Dry Eyes Symptom during Menopause

When you think about Menopause symptoms, what naturally comes to your mind? Most likely, it is hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, mood swings, fatigue, and headaches. Yet one symptom affects more than 60% of women and most of them don’t even know it is connected to menopause: dry eyes. And more often than not, other imbalances that affect the eye are also at work but only become evident when hormones begin to fluctuate.

Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from dry eyes; and for reasons scientists dont understand, Hispanic and Asian women are especially vulnerable.

Symptoms of dry eye

Temporary mild symptoms of tired, itchy, or red eyes that abate with sleep, a change in environment, or taking your contact lenses out can be chalked up to obvious culprits. But worsening or persistent symptoms should be taken seriously. They include:

• itchiness
• a scratchy or gritty feeling
• tears running down the cheeks
• increasingly tired eyes during the day
• irritation from smoke, wind, or air movement
• stringy mucus
• sensitivity to light
• blurriness
• problems wearing contact lenses

If dry eye is left untreated, the cornea can become scarred or develop ulcers. Infection can also become more common because eye fluids help carry away debris. Vision can be affected, and you may feel chronic eye pain. But getting to the real cause of the condition can take some sleuthing.

What causes dry eyes?

In dry eye syndrome, the lacrimal gland or associated glands near the eye dont produce enough tears, or the tears have a chemical composition that causes them to evaporate too quickly.

Dry eye syndrome has several causes. It occurs as a part of the natural aging process, especially during menopause; as a side effect of many medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medicines, Parkinsons medications and birth control pills; or because you live in a dry, dusty or windy climate.

If your home or office has air conditioning or a dry heating system, that too can dry out your eyes. Another cause is insufficient blinking, such as when youre staring at a computer screen all day.

Dry eyes also are a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ocular rosacea or Sjogrens syndrome (a triad of dry eyes, dry mouth and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).

Long-term contact lens wear is another cause; in fact, dry eyes are the most common complaint among contact lens wearers. Recent research indicates that contact lens wear and dry eyes can be a vicious cycle. Dry eye syndrome makes contact lenses feel uncomfortable, and evaporation of moisture from contact lenses worsens dry eye symptoms.

Incomplete closure of the eyelids, eyelid disease and a deficiency of the tear-producing glands are other causes. Tears are composed of three layers:

• the outer, oily lipid layer;
• the middle, watery, lacrimal layer;
• and the inner, mucous or mucin layer.

Each layer is produced by different glands near the eye. The lacrimal gland located above the outer corner of the eye produces the lacrimal layer, for example. So a problem with any of those sources can result in dry eyes.

With increased popularity of cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for improved appearance, dry eye complaints now occasionally are associated with incomplete closure of eyelids following such a procedure.

There are other ertain lifestyle factors that contribute to dry eyes include:

• Living and working in dry places. Dryness is usually worse in dry weather, in desert climates, during the winter, and when the eyes are exposed to second hand tobacco smoke or air pollution.
• Having LASIK surgery, which cuts eye nerves, reducing impulses for blinking. If you are considering LASIK, be aware that dry eyes may disqualify you for the surgery, at least until the problem is resolved.
• Diets that don’t provide sufficient essential fatty acids or anti-inflammatory foods

Conventional medicine generally stops here when it comes to identifying the cause of dry eye, but the root imbalances that lead to many cases of dry eye extend much deeper, particularly for women in perimenopause and menopause. Often it’s just the tip of the iceberg. That’s because hormones play an important role in tear production and lubrication.

Hormonal changes and dry eyes

The degree to which your hormones affect your eye health depends largely on your individual blueprint and lifestyle. However, studies have linked androgen (testosterone) and estrogen receptors on the cornea of the eye and on the meibomian gland. This indicates a correlation between the production of tears and our sex hormones.

Before menopause, the more testosterone you have, the fewer tears you produce, while an increase in estrogen means more tear production. However, this equation reverses during menopause — more testosterone means more tear production, while more estrogen means less tear production. And while we still need to learn more about how this mechanism works, it’s clear that hormones play a significant role in lubricating our eyes. It makes sense that dry eyes may result from estrogen deficiency, progesterone deficiency, testosterone deficiency or possibly from an imbalance of any of the three.

When your eyes stay dry for too long, the result is localized inflammation. This immune response releases all kinds of inflammatory substances which make your eyes red, itchy, and swollen. The appearance of dry eyes often coincides with other signs of “drying” in menopause, like sore joints and dry vaginal tissues. Restoring a natural internal balance between estrogen, progesterone and testosterone is an important remedy for dry eyes.

Relief for dry eyes

Everybody is unique so you may need to experiment to find a combination of changes that work for you.

