My period is due on Friday, June 10th, and I'm not feeling ANY pregnancy symptoms yet. As a matter of fact, yesterday I had cramps, which would mean I'm probably expecting my period, and not that I'm pregnant. Obviously I'm TTC, so this kinda worries me. what symptoms did you start to feel before your period, and how far before your period did you feel them?

Once a fertilized embryo has implanted in your uterus, this will cause the hormonal changes that cause the early symptoms. It can take anything between 8 – 14 days for an embryo to implant, and then a day or so more in order for your hormone levels to change.

Often for women who have early symptoms, they will be exactly like premenstrual symptoms and so very hard to distinguish between them and those of pregnancy. the best thing to do is wait until you miss your period – but remember that even if you are pregnant it's possible to have some spotting around the time it was due to start.

SORE boobs and white milky discharge

Are there any particular disorders related to sex hormone imbalance? are there any key symptoms that are extremely likely signs of sex hormone imbalance?

Hormone balance is essential to good health for women of all ages. Unfortunately, the accuracy of the tests used to determine hormone levels varies widely. The two most prevalent types of testing for hormone imbalance are saliva testing, in which a small sample of a woman’s saliva is analyzed to determine the levels of specified hormones, and serum testing, which is based on the analysis of a blood sample from the woman. Urine testing may also be an option.

In women with bipolar disorder, premenstrual mood changes are associated with more depressive episodes and more severe symptoms, researchers have found.

The findings from the study of nearly 300 women offer evidence that premenstrual flare-ups of mood symptoms may be a clinical marker predicting greater severity of bipolar disorder in reproductive-age women, said Dr. Rodrigo Dias and colleagues at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The bipolar women with pre-mentrual mood changes had more episodes of depression and worse symptoms the following year, compared with bipolar women without premenstrual mood changes, the researchers found.

The study is published in the Feb. 15 online edition of the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Through their action on the central nervous system, estrogen and other reproductive hormones influence mood, the researchers explained. the time period following childbirth and the menopause transition are also times when women with bipolar disorder are more vulnerable to relapse.

In general, the way fluctuating hormone levels influence mood may result in greater mood instability among these patients, the study authors noted.

“The results reinforce the importance of identifying mood fluctuations across the menstrual cycle in women with bipolar disorder,” Dias said in a journal news release. “The women with premenstrual mood changes may benefit from more intensive monitoring. the value of antidepressants isn’t clear, since on the one hand, these women were less likely to be taking antidepressants and might have benefited from them. But on the other hand, antidepressants can trigger manic symptoms in bipolar patients.”

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about bipolar disorder.

Copyright © 2011 HealthDay. all rights reserved.

Robert Preidt

I am a 32 year old female. I don't have any children yet. I have had one miscarriage. I have an appointment with a Doctor, but I am asking on yahoo answers to find out about personal experiences from people regarding the following question: Can early ovulation, breast pain, and acne be signs of perimenopause. normally, I haven't had any of these symptoms when I get my period. Any personal experiences from people would be great! again, will be seeing my doctor for a check up very soon! thanks.

They can be, but your symptoms sound more like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to me. You'd probably be having hot flashes and other fun things if you were in perimenopause. I may have Premature Ovarian Failure, and I'm experiencing hot flashes, menstrual irregularity, hair loss, dry eyes, and joint pain.

Make sure your doctor thoroughly tests your hormone levels. You may also want to get your thyroid checked out. There are lots of things that could be causing your symptoms. There's even a good chance that nothing's wrong.

Even if it is something like premature ovarian failure, it's not the end of the world. Hormone replacement therapy can work wonders, and there are lots of fertility treatments out there.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

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By: Michael Mensa

As women reach their late thirties and earl y forties, many start to notice that they begin to gain weight, particularly around the abdomen, which is difficult to shift. Weight gain is one of the many common symptoms of menopause and it occurs prior to and after the onset of this stage in a woman’s life. In this article we take a closer look at weight gain after menopause.

The main reason why many women gain weight during menopause is because their hormone levels begin to drop rapidly. to be precise estrogen is the primary hormone involved in the changes that occur. the purpose of estrogen is to bring about and regulate monthly ovulation in women, but when a woman undergoes menopause the levels of this hormone declines. When the body has no estrogen it will eventually stop ovulating.

