Many men, young and old, are troubled by the dribbling of urine after the main stream has stopped and the bladder feels empty. Even if they wait a moment and shake the penis before zipping up, there can be embarrassing wet or stained trousers. At highest risk: men with enlarged prostates.

The medical term for this is post-micturition dribbling. It occurs when the muscles surrounding the urethra don’t squeeze hard enough for it to empty completely, leaving a small pool of urine at a dip in the urethra behind the base of the penis. Within a few minutes, the urine dribbles out. In women, dribbling can occur when a little urine gets trapped in the vagina, dripping out when you stand up from the toilet. Wipe inside the vagina before standing to see if this eliminates the dripping.

Many men develop bladder control problems as they get older. But urine leakage, frequent urination, or the urgent needs to urinate don’t have to be unavoidable parts of ageing. Bladder control problems can be treated.

 

Men can have several types of bladder control problems.

• Urinary incontinence (UI) is the accidental leakage of urine. Urine can leak in three ways:

- when you cough, sneeze, or lift-actions that put pressure on the bladder

- sudden strong urge to urinate

- constant dribbling. Men with this problem usually need to urinate often and only pass small amounts of urine each time.

• Overactive bladder is a condition in which the bladder squeezes urine out at the wrong time. You may have overactive bladder if you have two or more of these symptoms:

-          urination eight or more times a day or two or more times at night

-          the sudden, strong need to urinate immediately

-          urine leakage that follows a sudden, strong urge to urinate

UI and overactive bladder may be caused by prostate or nerve problems. Sometimes the cause of overactive bladder is not clear.

 

Prostate problems.

The prostate is a male gland about the size of a walnut that surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.

An enlarged prostate, common among older men, may squeeze the urethra and result in a weak urine stream, an urgent need to urinate followed by leakage, and frequent urination, especially at night.

Surgery or radiation to treat prostate cancer can lead to temporary or permanent bladder control problems.

 

Nerve problems. Damaged nerves may send signals to the bladder at the wrong time or send no signals at all, leading to bladder control problems. Spinal cord injuries or conditions such as diabetes or stroke may cause nerve problems.

How the incontinence affects you depends on what is causing it. For this reason it is important to seek professional help from a doctor so the cause can be found and appropriate treatment given.

Urine flow problems

One in three men over 50 years of age experiences some difficulty in passing water. The way men pass water changes gradually as they get older, so at first they may not notice there is a problem. Typical changes include:

• difficulty or delay in starting to pass water. The first step in starting the flow is to relax the muscles under the bladder in the pelvic floor. Delay in starting is common with ageing, and with prostate problems, but it can also be due to shyness if voiding in a public toilet. This affects about 30% of men, who have no problems passing urine in private.
• stopping and starting in the middle of passing water
• a smaller and weaker urinary stream, so it takes longer to pass water than it used to. It may also stop and start and as the bladder empties, the flow can slow down to just a trickle. This is called ‘terminal dribble’
• after finishing, a bit more urine trickles out. After the flow stops and the man has adjusted his clothes, a few more drops can come out and can cause an embarrassing wet patch on the trousers. This is due to urine pooling in the water pipe (urethra). It can be prevented by making sure there is nothing pressing on the urethra, like tight clothing or zips. The drips can be helped by milking the water pipe using the fingers.
• a feeling of not quite having emptied the bladder. This symptom sometimes indicates the presence of residual urine, but is not always accurate at predicting this.

Some, or all, of these difficulties in passing water can happen because in most people over the age of 40, the prostate gland gradually becomes enlarged after 40 years of age. The difficulties caused by BPH can be relieved by medication or if necessary by surgery. Men with flow rates under 15 should talk to a health professional.

What is the milking technique for preventing dribble?

Wait a few seconds after passing urine for the bladder to empty completely. Place the fingertips of one hand under the scrotum (approximately three finger-breadths) and apply gentle upward pressure. Keep the pressure on the midline and firmly move the fingers forward towards the base of the penis under the scrotum. This milks urine forward in the urethra where it can be emptied by shaking or squeezing in the usual way. Repeat this technique twice to ensure complete emptying.

Increased frequency of bladder emptying

This refers to passing urine more often than usual in the daytime, and if there is also a need to get up at night, this is termed nocturia.