Optimize your nutrition. Eat three balanced meals a day, consisting of whole foods in any nutritional gaps with a daily multivitamin. Eat less meat, fried foods and dairy products and more chunky white tuna and walnuts.

Balance your hormones. Gentle endocrine support can help the body generate its natural levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. You may also notices that some simple dietary changes, like eating more whole grains and less sugar and processed foods can help control insulin levels and reduce chronic inflammation.

Include flaxseed in your diet. Flaxseed is one of natures best sources of n-3 essential fatty acids, which are the essential fatty acids the body uses to make anti-inflammatory hormones. Brazilian clinical researchers have found that flaxseed oil is an effective treatment for the condition of dry, red, inflamed eyes known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Brazilian women taking one or two 1,000-mg capsules of flaxseed oil every day for six months experienced a dramatic reduction in the redness and inflammation associated with dryness.

Evaluate your medications. If you are on medication, speak with your doctor about the possibility of it contributing to your dry eyes. Keep in mind that many medications required by adults over age 40 may cause or worsen dry eye problems. Examples include diuretics (often prescribed for heart conditions) and antidepressants. There may be suitable alternatives that cause fewer side effects.

Avoid excessive pollution and other irritants. Here’s another great reason to quit smoking: smoke aggravates dry eyes. Also, try to avoid rubbing your eyes since it can disturb tear film, remove moisture, and introduce bacteria or irritants into the eye. Try to buy hypoallergenic make-up as well.

Hydrate and humidify. Dehydration can draw fluid from the eyes, so remember to drink plenty of fluids. Non-diuretic drinks like water, pure juices, milk and herbal teas are good choices for hydration. You may also try using a humidifier to reduce tear evaporation, but be sure to clean it daily with soap to avoid introducing more irritants into the air.

Blink! Try to blink at least every five seconds or so, particularly when looking at your computer screen. It may also be helpful to lower your computer monitor a bit so your eyelids cover more of your eyeballs while you look at it.

Avoid unnecessary touching eyes. Too much rubbing may cause a loss of moisture and can promote bacteria growth in the eye.

Practice care with contact lenses. Contacts can sap the eye’s fluid and collect proteins, irritating eyes further with roughness and an environment conducive to growing bacteria. Keep lenses very clean, consider wearing them less, or explore lenses designed for dry eyes. Not all drops can be used with contacts, so check the labels.

Optimize your computer experience. Rearrange your computer screen so that you are looking down on the monitor.

Avoid (or at least reduce) eye make-up whenever it is possible. Some of the make-up brands might cause severe irritation and other negative health consequences.

Get more sleep! Last but definitely not least: enjoy the anti-inflammatory benefits of regular sleep! Beyond giving your eyes a chance to rest and refresh, good quality sleep reduces stress that can contribute to hormonal imbalances. Our bodies detoxify and attend to much needed cellular repair while we sleep, which helps soothe inflammation in all systems.

Note that all these recommendations may provide temporary relief or might be insufficient to improve the dry eyes conditions significantly. If your symptoms are severe, you should visit your eye care professional. There are prescription tears available that are longer lasting and more effective than over-the-counter alternatives. Your eye doctor may recommend inserting punctal plugs - special silicone plugs placed into the tear ducts, preventing tears from draining out. This allows tears to lubricate the surface longer. There is also surgery available that can help stimulate tear production in the eyes of older women.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.womentowomen.com/womenshealth/dryeyes.aspx

http://www.dryeyesyndrome.net/herbal-remedies/dryeyesyndrome/menopause-and-dry-eyes

http://www.empowher.com/menopause/content/truth-behind-menopause-and-dry-eye-syndrome

http://www.eyedoctorguide.com/eye_problems/dry_eyes_menopause.html

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dryeye.htm

http://www.your-eye-sight.org/dry-eyes.html

Breathing – your Secret Weapon against Menopause Symptoms

There are multiple symptoms of menopause which are annoying, maddening, and exhausting, like mood swings, anxiety, hot flashes, and insomnia. There is one thing in common about them, besides the original source – they all can be more or less managed through relaxation techniques. While you may not always eliminate totally the negative effects, you can definitely diminish their severity and put under control. The importance of relaxation is even higher due to the stressful life events, which surround the menopausal woman on top of the stressful internal processes in the body.

How Can I Relax During Menopause?

In order to learn how to relax during menopause or any other time, you need to become familiar with your own breathing patterns and change them in ways that will help you relax. Your breathing pattern is often disrupted by changes in emotion. People who are anxious tend to hold their breath and speak in a high-pitched voice as they exhale. On the other hand, people who are depressed, tend to sigh and speak in a low-pitched voice as they exhale.

