a cartoon. Once again, I quickly got into “solution” mode and decided to tackle the stubborn and unwelcome fat that had become my midsection. Fortunately, I eliminated the extra weight gain and was able to lose several inches, regaining what resembles somewhat of a youthful and toned physique.

I decided this “midlife thing” wasn’t so bad, but then life events have come into my world, thus testing my resolve to get through menopause with a positive and uplifting attitude. You see, I was so very proud to witness my oldest daughter graduate from college; she would be experiencing life and all of its glory, getting a good job and becoming an independent, successful and confident young woman. It was soon discovered that she and her fiancé (also a college graduate) were expecting a child. Prior to my grandson’s birth I was living with a constant worry for the happiness of these two young people – hoping they would be mature enough to handle the responsibility of a child, marriage and all that goes with these life-changing events. Fortunately, my daughter, son-in-law and grandson are a beautiful family and excitedly expecting a new addition. So, yes, I was able to get through this particular time in my life. I didn’t sink into a deep depression, even though my hormone levels and life situation could have easily triggered such a downward spiral. I continued taking care of myself, eating well, exercising and always trying to see the positive side of situations; after all, constant worry doesn’t fix anything, right? As long as I have my health and my family, nothing can be that terrible.

Again, my ability to remain positive would be tested over and over again. As I write this particular piece, I’m at the gym on this beautiful morning working out, riding a stationary bike. Normally, I would be on the elliptical, but my leg is in a cast. Still, I keep going. Also, under normal circumstances I would be at the gym in the evening, but – oh yeah – I was forced to leave my job (I’ll save that story for another article). Still, I keep going. My husband is working out with me this morning and it’s nice to spend some time together. You see, he can be here right now because he’s currently without a job too (laid off due to a sluggish economy here in the Midwest). Still, I keep going.

As you can see, I’ve recently faced many life events that should keep me a little bit down, at the very least. But why? I have good health, despite my menopausal symptoms (as well as my cast), I have a wonderful family and I look forward to my future and all of the challenges and joys that will come my way. My husband is somewhat miffed about the fact that my glass always seems half full, and I guess I question why his is just plain empty. Much research has proven that there really is power in positive thinking. I’m living proof that having a positive attitude can assist women in having the ability to experience this next phase of their lives with confidence and good health, likely reducing many symptoms that can result from entering the menopausal years. I challenge you to look at life a little differently – with much hope and anticipation. I do believe you’ll begin to feel a greater sense of well being, which may make a tremendous difference in how severe your symptoms of menopause will be.

By Susan Megge

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/menopause-and-your-attitude-does-it-make-a-difference-62092.html

Your added weight is a perfectly normal symptom of menopause and you need not be concerned – that is, as long as you’re willing to take the necessary steps to drop the extra fat surrounding your waistline. You see if you keep the weight on and let it continue to accumulate, you’ll put yourself at risk of developing heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and many other chronic illnesses associated with obesity.

So, what’s the solution? Believe it or not, it’s actually just common sense and really very simple. You can eliminate menopausal weight gain, as well as other symptoms associated with menopause by eating healthy, controlling your caloric consumption and consuming the proper nutrients.

As your estrogen level declines, your body will naturally look for other places from where to get needed estrogen. Since your fat cells are capable of producing estrogen, your body works harder to convert your consumed calories into fat. Some foods are metabolized too quickly, thus causing unhealthy spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which results in additional fat accumulation. Because of this, you’ll want to avoid these foods, which include white rice, potatoes and white bread. Instead, add wholegrain bread, oats, rye and wheat germ to your diet.

You’ll also want to eliminate fried foods; instead bake or broil when you cook. Baked and broiled foods aren’t just healthier, but they can actually be more appealing to the taste buds. When cooking with oils, avoid using processed cooking oils. Alternatively, use unprocessed oils, such as extra virgin olive oil, canola, wheat germ and flaxseed oil.

When you feel like having a snack, reach for nuts, seeds (pumpkin and sunflower), dried fruits and fresh fruit. Try to stick with melons, bananas, oranges and lemons, as these fruits are high in potassium, which is an excellent source to help balance sodium and water retention. You’ll also want to increase your daily intake of vegetables, including salad (preferably made with romaine or bib lettuce, which contain more nutritional value than does iceberg lettuce), yam and dark leafy vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli and cabbage. Peppers and tomatoes aren’t just beneficial to your health and diet, but they’re quite tasty and can add a lot to your recipes.