The reason why lack of estrogen causes weight gain in menopausal women is because the body starts to look for another source of estrogen. so it turns it’s attention to the fat cells as these can also produce estrogen, as a result the body puts more effort into changing calories from food into fat, because estrogen is in high demand.

Many women find that gaining weight around the waist is often the first symptom of menopause that they will experience.

There is also another hormone that plays a part in the increase of weight around the waist… testosterone. Most people associate this hormone with males however females also have this, its purpose is to create lean muscle from the calories consumed when eating food. the higher the levels of testosterone, the faster the metabolism, which means less fat. the problem for menopausal women is the fact that the levels of this hormone drop during this stage, resulting in a slow metabolism and an increase in body fat.

One of the ways a woman can fight against weight gain after menopause is by committing to an exercise program. Exercise is a proven and low cost way to keep the extra fat away from the waist. furthermore it has many other positive effects such as strengthening the cardiovascular system and aiding mental well being.

The onset of menopause can be a very worrying process for women who are approaching this age. But if you are in this boat the best thing you can do is get the facts and educate yourself in regards to this process. This will make it easier to cope with. Once you start going through menopause you will notice that making simple lifestyle changes for example eating healthily, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and getting regular exercise etc, can do wonders for reducing the symptoms of menopause including weight gain. Menopausal women should also remember that in this day and age there are numerous different types of treatment available, and due to our understanding it is easier to cope with menopause then it has ever been before.

For more information on menopause head over to menopausefactsonline.com, where you can also find out about menopause and weight gain and early menopause symptoms

articles by Patsy Hamilton

perimenopause might be a new term for you. it only means that the time “to” menopause. Peri-menopausal symptoms are caused by a change in hormone levels in the years after menopause. In last may, as tiny as a few months or as long as ten years. Each woman is different. there might be differences related to nutrition, diet, exercise plans, prescription drugs or genetic factors. perhaps the ovaries gradually start less estrogen or estrogen production can suddenly change from month to month. Many unknown things.

Since the thirties begin, some women experience changes in their menstrual cycle. you can heavy or irregular. some women start to experience premenstrual syndrome for the first time in her life. some physicians see these files changes and describe the symptoms of peri menopause and help women comprehend what they can do to reduce the symptoms. other physicians grant women to form. And others point to a variety of prescription drugs that might or might not help.

in the regulation of menstruation Malthus alleviate this type of peri-menopause symptoms recommend some physicians birth control pills. Women using the pill, a shorter duration of symptoms less, but it is not always the case. some women should and can not take the pill, because of the associated risks. Many women like to take them either, unless they are necessary for contraception. Birth control pills have been known benefits and risks. To learn more about them, a good site to visit is fwhc.org / birth control / ‘s pill.htm.

PMS aggravation of symptoms might also indicate perimenopause. PMS symptoms vary greatly among women, non-existent to severe. it might be helpful to keep a diary for some time, noting when symptoms such as mood swings and breast tenderness. there are at least 100 different symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, not all, fortunately, most women experience. Women who do not know the pill, PMS, because they do not ovulate, but can have similar symptoms with different hormone levels have connected. Antidepressants are often prescribed to peri-menopause symptoms and PMS relief, but can cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness and sexual dysfunction. Regular exercise is one of the ideal athletes in PMS, but without proper nutrition, you do not have the energy to do it. A good day multi-vitamin supplement to a healthy diet that is low in salt, fat, sugar, alcohol and alkaloid to increase energy levels and reduce symptoms of PMS.

The hot flashes and night sweats might be peri-menopausal symptoms, the most frustrating. Antidepressants can increase women in some night sweats. these symptoms are directly related to estrogen levels amendment. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at one time was considered a innocuous treatment for all symptoms of perimenopause and menopause showed pero research that women with HRT women had an increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, stroke and Alzheimer’s.