• Fluid amount and type: Increased volumes of urine can be the cause. Drinking large volumes of fluid especially tea, coffee, chocolate drinks, or alcohol in the evenings, will mean a person has to empty the bladder more often.
• Cold: Cold weather makes the bladder more irritable.
• Diuretics (‘water’ pills): Diuretic medications like furesemide, prescribed for blood pressure or heart failure, can cause increased frequency. These tablets are best taken in the morning to allow time to get rid of the extra water in the body.
• Overactive bladder: Increased frequency can also arise simply because of an effect of ageing on the kidneys and bladder. An overactive bladder can be the cause

What can I do about bladder control problems?

Just changing some daily habits may help. For example, you could limit fluids at certain times of the day or plan regular trips to the bathroom to avoid an accident.

Try these approaches to avoid wet and stained trousers:

• Practice pelvic floor exercises to increase muscle strength.
• “Milk out” the last few drops of urine. This maneuver should move the pooled urine into the penis, where you can shake out the last few drops. With practice, you should be able to do this quickly and unobtrusively.
• Don’t be embarrassed to talk with your doctor about your problem. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to calm abnormal nerve signals to the bladder. Other medicines relax the bladder or shrink the prostate. Surgery can help bladder control problems caused by nerve damage.

Toned pelvic floor brings benefits

Doing pelvic floor muscle exercises should help improve continence problems in men, as a toned pelvic floor helps support the bladder and bowel. The exercises should be practiced regularly, and it may take some weeks for the benefit to be seen. See your doctor for a medical check and advice if urinary symptoms do not improve.

The pelvic floor is the layer of muscle stretching from the pubic bone in the front to the tail bone at the back and forming the floor of the pelvis. It is the main support structure for the pelvic organs.

• a toned pelvic floor supports the bladder and bowel
• a toned pelvic floor helps close off the bladder and bowel outlets to help prevent leakage, and relaxation of the pelvic floor allows effective bladder and bowel emptying
• a functional pelvic floor may enhance the ability to maintain an erection.

Factors contributing to pelvic floor muscle weakness

• some types of prostate surgery
• neurological problems
• stroke
• Parkinson’s disease
• urinary retention
• diabetes
• persistent training to empty the bladder or bowel with or without constipation
• constipation
• persistent heavy lifting
• a chronic cough (from smoking, chronic bronchitis or asthma)
• being overweight
• lack of regular exercise

Once the pelvic floor muscles (see diagram below) become weak, your ability to hold urine and / or wind during physical activity is compromised. Like any other muscle of the body the more you use and exercise them, the better they will function.

The first step is to correctly identify the muscles. Sit comfortably – your thighs, buttocks and tummy muscles should be relaxed. Lift and squeeze inside as if you are trying to hold back urine, or wind from the back passage.

• If you are unable to feel a definite squeeze and lift action of your pelvic floor, don’t worry. Even people with very weak muscles can be taught these exercises.
• If you feel unsure whether you have identified the correct muscles, try to stop your flow when passing urine, then restart it. Only do this to identify the correct muscles to use – this is a test, NOT an exercise.
• If you are unable to feel a definite tighten and lift action in your pelvic floor muscles you should seek professional advice.

At first you may need to perform these exercises while sitting. As the muscles strengthen you can progress to exercise standing up. Like any activity, start with what you can achieve and progress from there. Remember to use your muscles whenever you exert yourself during your daily activities.

If you can feel the muscles working, exercise them by:

1. Squeezing/ tightening and drawing in and up around both your anus (back passage) and urethra (bladder outlet). Lift up inside and try to hold this contraction strongly for as long as you can (1 – 10 seconds). Keep breathing! Now release and relax. You should have a definite feeling of letting go.

2. Rest 10 – 20 seconds – repeat Step 1, and remember it is important to rest. If you find it easy to hold, try to hold longer and repeat as many as you are able. Work towards 12 long, strong holds.

3. Now try 5 – 10 short, fast strong contractions.

• do NOT hold your breath
• do NOT push down instead of squeeze and lift
• do NOT pull your tummy in tightly
• do NOT tighten your buttocks and thighs.

Try to set aside 5 – 10 minutes in your day for this exercise routine, and remember, quality is important. A few good contractions are more beneficial than many half-hearted ones and good results take time and effort. Remember to use the muscles when you need them most. That is, always tighten before you cough, sneeze, lift, bend, get up out of a chair, etc. Increase the length of time and number of holds you do in succession before experiencing muscle fatigue. Work towards 12 long, strong holds. Increase the number of short, fast contractions – always do your maximum number of quality contractions.