Soy foods are fast becoming a popular choice to reduce symptoms of menopause. Soy foods include soybeans, calcium-fortified soy milk, soy yogurt, tofu and others. I’ll admit that I haven’t yet indulged in soy-fortified foods, but it’s said that the benefits of their consumption are quite significant.

I highly recommend that you drink more mineral and bottled water, and reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol. This will significantly reduce the incidence of hot flashes.

Of course, you’ll be tempted to stray from healthy eating once in awhile, which is okay – as long as you make it an occasional treat and not a regular practice. If you stick to the guidelines I mentioned, you will notice a reduction in many menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, bloating, water retention, fatigue and mood swings.

Obviously, by consuming foods low in calories and fat you’ll also notice that you’re better able to control the weight gain associated with menopause. By adding a regular exercise program to your lifestyle, not only will you control your weight, but you’ll lose a significant amount of weight, as well. Fortunately, the foods that I’ve outlined will no doubt give you the energy needed to actively exercise each day. If you include weight training you’ll build muscle, become lean and toned (for real – even at our age!) and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

When we were young girls we didn’t aspire to experience menopause. As a matter of fact, I can say with confidence that not one ten-year-old girl has ever muttered the words “When I grow up I want to be menopausal.” The fact is, if we’re lucky enough to experience life, menopause is just a natural part of being a woman. It’s not the end, but rather a very beautiful beginning of self confidence, maturity, beauty and an active lifestyle – that is, if you choose to make it so.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/menopause-and-your-diet-60528.html

When you are approaching The Change (a term used by some women to refer to menopause), you should not focus on its negative aspects. You can accept the fact that there will be a lot of discomforts because of the hormonal haywire, but these can all be managed with proper mind conditioning, increased physical activities, effective natural supplements, and a diet that is designed to restore youthfulness and improve general health.

In order to help you cope with the changes that pre-menopause and menopause will bring, you need to have a good grasp of the foods that will be your allies in ensuring that you emerge from menopause unscathed and still truly beautiful. Here are some of the vegetables, fruits and other natural produce that you need to stock up on:

To Neutralize Hormonal Changes

Since your ovaries start to reduce the production of sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, you will definitely feel a lot of changes in your body and emotions. Furthermore, the long-term effects of the loss of these hormones might truly imperil your health. Take the case of estrogen, which is responsible for bringing down cholesterol levels in women.

In order to help neutralize the effects of dwindling sex hormones, you should include soy products in your diet because soy is one of the best sources of phytoestrogen, a substance found in natural produce that mimics the role of estrogen. A cup of soymilk a day is really helpful in reducing the effects of hormonal imbalance.

To Strengthen The Bones

Another issue that is affecting post-menopausal women is weak bones and osteoporosis. It seems that bone loss is dramatically fast after menopause. In order to make up for the rapid bone loss, you need to take at least 1,200 mg of calcium everyday when you are in your thirties. The moment you reach your fifties, you need to start to increase your calcium intake to 1,500 mg of calcium each day. You can also get calcium sources from other dairy products, yogurt, and even broccoli.

You also need to take plenty of Vitamin D, which is important for the proper absorption of calcium in the body. You can get Vitamin D by exposing yourself to a few minutes of sunlight everyday. Just make sure that you do not expose yourself to the sun from 10AM to 3PM, as the ultraviolet rays in those hours may not be healthy for you.

To Care For The Heart

As mentioned earlier, estrogen is the one responsible for lowering cholesterol in women. So once your sex hormone production plummets, you will be at a higher risk of getting heart-related diseases. In fact, figures show that heart disease kills at least 12 times more than breast cancer in women who are aged fifty and above.

What you need to minimize your risk of getting heart problems is to eat low-fat diet. Since saturated fat is partly responsible for the clogging of the arteries, you need to make sure that you stay away from food rich in fat at all cost. Eating fish and reducing consumption of processed and baked goodies are also essential in protecting your heart. Lastly, increasing your servings of vegetables and fruits daily will not only be good for your heart, but your skin as well.

You may also want to take natural supplements to help you deal with other symptoms of menopause. One product that is made from clinically proven and safe ingredients that help ease mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain and other menopausal woes is Menersa. Know more about it by visiting http://www.menersa.com.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-health-articles/easily-deal-with-menopause-with-the-food-you-eat-575483.html