All the symptoms of peri menopause, including those here are mentioned and other associated with lower estrogen levels. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies contain synthetic estrogen, Malthus alleviate symptoms, but increasing the risks of synthetic hormones. some plants estrogen components of such effects. these components are called phytoestrogens. Found in plant foods and herbs that I like black cohosh phytoestrogens help menopause relief dog died and PMS symptoms naturally, without side effects.

insomnia and other sleep disorders in women are sometimes came across during the perimenopause. Sometimes, night sweats, sleep disturbances are more related, but many women want a night sleep is just not possible. If you write a doctor’s prescriptions and easy, as you state it, differently all of your symptoms, you might end up taking sleeping pills, antidepressants and a variety of other drugs. I have many women who took six or seven different prescription drugs during peri menopause and still known problems.

Serotonin is one of the compounds that circulate in the blood of sleeping Believe and regulate mood. He is frequently sold as a natural sleep aid, but precursors (substances that uses the body to create serotonin) are more effective and safer long-term use. Tryptophan has been marketed heavily at some point, but also had country problems. 5-HTP is the new alternative. won

from an African plant, 5-HTP is a precursor of serotonin, which has been shown in studies to act as an antidepressant with no side effects. it is suggested for use in women with peri menopause and PMS symptoms for many reasons. it promotes a healthy natural sleep without fatigue. it improves the mood, without the side effects associated with prescription drugs and other medicinal plants. Studies have shown the effectiveness of STI treatment for migraine. Women who experienced migraine at puberty, often see her again Menopause . To learn more about the 5-HTP and other natural remedies for menopause, peri menopause and PMS, please visit menopause-and-pms-guide.com.

Patsy Hamilton has over twenty years experience in healthcare and over 40 years experience as a woman. She currently writes technical articles for Menopause and PMS Guide. for more information on menopause-and-pms-guide.com .The symptoms of menopause, peri-and rescue operationsOther symptoms of menopause article

Q: is a urinary tract infection the same as cystitis?

A: They could be connected, but one is more specific than the other. Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, whereas a UTI is typically a bacterial infection that can include any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the urethra. Cystitis is typically the result of a urinary tract infection, but can also be because of bladder stones or in rare situations, a tumor in the bladder. Cystitis can have serious consequences if left untreated, so if your cat is showing odd urination symptoms, you really should get him to the veterinarian to see what’s going on.

Q: My older female dog has started to lift her leg when she urinates. why would she do this after so many years?

A: As we age, our hormone levels fluctuate – that includes people and animals. It could be that it’s a simple variation in hormone levels that is making her want to lift her leg instead of squatting like she used to. Also, it tends to indicate very dominant behavior. I wonder, have there been changes in your house? if you’re concerned about the frequency or if she seems to be straining or having difficulty, I’d give your vet a call, otherwise, think about what may have changed in your house to make your girl need to feel a bit more masculine.

- – -

Ask the Shelter is a weekly feature aimed at pet education. if you have a question, contact Jennifer Vanderau, director of communications for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, at or 263-5791.

Posted: Tuesday 14 December 2010 06:58am

The Women’s Health Initiative study in the early 1990s had a tsunami effect through the world in raised concerns about the risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which had the effect of many women suffering unnecessarily through peri menopause and post menopause. One arm of the study demonstrated an increased risk of breast cancer from progestin, which the synthetic form of progesterone. Since then, there has increasing interest in and use of hormones which are identical to our own. Improved technology has created other biologically identical hormones for both men and women. these are the questions I am most often asked:

A significant number of medical experts and the ageing public realize that optimising hormone levels is necessary to preserve the aging body and the mind to physiological levels.

What are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical Hormones (prescribed as Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, BIHR) are identical in chemical structure to the hormones in our body. about 20 years ago, women were applying yam creams. some women would notice the benefits and some did not. this was due to variable absorption and more importantly, not all women could not convert the yam cream to the hormones that was needed by their body. it was assumed that the yam would be absorbed as progesterone and in the body it was converted to oestrogens.

Nowadays, the basic source is converted to the hormones outside the body and consequently when the hormone is absorbed either as a cream, troche or a capsule, the correct dose, ratios and more importantly, the deficient hormone is prescribed.

Bioidentical hormones are  sourced from soy bean or wild yam, called diosgenin. the diosgenin is purified and modified to a chemical structure that is identical to our own hormones. the process also includes bringing the hormone to pharmaceutical grade and is micronised for improved absorption.

Unfortunately there is confusion between the term progesterone (what is in our body) and progestin (the synthetic form). these two names are used to mean the same when they are not.