Some helpful hints

• keep your weight within a healthy range for your height and age
• seek medical advice for chronic cough
• develop good bowel habits
• you should anticipate that improvement in pelvic floor muscle strength will take 3 – 6 months of regular training of the muscles.

Hearing loss is potentially the most serious of all sensory impairments. Unlike vision loss, it is not easily recognised by others. It rarely prompts empathy and understanding. It can lead to social withdrawal, isolation, depression, paranoia and suspiciousness. Even a slight loss can be emotionally upsetting if it jeopardises communication and relationships with family and friends. Older adults who respond without actually hearing may risk being labeled “cognitively impaired” instead of hearing impaired. Sounds that require response (doorbells, telephones and alarm clocks) are lost. Disorientation may result.

Hearing loss is a decrease in the ability to perceive sounds. It can be partial or total, sudden or gradual, temporary or permanent. It can affect one ear or both. In general, the risk of hearing loss increases with age.

Sound enters the ear and strikes the eardrum. This causes the eardrum to vibrate. The eardrum’s vibrations are amplified through the middle ear by three tiny bones. Inside the ear, the vibrations are transformed into nerve impulses. These nerve impulses travel to the brain, where they are interpreted as sounds.

The outer ear and middle ear conduct sound. Any injury to this part of the hearing pathway is called conductive hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is injury to the inner ear, eighth cranial nerve and brain. These structures produce, transmit and interpret nerve impulses.

Causes

Tiny hairs inside your ear help you hear. They pick up sound waves and change them into the nerve signals that the brain interprets as sound. Hearing loss occurs when the tiny hairs inside the ear are damaged or die. The hair cells do not regrow, so most hearing loss is permanent.

There is no known single cause for age-related hearing loss. Most commonly, it is caused by changes in the inner ear that occur as you grow older. However, your genes and loud noises (such as from rock concerts or music headphones) may play a large role.

The following factors contribute to age-related hearing loss:

• Family history (age-related hearing loss tends to run in families)
• Repeated exposure to loud noises
• Smoking (smokers are more likely to have such hearing loss than nonsmokers)

Some of the most important causes of hearing loss in adults are:

• Middle ear disease. A bacterial infection of the middle ear can:
  • Injure the eardrum
  • Disrupt the middle-ear bones
  • Cause fluid buildup
  • Noise. Loud sounds can injure delicate cells within the ear. This is a form of sensorineural hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss can happen because of a single brief burst of an extremely loud sound. It more often results from long-term exposure to loud sounds of slightly lower intensity.
    • Otosclerosis. An abnormal overgrowth of one or more bones in the middle ear prevents the small bones from moving normally. This is a type of conductive hearing loss. Otosclerosis often runs in families.
    • Acoustic neuroma. This noncancerous tumor grows on part of the eighth cranial nerve. This nerve carries signals to the brain. Acoustic neuroma often causes dizziness and equilibrium problems in addition to gradual hearing loss.
    • Meniere’s disease. This typically causes dizziness, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a sensation of fullness or stuffiness in one or both ears. Meniere’s disease occurs when excess fluid causes swelling in the inner ear.
    • Trauma. Many types of accidents can cause hearing loss. Hearing loss can result when the eardrum is injured from the force of an explosion. Or it can result from a Q-tip that ruptures the eardrum during an attempt to clean the ear canal.
    • Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. This is a medical emergency. A person loses hearing over a period of three days or less. In most cases, only one ear is affected. The underlying problem may be a viral infection.
    • Drugs. Drugs linked to hearing loss include gentamicin, an intravenous antibiotic typically used for severe infection; cisplatin, a chemotherapy agent; and some diuretic drugs, such as furosemide (Lasix).
    • Age. Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is not a single disease. Rather, it is a category for the cumulative effects of aging on the ears. Hearing loss usually begins after age 60. Both ears are affected. It is typically harder to hear high-pitched tones (women’s voices, violins) than low-pitched ones (men’s voices, bass guitar). Hearing loss usually occurs gradually over a period of years. The person may not realize that he or she has difficulty hearing.
      • Other causes. There are more than 100 different causes of hearing loss in adults. The most common reversible causes are severe buildup of earwax in the ear canal and acute infections of the external ear or middle ear.

Symptoms

If you have sudden, severe hearing loss, you will notice immediately that your ability to hear has decreased dramatically or disappeared totally in the affected ear.

