(NAPSI)-Do hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue and unpredictable menstrual
cycles make you feel that you are out of control? Have you been experiencing
mood swings, sleepless nights or memory problems? Are you stressed because
you are sandwiched between taking care of your children and your aging
parents? If the answer to any of these symptoms is "yes,"
then you may be on a wild roller coaster ride known as perimenopause.
Perimenopause is a distinct transition between the reproductive years
and the cessation of menses or menopause, according to John Sunyecz,
M.D., author of the popular Web site
www. MenopauseRx.com.
He comments, "Women usually notice the onset of perimenopausal
symptoms in their 40s. Lasting up to six years or more, the peaks and
valleys of estrogen production and various environmental factors can
contribute to the types and severity of symptoms. For instance, many
women overwhelmed with the responsibilities involved in juggling their
careers, marriage, children and elderly parents can experience more
frequent episodes of memory loss and irritability."
Although perimenopause and menopause can be confusing, mysterious and
uncomfortable, you can view these life events as opportunities for healthy
transformation and growth.
Replenish Yourself
Whether or not you are on any therapies including hormone replacement
therapy (HRT), make sure you eat a balanced diet, get the recommended
daily allowances for calcium and exercise. U.S. Department of Agriculture
consumption data show that a staggering 90 percent of adult women do
not get enough calcium to help maintain bone mass and help prevent osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a crippling disease that affects 55
percent of Americans over the age of 50, 80 percent of whom are women.
Women can lose up to 15 percent of their bone mass in the five to seven
years following menopause, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis;
yet, the disease can begin at an early age. Often called the "silent
disease," most people do not know they have osteoporosis until
a sudden bump or fall causes bone fractures, often to the hip, ribs,
wrist or spine.
Adequate calcium intake and absorption are essential to maintain life.
Calcium plays a major role in building strong bones and teeth. But that's
not all; calcium is essential for keeping your heart beating steadily,
your blood working correctly and your nerves and muscles operating smoothly.
Studies have also suggested that calcium may help to lower the risk
of colon cancer, reduce PMS symptoms, lower blood pressure, and may
reduce cholesterol.
It is easy to get your recommended daily allowances for calcium if
you eat calcium-rich foods and take Os-Calª calcium supplements
with breakfast and dinner. Os-Cal is the #1 calcium supplement preferred
by doctors of internal medicine for women at risk for osteoporosis and
is clinically proven effective to help maintain bone mass in more studies
than any other calcium supplement brand.
Reenergize Your Life
Engage in weight-bearing aerobic exercises and strength training
to help build bone density, muscle mass, burn calories and fat, and
improve balance and energy levels. Olympic gold medalist Peggy Fleming
takes Os-Cal calcium twice a day to help keep her bones strong. Peggy
is spreading the word about osteoporosis prevention by encouraging women
to get enough calcium and vitamin D through a balanced diet and calcium
supplements, engaging in weight-bearing exercises such as walking and
playing tennis, lifting weights, getting periodic bone density tests
and following a healthy lifestyle.
Reduce Your Stress And Relax
Discover or renew interests, hobbies and activities that fulfill
your spiritual, emotional, physical and mental needs. Snack on low-fat,
healthy foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables. Engage in stress reduction
and relaxation techniques, such as yoga, massages, deep breathing, meditation
and prayer. Listen to quiet music to calm your soul. Recharge your batteries
and take time to go on a restful vacation.
Resources
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist and/or nutritionist for advice about
your particular calcium needs. Call, toll-free, 1-866-538-3687 ext.
408 to learn more about calcium supplementation and osteoporosis prevention.
You can also visit the Os-Cal Web site at www.os-cal.com to learn more
about calcium and osteoporosis prevention. Learn more about alternatives
to hormone replacement therapy on www.MenopauseRx.com and www.remifemin.com,
the Web site for Remifemin® Menopause, a natural, estrogen-free
remedy derived from a unique extract of the black cohosh plant. Log
onto www.lifeline screening.com to learn more about bone density screening.
John Sunyecz,
M.D., is an expert on menopause.