Below are a few useful breathing techniques. But first, be sure that you have a quiet location that is free of distractions, a comfortable body position, and a good state of mind. Try to block out worries and distracting thoughts.

Rhythmic Breathing

If your breathing is short and hurried, slow it down by taking long, slow breaths. Inhale slowly then exhale slowly. Count slowly to five as you inhale, and then count slowly to five as you exhale. As you exhale slowly, pay attention to how your body naturally relaxes. Recognizing this change will help you to relax even more.

If you want to extend you art of rhythmic breathing to the next level, you can start learning the ancient secrets of 3-steps rhythmic breathing (3 SRB), recommended by yoga masters. They claim that this way of breathing is simply the natural way we were born withand we forgot as adults. Observe the breathing pattern of a healthy newborn – it is the same rhythm of 3 SRB, but a bit faster. Somewhere along the way we lose track of this natural, rhythmic way of breathing.

A conscious and focused practice of 3 SRB will guide us back to this rhythmic way of breathing. The three steps of 3 SRB involve the technique, volume and rhythm of breathing.

Technique

• While breathing, both your chest and abdomen should rise and fall simultaneously.
• The chest will require more air because of the space created by the rib cage.
• The abdomen should not be blown up unnaturally during inhalation.
• To figure out if you are breathing correctly, get a friend to observe you or lie down before a mirror with two heavy books, one on the chest and the other on the abdomen.
• Check if both move together.
• Our habit of breathing from the lower part of the chest results in shallow breathing, depriving the body of much needed oxygen.

Volume

• When you breathe in, it is particularly important to note that the breath flows freely and fully from neck to navel. This simply means that the middle and lower abdomen should be filled to normal capacity.
• The volume of breath intake during 3 SRB should be the same as the intake during normal breathing.
• Continuous deep, heavy breathing can exhaust a person and is not recommended in 3 SRB.
• Initially, to establish the rhythm, your breath will be deeper, but once you are comfortable with 3 SRB and the volume of air that is to be drawn in, the breath will become normal.

Rhythm

• To establish the correct rhythm of breathing, inhalation should take three seconds and exhalation two seconds.
• To keep to the pattern of rhythmic breathing, do not retain the breath between inhaling and exhaling.
• One complete breath takes five seconds or six pulse beats. The exact rhythm is to count 1-2-3 while inhaling and 5-6 while exhaling-4 is not counted.
• Unlike breathing exercises, in normal breathing rhythm, the duration of inhalation is longer than that of exhalation.

To master 3 SRB, you must consciously work to complete 12 cycles of breath in a minute. Inhale to the count of 3, exhale to the count of 2, and repeat the cycle 12 times in one minute. Initially, as you sit down to observe your breathing pattern, you will find that you probably breathe beyond 18 cycles per minute. This can be reduced to the mandatory 12 breaths a minute with the practice of 3 SRB.

To start with, this rhythmic breathing can be practiced for a fixed duration during the day or night, till you learn to continue breathing in this manner all 24 hours of the day. You can work to increase the duration of your practice time by five minutes every fortnight till one hour of conscious 3 SRB is reached by six months. The time that it takes to turn this practice into a lifelong habit will vary from person to person.

It could take anything from two years to a lifetime. To facilitate this process, you can practice 3 SRB to taped music. Special tapes are available for this purpose. The advantage of working with 3 SRB in this manner is that soft music can play in the background, and you can practice rhythmic breathing even as you are lying, sitting, standing, walking or busying yourself with any mechanical chore. It is a good habit to switch on the soft, taped music at night and fall asleep while you practice 3 SRB.

Deep breathing

The respiratory system consists of the diaphragm, windpipe and lungs, and the rib cage surrounds the system structure. Upon inhalation, the diaphragm travels down, while on exhalation it progresses upward. When we inhale, the lungs expand to their maximum capacity as more air is inhaled, and likewise, the diaphragm reaches the lower abdomen. It should be noted that the lungs work better when inhaled deeply and downward, as they are larger at the bottom and narrower at the top. Deep breathing works positively on health, because with the inhalation and exhalation process, the movement of the diaphragm, lower back, rib cage and stomach takes place, which in turn massages the muscles of the heart. It helps in pumping enough blood to the entire system and helps detoxify the vital organs.

The theory is brief and simple. Imagine a spot just below your navel. Breathe into that spot, filling your abdomen with air. Let the air fill you from the abdomen up, then let it out, like deflating a balloon. With every long, slow exhalation, you should feel more relaxed.