Common symptoms of hearing loss are:

-          difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds (women’s/children’s voices, telephone dial tones)

-          family members may complain that you play the radio or television too loudly

-          habitually turns her or his head to one side while listening

-          frequently misunderstands what is said (or gives inappropriate answers), especially in group situations and settings.

-          speech is especially difficult to hear when there is background noise.

Some diseases and conditions that cause hearing loss may produce additional symptoms, including:

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Discharge or bleeding from the ear
• Deep earache, or pain in the ear canal
• Pressure or a “stuffy” feeling inside the ears
• Dizziness or problems with balance or equilibrium
• Nausea

The duration of hearing loss depends on its cause. Sensoneural hearing loss tends to be permanent.

Prevention

You can help prevent hearing loss:

• Wear protective earplugs or earmuffs if you are often exposed to loud noise at work or during recreational activities.
• Never put cotton swabs or other foreign objects in your ears.
• Wear a seatbelt while driving. Wear a protective helmet while riding a bicycle.
• Know the possible side effects of your medications.

Self-help for the hearing-impaired

 

-          Don’t monopolise conversations. Some people seek control of conversations to ensure they know what is talked about, and/or in an effort to mask the fact they have a hearing loss.

-          Pay attention to non-verbal cues. Watching a person’s face can provide important cues regarding the content of a verbal message.

-           Be open and candid about the hearing loss. Let people know the kinds of things that make conversation easier (or more difficult) for you to hear.

-          Be assertive. Ask others not to shout or to mumble. Inform others that you hear best when they face you and speak in a normal, yet clearly articulated voice.

-          Recognize that some people mumble. Ask the person to speak up, slow down, pronounce word carefully, and face you.

-          Eliminate or decrease background noise. Background noise caused by appliances (e.g., radio, television, kitchen appliances, fans, air conditioners) and traffic make speech difficult to hear.

-          Encourage others to get your attention before speaking to you. Explain to others that you can understand them better if they alert you to the fact that they want to communicate.

Treatment

Both age related and noise-related hearing loss tend to be permanent. Your doctor may recommend a hearing aid or an implant to improve your ability to communicate with others. A hearing aid amplifies sounds electronically and is effective for many people with age-related hearing loss. A cochlear implant translates sounds into electrical signals that can be carried to the brain.

Certain other forms of hearing loss may be treated medically or surgically:

• Otosclerosis. For mild cases, a hearing aid is usually the first option. In severe cases, one of the small bones is surgically replaced with a tiny prosthesis.
• Acoustic neuroma. Treatment includes surgery or highly focused radiation therapy.
• Meniere’s disease. There is no cure. The goal of treatment is to relieve pressure in the ears to reduce symptoms. Some people improve by limiting intake of salt, caffeine or alcohol or quitting smoking. Medications to reduce fluid retention in the ear may help. In some cases, surgery may be considered.
• Traumatic hearing loss. A damaged eardrum can sometimes be repaired surgically.
• Drug-induced hearing loss. Stopping the problem medication may reverse hearing loss or prevent it from getting worse.
• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. When the cause is unknown, this condition is usually treated with steroids.
• Other. A dense plug of earwax can be dissolved or gently removed by your doctor. Antibiotics can treat hearing loss caused by ear infections.

See a specialist doctor if:

• You are an older adult, and hearing loss interferes with your quality of life.
• You work in a high-noise environment, and you have trouble hearing.
• You have hearing loss together with:
  • An earache
  • Discharge from your ears
  • Tinnitus
  • Dizziness or balance problems

The prognosis is highly variable. In many cases, hearing loss cannot be treated with medications or surgery. But your quality of life may improve significantly with a hearing aid. A cochlear implant may also be an option.

If you have been married for any length of time, you are probably familiar with times when passion and adventure has waned. Routine and survival becomes the focus when throughout the course of a marriage, passion, adventure, and even the sex becomes mechanical and all about practicality.

After many years of marriage a couple is also likely to be affected by changes that appear as a result of reaching their middle ages. And in women there are three dynamics that may impact a relationship as they move through the midlife stage:

1. Physical changes
2. Emotional changes
3. Soul/Spiritual chang

1. Physical changes. The female body is undergoing a huge transformation. While the experience is different for every woman, most women notice a variety of physical changes, many of which are uncomfortable and perhaps irritating. Hot flashes, skin dryness, night sweats, weight gain, hair loss, joint pain, are just a few of what some women experience. All of these symptoms can impact a woman’s self-esteem, energy level, and approach to life and their relationships.
2. Emotional changes. Those changing hormones and body chemistry can play havoc with the emotions of women. Many women experience severe mood swings, weepiness, anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, even depression. In addition a woman’s libido may diminish.
3. Soul/Spiritual changes. Soul changes may be the least discussed but the most important.
   Obviously, entering this new phase of life can impact a woman’s relationships, (along with virtually all other areas of life).
   Difficult or unhealthy issues that may have been a part of a relationship for years and years now may have to be dealt with. Women may find a new strength that challenges their long held beliefs or their willingness to engage in what feels hurtful or destructive.