Why would my doctor prescribe BIHR?

Our body’s chemistry is designed to connect with our own hormones, and not a hormone which has a structure that is foreign to the receptors and breakdown pathways. Therefore products that that do not have an exact fit are broken down less efficiently by the liver’s detoxification pathway.

Many factors affect this pathway. To name a few: fatty liver, external toxins, poor nutrients and our genetic profile. consequently is will be easier for our liver to breakdown hormone that easily fit into our receptors rather than a non-identical hormone.

Synthetic hormones also have additives that are foreign to our chemistry and stay in our body for longer periods of time, and may be responsible for side effects.

What hormones typically need to be replaced (in women) and at what age?

In my practice, young women up to the age of the peri menopause, present with premenstrual symptoms. In this age group, progesterone has been very helpful to control the fluid accumulation, the mood symptoms, the carbohydrate cravings and the central weight gain.

The peri menopause age group is more challenging as there can be oestrogen deficient symptoms as well as premenstrual symptoms. consequently oestrogen as well as progesterone may be needed. In addition the levels can fluctuate from month to month.

The menopause age group needs oestrogen and progesterone, even after a hysterectomy, as progesterone has benefits of its own. Additionally, testosterone may be prescribed.

DHEA is often prescribed for adrenal fatigue, a very common complication of modern society.it should be emphasised that the above is only prescribed in the presence of relevant signs, complaints and most importantly, deficient levels. it is also important that the hormones are in balance, as in our body, all the hormones work synchronously like a symphony orchestra.

What causes these hormones to decline?The pre- peri menopause age, often has low progesterone to oestrogen ratio, often called oestrogen dominance. this dominance is caused by the presence of synthetic hormones in our environment, called xenoestrogens; common sources are plastics, petroleum products, pesticides like DDT, synthetic hormones, fatty liver from causes mentioned above and overweight.

The most cause for deficiency is ageing; as our hormone glands age, they become less productive.

How do I know if I need BIHR?

Both, men and women have a choice of non BIHR and BIRH. Most people see a doctor if there are symptoms which they suspect is related to their hormones. In females the symptoms are:

* PMS, which includes mood and behaviour changes, fluid retention, breast tenderness, weight gain, headaches or migraines, increase menstrual flow and pain.

* Peri-menopause symptoms are as for PMS but may occur throughout the monthly cycle; feeling hot, sweats and loss of libido

* Menopause symptoms are night sweats, hot flushes, dry vagina, loss of libido, vaginal infections, urinary incontinence, depression, anxiety, irritability, muscle aches and pains, insomnia, facial hair growth, lower back pain, flatulence, indigestion, osteoporosis, hair loss, frequent urination, sore breast, snoring, palpitations, varicose veins, dizzy spells, panic attacks, skin feeling crawly, migraine headaches and memory lapses.

In males, there are symptoms related to the equivalent of menopause, called Andropause, which include loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, inability to cope with stress, muscle weakness, weight gain, depression and loss of self esteem.

What benefits should I see if I am on BIHR?The benefits are an improvement to the above symptoms. the pre menstrual female will notice an improvement in most of her PMS symptoms. the peri menopausal woman will note an improvement of her moods, improvement in her PMS and better temperature tolerance. the post menopausal female will notice control of her hot flushes and night sweats, less aches and pains and less vaginal symptoms.

The male will notice an improvement in self esteem and libido.

How long do I need to stay on treatment?The Australian Menopause Society, states that for women between 50 to 59, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risk. however some women prefer to stay on treatment for many years as they have made the decision that the benefits outweigh the risks. the male can stay on the treatment for life.

The Anti-Ageing Colleges would recommend that BIRT is necessary for healthy ageing. Ultimately the decision is a personal one, but only if there is proper monitoring of hormone levels and possible side effects.

What is the difference between BIHR and HRT?The main difference is the BIRT are identical to our own hormones and the conventional HRT is mostly not identical to our hormones. Experts feel that the BIHR has less side effects. this is well demonstrated between the Bioidentical Progesterone and that non Bioidentical Progestins.

The progestin cause the unwanted side effects of weight gain,  headaches and fluid retention to name a few. the progesterone causes weight loss, acts as a natural antidepressant, increases metabolic rate helps sleep and acts as a diuretic.