In practice, start deep breathing exercises in sitting position. Sit up straight, not arching your back. First, exhale completely through your mouth. Place your hands on your stomach, just above your waist. Breathe in slowly through your nose, pushing your hands out with your stomach. This ensures that you are breathing deeply. Imagine that you are filling your body with air from the bottom up. Hold your breath to a count of two to five, or whatever you can handle. It is easier to hold your breath if you continue to hold out your stomach. Slowly and steadily breathe out through your mouth, feeling your hands move back in as you slowly contract your stomach, until most of the air is out. Exhalation is a little longer than inhalation.

After you get some experience you don’t need to use your hands to check your breathing. You can also do the above breathing exercise lying on your back. Deep breathing exercises can help you to relax before you go to sleep for the night, or fall back asleep if you awaken in the middle of the night.

Visualized breathing

Both visualization and breathing exercises have been found to be really successful stress relief strategies. Here are some ways that you can use visualization techniques with breathing exercises to achieve quick and effective stress relief.

1. Find a comfortable place where you can close your eyes and combine slowed breathing with your imagination.
2. Picture relaxation entering your body and tension leaving your body. Breathe deeply, but in a natural rhythm.
3. Visualize your breath coming into your nostrils, going to your lungs and expanding our chest.
4. Then visualize your breath going out the same way.
5. Continue breathing, but each time you inhale, imagine that you are breathing in more relaxation. Each time you exhale imagine that you are getting rid of a little more tension.

General Breathing Exercises

There are multiple researches and approaches on how to let your breathing to improve your mood, release your stress and anxiety, and allow functioning better in daily life. We will provide several examples of the exercises, which are easy to follow and do not require special knowledge, techniques, or physical training. Read each description carefully, and note all the requirements to the fine details. Try to follow the guidelines as close as possible for best results. Be patient, and do not expect magic results immediately, as your body might need time to accept the instructions. Be patient and persistent, and you will definitely see positive results in your well-being.

Exercise 1: To become aware of your breathing pattern

The following exercise will enable you to become more aware of your own breathing pattern:

1. Lie on the floor in a corpse pose in a quiet place. Lie down on your back with your legs straight and slightly apart, your arms at your sides and not touching your body, palms up, and eyes closed.

2. Focus your attention on your breathing.

3. Place your hand on your body where it rises and falls. If this spot is on your chest, your breathing is too shallow and youre not fully using your lungs.

4. Place your hands on your abdomen and feel how it rises and falls. Does your chest move with your abdomen? If not, focus on allowing them to rise and fall together.

5. Concentrate on breathing deeply through your nose, filling your entire lungs so that your chest and abdomen rise and fall with each breath.

6. As you breathe, check your body for tension. If you discover any part of your body under tension, concentrate on those tight or rigid muscles and let the tension flow away.

By practicing this exercise, you will become more aware of your breathing patterns and habits.

Exercise 2: To deepen your breathing

1. Lie down on the floor with your knees bent and feet apart. Your back should be flat on the floor.

2. Mentally examine each part of your body. Is there any tension in any part of your body? If yes, let it flow away.

3. Rest one hand on your stomach and the other hand on your chest.

4. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, taking the breath into your stomach so that your hand feels it rise. Your chest should move slightly along with your abdomen.

5. Practice step 4 until it feels comfortable to be breathing air into your abdomen. Once you achieve this comfort, inhale deeply and then blow the air out gently through your mouth.

6. Deep-breathe for five to ten minutes once or twice each day. 

After you have become comfortable with this technique, you can practice the exercise for up to twenty minutes at a time, whenever you feel the need to relax and focus your energy.

Exercise 3: To combat depression

A simple, effective technique for combating mild depression is to increase the depth of your breathing. Close your eyes and focus your full attention on breathing deeply. This relaxes your body and will open your mind to experience positive thoughts and creative images. If you increase the depth of your breath so that you are taking no more than four breaths a minute, within five minutes this exercise will change the way you feel. Try it.

Exercise 4: To let go of your depression and feel energized

This exercise lets you to get rid of your depression and feel energized.

1. Sit on a chair with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.

2. Reach straight up with both hands.

3. Inhale deeply. Hold your breath and while holding your breath, squeeze your fists so that the muscles in your arms tighten.

4. Exhale slowly. Keeping your arms tense, lower your fists to your chest, as if youre pulling down on rubber bands.

5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 a few times.

6. On the final repetition, cross your arms over your chest. Rest your fingers on the upper outside spots of your chest, with your wrists crossed in the middle.

7. Drop your chin to your chest.

8. Inhale four short breaths without exhaling.

9. Hold your breath.

10. Exhale slowly through your mouth.

Repeat steps 8-10 for a few minutes, concentrating on the rhythm of your breath.