But how to bring back that phase when a woman wants her husband to hold her hand all the time?

After years of marriage many couples find that their relationship is growing stronger and more wonderful after the children have grown up and their life settles down to a more comfortable, less hectic pace. But it needn’t become dull.

Did you know that you as a woman, by virtue of your femininity, have in your hands the delicious power to make a man fall in love with you, influence a man to your way of thinking, bring him to his knees, make him want to spend his life with you and want to fulfill your every desire?

Take the following actions as examples of what you can do to put the excitement back in your lives and wake up every morning wanting to be with one another.

Do the same things you did when you first met him and were just going out. Remember how you found out about his favourite entertainment, favourite dessert, favourite movie, etc. It’s time to go back to that phase to revive the magic. Remind him of the first time you met by giving him gifts that evoke memories. It could be the same first piece of chocolate you shared with him. Book a table at the same restaurant where you used to meet when you were dating. Blindfold your husband and drive him to the restaurant so he has no clue. Order the same things you ordered before. Wear the same perfume and if possible, wear the same dress. In order to get your husband to fall in love with you again, remind him of the girl he fell in love with.

Always wear great lingerie. Do you need to be told how this works on a man? Surprise and shock him with a sexy red lacy number or a classic black teddy suit. Most men are shy about telling their wives what they’d like to see them in. You take the initiative and ask him.

Update your look. A visual stimulus is a big factor for men. Women are sops and fall in love with chubby men, men with messy stubbles, unkempt hair, etc. Not so for men. Even if he says he loves you without makeup, understand that he’s saying that to make you feel good about your appearance. Wear make up. Always wear clothes that make you feel attractive. Do not wear something just because it’s comfortable. Update your hairstyle every two years. Look your best all the time.

Set time aside for him and ask him on a date. When couples are married for a long time, they tend to take each other for granted. No special plans are made for weekends. If at all you dress up, it’s when friends are coming over or if you’re visiting people. Decide on a particular day and make romantic plans with your husband. Plan a romantic getaway with sensual massages or take him out for a fancy dinner, not just fill up your stomachs.

Say nice things to him when he does things for you. Acknowledge his efforts. Thank him. Be genuine. You need not praise him if he places his coffee mug back in the sink…but if he fixes your car, be genuine and thank him. Men like to be acknowledged. Many problems within a marriage focus on communication or the lack of it. Good communication in marriage is a two way street-respectful listening and honesty is vital.

 

Surprise him. Leave love notes all over the place…in his drawers, in the medicine cabinet, in his pockets, etc. Say naughty things to him which you wouldn’t say otherwise. Take control in the sack if you’re usually the submissive one. If you’re usually disorganized and he hates that about you, organize the closet the way he wants it. Surprise your husband with a back rub when he’s tired. Send him a raunchy text when you know he’s in a meeting. Email him in the middle of the day to tell him that you miss him. Do stuff for him that he doesn’t expect you to. If you’re the kind who just hates going to the games, book season tickets. He’ll be so touched that he’ll never forget it. And knowing that you’re really usually into it and are just doing it for him will make him want to do things for you. Be unpredictable and he will treat you like this mysterious goddess. Being with you shouldn’t only be good, it should be exciting. A little bit of thought and effort will help you get in this mode. Taking control and initiative can be tedious, but just wait till you see the effect it has on your husband. Attack all his senses, smile, and watch your husband falling for you…again.

When you are in a loving relationship, your emotions help you meet each other’s emotional needs. They provide instincts that you may not have even known you have – instincts to be affectionate, sexual, conversational, recreational, honest and admiring. These all seem to come naturally when you are in love.

Sex. Pleasurable act often becomes boring and ritualistic with a spouse, but with a new partner often brings new awakenings. Most men try affairs because they want sexual conquest – you can be that conquest. Play a role opposite what he thinks you are. Fantasies are fun, but you must first find out what his fantasies are. That’s where sexy talk will ease your way. Flirt with your husband, especially in public. Touch and tease him under the table at a restaurant. Whisper in his ear that you are ready for the hottest night of your life.