How is BIHR applied?

Cream, pills. Most of the world experts recommend a cream for oestrogen; this method avoids swallowing the hormone which then goes through the liver to be changed to a bad oestrogen. Swallowing the oestrogen can cause weight gain, increases triglycerides, increase depression, elevate liver enzymes and increase sex hormone binding protein and consequently reduce available testosterone.

Troches theoretically should be absorbed by the oral mucosa. however there is risk that some of the oestrogen will be swallowed. Therefore it is best to use a troche  last thing at night so when there is no talking or swallowing.

Progesterone and DHEA can be swallowed as a capsule. like oestrogen, testosterone should be taken as a cream or troche.

Are there any side effects?Like all things medical and non medical there is a potential for side effects. We now know that our genes can affect the chemical pathways in the liver and the cellular and mitochondria response. the genes can change under the influence of the environment, diet and lifestyle. Therefore the risk can change with time.

Breast cancer and prostate cancer can occur even without taking hormone replacement. the risk increases with the wrong family history, smoking, obesity.

However there is encouraging news for BIHR. In a study of 80,377 women by Fournier in 2009, there was no increase in breast cancer in women taking oestrogen and progesterone compared to a 69 per cent increase in women taking oestrogen and progestin. Campagnoli stated in 2005 that synthetic progestins increase breast cancer risks.

In 2009, Holtorf wrote in Journal of Postgraduate medicine, “until evidence is found to the contrary, bioidentical hormones remain the preferred method of HRT”.

The Australian Menopause Society states in its website that there is no evidence for BIHT. it has a fact sheet on this treatment which interested parties should read for alternative view.

Blood clots and strokes can occur but is increased in individuals who smoke, have a sedentary lifestyle or have a family history. less serious side effects can occur but should be detected by elevated hormone levels.

What are the risks of BIHR?

The risks of BIHR are the same as HRT but there is encouraging evidence that with proper use and monitoring, the risks are small.

Apart from the possible risk mentioned above, there are local side effects if the cream is not applied correctly or the troches used incorrectly.

Creams should be rotated between the arms and only applied to non fatty region and where the skin is thin.  Increased hair growth can occur if testosterone is applied to the daily to the same limb.

Excess progesterone can cause sweet cravings and weight gain and laxity of ligaments causing back ache and urinary incontinence, smooth muscles can relax to cause bloating, fullness and constipation.

Excess oestrogen can cause weight gain, sore breast, fluid retention, headaches, migraine, increase uterine bleeding and increase risk of breast cancer.

Excess testosterone may cause hirsutism, acne, greasy skin, aggressiveness, fatigue, depression and hair loss.

Excess DHEA can cause greasy skin and acne in a female (females are very sensitive to DHEA), fatigue, weight gain, facial hair, restless sleep, sugar cravings and insomnia.

The above is not a complete list of side effects, but are the most common. the individual should consult their own doctor for a comprehensive list.

Can any doctor prescribe BIHR?

All doctors can prescribe BIHR. it is my personal experience that my knowledge of BIHR was significantly improved by completing the Australasian Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine (A5M) Fellowship. the course looked at all aspects of BIhr. it concentrated in detail, on appropriate testing and application of various preparations. it also prepared attendees for the various patient symptoms and management of side effects.

It is recommended that individuals consult practitioners experienced in BIHR or have completed the A5M Fellowship.

To find an anti-ageing doctor, visit a5m.net or call 03 9813 0439.

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I've had other signs of perimenopause, I'm 36, he's 41. It got SOOO painful it hurt him, then me! I need to go to my midwife soon. I've also been experiencing symptoms of pregnancy.

It certainly can be but at 36 I wouldn't think you're premenopausal yet. get your hormone levels checked, I believe it's low estrogen that causes vaginal dryness.

Meanwhile there are lots of lubricants that you can use. KY is everywhere and the Yours/Mine has an interesting effect. I also like the ID glide. Watermelon flavor is my favorite.

honey, the dry thing happens to all women at some point. keep a bottle of lubricant handy for sex. sometimes the symptoms of pregnancy and menopause are confused. see your midwife/physician. they will likely tell you get to some ky or something of that effect, and keep it on hand.