Exercise 5: To increase energy and alertness level

This exercise called the Stimulating Breath is adapted from a yogic breathing technique. Its aim is to raise vital energy and increase alertness.

1.       Inhale and exhale rapidly through your nose, keeping your mouth closed but relaxed. Your breaths in and out should be equal in duration, but as short as possible. This is a noisy breathing exercise.

2.       Try for three in-and-out breath cycles per second. This produces a quick movement of the diaphragm, suggesting a bellows. Breathe normally after each cycle.

3.       Do not do for more than 15 seconds on your first try. Each time you practice the Stimulating Breath, you can increase your time by five seconds or so, until you reach a full minute.

If done properly, you may feel invigorated, comparable to the heightened awareness you feel after a good workout. You should feel the effort at the back of the neck, the diaphragm, the chest and the abdomen. Try this breathing exercise the next time you need an energy boost and feel yourself reaching for a cup of coffee.

Exercise 6: To relieve anxiety

This is a skill that must be practiced.  Try this daily for 10-20 minutes as well as during periods of anxiety.

1.   Place one hand on your upper abdomen, right below your right cage.

2.   Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose into the “bottom” of your lungs.

3.   Pause for a moment, and then exhale slowly.

4.   Take 10 slow abdominal breaths, keeping your breaths smooth and regular. It may help to slow your breathing by counting to four (1 – 2 – 3 – 4) as you exhale. Pause briefly at the end of each inhalation and exhalation.  If you begin to feel lightheaded, take a 20 second break before resuming your breathing exercise.

5.   Five minutes of abdominal breathing done correctly will have a profound effect on reducing anxiety and early symptoms of panic.

Exercise 7: To relax and relieve your stress

The following exercise requires a partner and is effective in relaxing and energizing you.

1.      Lie on your back. Have your partner put one hand on your abdomen and one hand on your chest.

2.      Inhale and exhale as in deep, relaxed breathing, but each inhale is taken in two stages abdomen, then chest. Imagine that you are breathing into your partners hand as you fill your belly with air. When your abdomen feels full, continue breathing into your chest. Watch your partners hands as it rises.

3.      Exhale fully through the chest and belly simultaneously.

4.      Repeat. It is important to keep a rhythmic rolling effect between abdomen and chest. Breathe at your natural pace, however.

Exercise 8: For deep relaxation

This exercise is very simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

1.       Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.

2.       Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.

3.       Hold your breath for a count of seven.

4.       Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.

5.       This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation. The absolute time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is important. If you have trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up but keep to the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice you can slow it all down and get used to inhaling and exhaling more and more deeply.

This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Unlike tranquilizing drugs, which are often effective when you first take them but then lose their power over time, this exercise is subtle when you first try it but gains in power with repetition and practice. Do it at least twice a day. You cannot do it too frequently. Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. Later, if you wish, you can extend it to eight breaths. If you feel a little lightheaded when you first breathe this way, do not be concerned; it will pass.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.lifepositive.com/body/body-holistic/breath/rhythmic-breathing.asp

http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/learning-relax-during-menopause

http://www.breathing-exercises.com/Deep_breathing.html

http://depressivedisorder.blogspot.com/2011/12/6-breathing-therapy-exercises-for.html

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/deep-breathing-exercises.html

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three-breathing-exercises.html

May Drinking Water Cause Early Menopause

The seemingly stupid question in the post title brings the answer which may surprise you. The answer is YES, after researchers from West Virginia University Department of Community Medicine confirmed that women found to be exposed to high levels of perfluorocarbons (PFCs may be at risk for early menopause.

What is PFC?

Perfluorocarbons, sometimes referred to as fluorocarbons or PFCs, are organofluorine compounds that contain only carbon and fluorine bonded together in strong carbon­fluorine bonds. Perfluorocarbons have chemical inertness and thermal stability.

Perfluorocarbon liquids are colorless. They have high density, up to over twice that of water, due to their high molecular weight. Very low intermolecular forces give the liquids low viscosities (compared to liquids of similar boiling points), low surface tension and low heats of vaporization. They have particularly low refractive indices too. They are not miscible with most organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate and chloroform), but are miscible with some hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane in some cases). They have very low solubility in water, and water has a very low solubility in them (on the order of 10 ppm). However, they are relatively good solvents for gases, again because of the very low intermolecular forces. The number of carbon atoms in the perfluorocarbon molecule largely defines most physical properties. The greater the number of carbon atoms, the higher the boiling point, density, viscosity, surface tension, critical properties, vapor pressure and refractive index. Gas solubility decreases as carbon atoms increase.