Finally, remember how wonderfully blissful you felt when you were dating. Remember that feeling of love and the intense desire to be with your husband forever. Get out your wedding pictures and experience those emotions all over again. You’ll be more ready for an affair with your husband (or wife).

Yes, it’s true! And the best part is that you can do it easily and effortlessly by BEING YOURSELF – and not shaping yourself into someone you’re not just to keep your man interested.

BUT WHAT IF YOU FELL OUT OF LOVE WITH YOUR HUSBAND?

 

Understand your emotions.

Trying to determine where things went wrong with your husband isn’t easy. As women, we try to find reason in everything so you may try to determine when exactly you fell out of love with the man you married.

 

Some common reasons that our feelings for our husbands may change include:

Your husband is inconsiderate. Women are often left to shoulder the responsibility of the day-to-day minding of the children. Even when a woman works full time she’s expected to do the majority of the housework, prepares the meals and helps children with school running and homework. If you find yourself in this situation, you may resent your husband because he’s not considerate enough. That resentment will wear away at the love you feel for him.

Take responsibility for yourself. In this “pause” of life, in the sometimes-quiet moments we may see some leftover expectations; unresolved anger; or long-held resentment. What do we do with it? One of the most important things in long-term marriage is to stop blaming. As long as we blame our spouses, we haven’t really taken responsibility for ourselves. Blaming keeps us “stuck,” keeps us from growing into the person we can be. Marriage isn’t for children.

Your spouse has annoying habits. At first glance this may not seem like one of the reasons why you fall out of love with your husband, but it is. When you live with a person and they have habits that you find annoying, often you can look past them. At other times, those habits can seem as though they take on a life of their own and they become the focal point of the relationship.

You have personality conflicts. This includes a broad range of things, but essentially boils down to the personality differences between you two. You may be outgoing and enjoy spending evenings with friends, while your husband prefers watching a movie at home. Perhaps you’re a calm, rational person while your husband has a short temper and becomes enraged quickly. When you first married, these differences may not have seemed significant; over time they can become monumental and can affect how you feel about him – look for the best!

Love “sees” the best. Optimistic love can carry us a long way through the circumstances of life. When your spouse suffers a setback, you can help by focusing on the bright side. Or you can further entrench your spouse’s depression or fear by being negative. Words are powerful. I’m not suggesting that you ignore the problem, or deny that it exists. This can be equally damaging. But remind each other that there is always hope! When we focus on hope rather than despair, we are helping one another to see the joy in life.

Coping with stress is challenging for women in different ways than for men

When reach 40-s you struggle with a busy job, your partner’s challenges, ageing parents, teenage children, or health issues for any of your loved ones, including yourself. Once hormones start to change, your body has one more stressor to cope with.

Coping with stress is challenging for women in different ways than for men. First, serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter for handling stress and regulating mood. Women do not produce serotonin as fast as men do, and they use it faster. As a result, when stress uses up a woman’s serotonin, she is then more likely to suffer from a mood disorder like anxiety or depression. Estrogen helps regulate neurotransmitter production, so when estrogen levels begin to slide, these important chemicals are less available to do their job.

Constant production of stress hormones can:

When your mind and body are struggling to cope with the levels of stress in your life, they may show it in a number of ways.

SIGNS OF STRESS

Emotional symptoms: feeling tense and under pressure, having problems relaxing,having difficulty making decisions, being moody and irritable, complaining frequently, feeling afraid, overreacting to minor irritations, having trouble concentrating, tiredness and lack of energy, feeling down and unable to enjoy things.

Physical symptoms: sweating, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, trembling, nausea, dry mouth.

People under pressure and long term stress usually avoid social occasions and eventually become withdrawn, excessively smoke or drink more alcohol

Clearly, finding ways to manage stress will make a big difference in how well you handle middle age hormone changes and life in general. Get involved in pleasurable activities. Doing things you enjoy lowers your blood pressure, releases endorphins and dissipates the effects of stress.

Acupuncture, massage and reflexology may be helpful when there are anxiety symptoms and sleep problems. It is also said to improve general well-being.

Wherever possible try to eliminate stressors altogether. And where you can’t eliminate them, learn how to manage your response to stressful events and keep them in perspective. Learning stress management will safeguard your health, your sanity and your ability to cope.