PFCs have been historically used in a variety of products found in the household, such as food containers, clothing, furniture, carpeting and paints. Often used to repel stains and for water proofing, PFCs have unfortunately found their way into our water, the air we breathe, the soil, plant life and animals. These chemicals have a long half-life, meaning that their presence in our lives appears to be ubiquitous.

PFC and Early Menopause

In the latest study, the researchers examined data that had been collected from 25,957 women residing near Parkersburg WV who were between the ages of 18 and 65 and were believed to have been exposed to PFCs via their drinking water. After excluding women who had had hysterectomies, and accounting for factors such as smoking, age, body mass index, alcohol use and physical activity, they found that women with high blood levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) — both types of PFCs — were significantly more likelier to experience menopause at an earlier age than their peers with lower exposure levels. Moreover, exposure to high levels of PFOS in particular appeared to negatively affect concentrations of naturally occurring estrogen (i.e. estradiol), with higher levels of the chemical associated with lower estrogen levels, an event that occurs naturally in menopause as reproductive hormones start to wane.

Premature menopause has been associated with increased risk for a variety of conditions and due diligence is recommended. An increased of heart disease due to declining endogenous estrogen production is probably the most frightening and the one that experts appear to be most worried about. Conversely, women who maintain their estrogen levels for the longest period of times reportedly have a 20% decreased risk of dying from heart disease. And, the researchers point to another often disregarded issue, which is, that “the onset of accelerated decline in ovarian function and menopause is believed to be fixed,” i.e. early menopause equals an accelerated decline in fertility before age 32.

Of note, this study is a cross-sectional study, meaning that the researchers were unable to tease out factors that might affect their findings, such as length of time of exposure, or that PFC concentrations are higher in postmenopausal women because menstrual flow actually eliminates some of the PFC toxin in blood (blood is replaced faster than the toxin) and that since these women are no longer losing blood, the PFC remains.

The substantial interdependence, however, was not found equally in all age groups. A clear relationship was shown between PFC, early menopause, and estradiol levels only in women over 42. In women of childbearing age, a correlation was noted, but not considered statistically significant. There did not appear to be an association in women already well into menopause.

Controversy

Not all the members of the scientific community equally embraced the study results. Based on study results, lead researcher Dr. Sarah Knox concluded that while the study does not prove higher PFC levels actually cause earlier menopause, “There is no doubt there is an association between exposure to PFCs and onset of menopause. Part of the explanation could be that women in these age groups have higher PFC levels because they are no longer losing PFCs with menstrual blood anymore, but it is still clinically disturbing because it would imply increased PFC exposure is the natural result of menopause.”

Dr. Josh Bloom from American Council for Science and Health (ACSH) finds this statement to be rather disingenuous. He says, “The authors are clearly implying that PFCs cause menopause by claiming that women with menopause have more PFCs in their blood. But there is an alternate explanation that makes just as much sense: women who have reached menopause are obviously older than those who haven’t and have spent more time using non-stick cookware and therefore have had more exposure to the PFCs over their lifetime. This is just as reasonable an explanation for the findings but is downplayed in the article.” He continues, “Anyhow, people eating at my home should be far more worried about my cooking than the pans.”

“This is an atrocious story, both scientifically and journalistically,” laments ACSHs Dr. Gilbert Ross. “Liberally throwing the terms ‘gender-bending’ and ‘hormone-disrupting’ around like a juggler, the writer aims not to inform but to alarm readers. The notion that ‘PFCs...cause hormonal changes’ is a thoroughly baseless assertion. To extrapolate from these findings to even an ‘association’ is scientifically baseless — it would be called malpractice if it were medical care. Everyone involved in publicizing this study should be ashamed — Daily Mail, JCEM and the authors.”

Summary

Yes, the study might be inconclusive, and the topic requires more research. However, there are no doubts that the PFC excessive consumption might not be good for your health. PFCs have been already linked to thyroid cancer, immune system problems, and heart diseases to various degrees. 

In a another study that evaluated the children and adolescents involved in the C8 Health Project, investigators found increased levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in young people exposed to PFOA and PFOS.

Due to health concerns, the company 3M Chemolite facility in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, halted the production of certain PFCs such as, perfluoroctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) chemicals in Scotchgard consumer products in 2002.  DuPont, manufacture of Teflon, announced in 2000 they planned to phase out the PFC chemicals by 2015.  In 2004, DuPont spent over $100 million to ensure that the water in homes of Ohio and West Virginia residents weren’t contaminated with PFOA.  In that same year, DuPont also agreed to pay $16.5 million to the EPA in fines and support of research and education.

So, researchers produced the following list of recommendations for all individuals, especially women, on how to take precautions to eliminate or at least reduce exposure to PFCs, including:

• Selecting hardwood floors over stain resistant carpeting in the home.
• Wearing cotton rather than synthetic clothing.
• Washing new clothing before wearing.  
• Using an air popper or stove to make popcorn rather than a microwave.
• Microwaving food in glass rather than plastic containers.
• Using cast-iron cookware instead of non-stick coated cookware.
• Using the most chemical-free personal care products you can find.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://flashfree.me/2011/03/28/early-menopause-dont-drink-the-pfcs-water/

http://www.endocrinenewsnow.org/2011/03/pfc-exposure-may-bring-early-menopause.html

http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.2474/news_detail.asp

http://www.davidofford.com/perfluorocarbons/perfluorocarbons-and-its-uses/

http://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/nhri/?p=7491

http://www.virginiahopkinshealthwatch.com/2011/03/how-to-avoid-chemicals-that-cause-early-menopause/

Menopause Glossary of Terms R Z

-R-

Raloxifene: A purified form of tamoxifen. Appears to be less estrogenic than tamoxifen in the endometrium, and may be less likely to cause uterine cancer. Brand name Evista.

Receptor: A special arrangement on a cell that recognizes a molecule and interacts with it. This allows the molecule to either enter the cell or stimulate it in a certain way.

Reduced libido: Also called inhibited sexual desire; a decrease in interest in sexual activity.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): A joint disease caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissue, causing inflammation. This is different than the aging-related wear and tear that leads to osteoarthritis (OA). Often affects women at midlife and beyond.

-S-

Serotonin: A brain chemical that relays messages between brain cells (neurons) which regulates sleep, mood, libido, appetite. Can also be converted into melatonin. Made from dietary sources of the amino acid tryptophan.

Sequential HRT: Also known as Cyclical Hormone Therapy. Some form of estrogen is taken every day OR approximately three weeks of the month, along with a progestin or progesterone which is taken usually 10-14 days of the month, beginning in mid-cycle. This style of taking hormones mimics normal menstrual cycle, allowing the endometrium to build up and shed each month, generally resulting in regular monthly "withdrawal" bleeding which begins shortly after one stops the progestin/progesterone. Bleeding at other times or heavy bleeding usually needs to be checked out by your doctor. The timing of the monthly bleeding can be programmed by when one chooses to start the "month," e.g. one can choose the 10th or 15th of the month as Day One.

SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators): See Designer estrogens.

Sonogram: An imaging procedure (called ultrasound) in which echoes from sound waves passing through tissue create pictures of structures deep within the body.

Speculum: A metal or plastic instrument inserted into the vagina to help examine the vagina, cervix, and uterus.

Spontaneous menopause: Menopause that is not caused by any medical treatment or surgery. It occurs, on average, at age 51. Also known as natural menopause.

Statins: Cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Stress Urinary Incontinence: The unpredictable and involuntary loss of urine caused by weakened sphincter muscles (the muscles that surround the urethra) and often triggered by an event such as a sneeze or cough.

Surgical menopause: Induced menopause that results from surgical removal of both of the ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) for medical reasons. Surgical menopause can occur at any age before spontaneous menopause.

Synthetic Hormones: Refers to hormone products created in the lab to be molecularly similar, but not identical, to endogenous human hormones.

Synthroid: A medicine used for thyroid supplementation.

Systemic therapy: Drug therapy that circulates through the body, affecting many body systems. Examples include oral and skin patch estrogen drugs.

-T-

TAH/BSO (Total Abdominal Hysterectomy/Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy): Removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes during a total hysterectomy.

Tamoxifen: One of the designer estrogen drugs (SERMs). Used in breast cancer patients to prevent recurrence; being considered for breast cancer prevention in high-risk women because of anti-estrogen effect in the breast.

Temporary Menopause: An interruption of the ovarian function that prevents the production of hormones that accompany the maturation and release of oocytes (eggs). Temporary menopause can follow chemical or radiation therapies or result from excessive exercise, weight loss, or inadequate nutrition. See also induced menopause. When the contributing condition stops, ovulation and menstruation begin again.

Testosterone: Considered a male hormone (androgen), but also produced in smaller quantities by the female body. Deficiency in womens testosterone is associated with loss of bone density, loss of libido, and loss of the sense of well being.

Thyroid Gland: Gland which produces the major hormones of metabolism, thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine. It is situated in front of the larynx. Imbalance of the thyroid might require supplementation of thyroid medication; some common names are Synthroid, Armour, Nature thyroid and Cytomel.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): A hormone produced by the brain which regulates production and release of thyroid hormones.

Tri-Estrogen/Tri-est: A natural estrogen supplement composed of 80% estriol, 10% estradiol, and 10% estrone. Can also be compounded as Bi-est, with only estriol and estradiol. Comes in transdermal (cream), oral and sublingual form.

Triglyceride: One of the blood fats that the body can use to make cholesterol; elevated TG (from diet, alcohol intake, lack of exercise, and some drugs) are a significant risk factor for heart disease particularly for women.

Tubal ligation: The tying, clamping, and/or cutting of the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy and induce sterility.

-U-

Unopposed HRT: Any HRT regimen containing estrogen only. NOT recommended for women who have a uterus.

Ultrasound Scan: A method of visualizing internal organs, blood vessels, and fetus by utilizing high-frequency sound waves. Does not involve radiation.

Urethra: The external opening in the bladder through which the body releases urine.

Urge Incontinence: Involuntary bladder spasms that can be triggered by the sight, sound, or even thought of water or urination; the sudden reflex need to urinate causes the spasm and an accompanying release of urine.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): A bladder infection due to bacteria that typically have entered the bladder through the urethra during the process of intercourse, improper wiping techniques, poor hygiene, or other reasons.

Uterine bleeding: Any bleeding that originates in the uterus, including a menstrual period, but typically used to describe abnormal uterine bleeding. See also Abnormal uterine bleeding.

Uterus: The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a womans pelvis where menstrual bleeding originates and in which a fetus develops.

-V-

Vagina: The passage or canal leading from the uterus to the vulva.

Vaginal Atrophy: A condition characterized by the drying and shrinking of the vaginal lining. As the body’s estrogen production diminishes with menopause, the vagina produces fewer secretions, so the vaginal wall becomes less lubricated and flexible and more prone to tears and cracks.

Vaginal dryness: Inadequate lubrication of the vagina that can be caused by low estrogen levels, medication, or lack of sexual arousal.

Vaginal estrogen: Prescription estrogen therapy that is applied vaginally (as cream, ring, suppository, or tablet) and is government approved to treat moderate to severe vaginal dryness and atrophy. Most vaginal estrogen therapies provide local, not systemic, treatment. An example is Vagifem vaginal tablet.

Vaginal lubricant: Nonprescription, water-based products that are applied to the vagina to decrease friction and reduce discomfort during intercourse. Common brands include Astroglide, K-Y Personal Lubricant, Lubrin, and Moist Again.

Vaginal moisturizer: Nonprescription products similar to vaginal lubricants, but offering longer duration of effect by replenishing and maintaining water content in the vagina, often preferred by women who have symptoms of irritation, itching, and burning that are not limited to intercourse. Vaginal moisturizers also help to keep a healthy pH (level of acidity) in the vagina, helping to guard against infection (but not sexually transmitted infections). Common brands include K-Y Long-Lasting Moisturizer and Replens.

Vaginismus: a strong tightening of the muscles in the pelvic area and vagina caused by fear of a painful entry before intercourse or pelvic exam.

Vaginitis: Any inflammation of the vagina, usually referring to an infection due to bacteria, yeast, or other pathogens that results in discomfort, itching, and/or abnormal discharge.

Vasomotor Symptoms: Hot flashes or night sweats that result from sudden opening of the blood vessels close to the skin, usually due to hormonal fluctuations in menopause and perimenopause.

Vulva: External female genitalia.

Vulvodynia: A syndrome of unknown etiology characterized by chronic vulvar discomfort that can result in both physical and emotional pain in the lives of affected women.

-W-

Womb:Another name for the uterus, the female organ in which a fetus develops.

Womens Health Initiative (WHI): Large research project established by the National Institutes of Health in 1991 to look into the most common causes of death, disability, and impaired quality of life in postmenopausal women. The findings most reported by the media refer to oral hormone therapy (Premarin or Prempro) initiated in older women (past perimenopause) to determine its relationship to cardiovascular disease, stroke, breast cancer, osteoporosis, colon cancer, and other conditions.

-X-

Xenoestrogens: Refer to environmental compounds (usually petrochemicals) that generally have very potent estrogen-like activity and can be considered very toxic. There is mounting evidence that exposure to xenoestrogens may be a significant causal factor in breast cancer, testicular cancer and prostate cancer, and decline in male sperm production.

-Y-

Yeast infection: An infection of the vagina caused by one of the many species of fungus called Candida. 

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.project-aware.org/Resource/glossary.shtml#perimenopause

http://menopause.about.com/od/menopauseglossary/a/Meno_Glossary.htm

http://www.menopause.org/glossary.aspx