I’m talking about premature ovarian failure here, not premature menopause as a result of surgery.

As I’ve said in an earlier post When does it start?, the average age of the onset of menopause is 51, plus or minus several years either way.

If you’re in your thirties and start experiencing menopausal symptoms such as loss of your period, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and problems sleeping, please consult your medical professional to determine if you are into early menopause and nothing else.

If the diagnosis is menopause, relax. You have the advantage of going through this bumpy stage while you still have some physical strength and, by the time you’ve reached the blissful years of Post Menopause Zest, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it.

Ovarian failure before the age of 40 normally affects only around one woman in a hundred. Research in Australia and the UK has shown that premature ovarian failure in twins was between three and five times greater when measured at age 40 than in the general population.

There’s been a lot of studies in twins and mother-daughter pairs and they all come up with a strong heritable component for menopausal age. No one has worked out the actual genetic factors responsible, but you can make a fair guess on the arrival of your own menopause with that of your mother. Did she start late? More likely than not, you will too.

As for the twins, premature ovarian failure is on the cards. Identical twins in particular were more synchronised for POF than for later menopause.

Breast pain may occur in one or both breasts or in the underarm (axilla) region of the body. Although breast pain is not normally associated with breast cancer, if you experience any breast abnormalities, including breast pain, please consult your physician.

Cyclical Pain

During each menstrual cycle, hormones make your milk glands and ducts enlarge, and breast tissue swells. This often results in water retention. Your breasts feel swollen, painful, tender, or lumpy a few days before menstruation. This discomfort ends at menopause. (Unless you are taking HRT)

Non-Cyclical Pain

Women who experience non-cyclical breast pain often experience pain in one specific area of the breast(s). If you have suffered an injury or trauma to the breast, or if you have had a breast biopsy, you may experience non-cyclical pain.

This condition may occur in both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women and usually subsides after one to two years. Non-cyclical pain is most common in women between 40 and 50 years of age.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is a type of arthritic pain which occurs in the middle of the chest where the ribs and the breast bone connect. This condition can feel as if it’s coming from the breast, but it’s just the result of poor posture and aging.

Women who experience costochondritis usually describe it as a burning sensation in the breast.

Remember, non-cyclical breast pain does not indicate breast cancer. You should always discuss breast changes, including any pain, with your health provider.

What you can do

Wear a good, supportive bra to reduce breast movement. Many women with breast pain find it comfortable to also wear a bra while they sleep.

Recommended Reading

Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book

Is it true? Is this the breakthrough, the definitive end to wrinkle woes?

What is DMAE?

The scientific bits : – DMAE is Dimethylaminoethanol – a naturally occurring substance that regulates levels of choline in your body.

Choline is a key player in producing acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter in your brain involved in memory, learning, and recall. In theory, increased choline means increased acetylcholine, meaning increased cognitive functions in these areas.

In the 1960s, DMAE was marketed as a prescription drug for children called Deaner and described as “possibly effective” for behaviour problems associated with hyperactivity, ADHS, and behavior described as asocial, antisocial, or delinquent.

In 1983 Deanor was removed from the market but DMAE continues to be available as a nutritional supplement.

So what does this have to do with skincare ? DMAE is being described by many as a miracle cream, a “face lift in a bottle” and that you can see results within 30 minutes of application.

Is this the breakthrough, the definitive end to wrinkle woes? Perhaps.

Inconclusive

But DMAE has limited and inconclusive research, and the claims about it being an ingredient that can repair skin come primarily from Dr. N.V. Perricone, author of The Wrinkle Cure, whose assertions are not substantiated in any published study or research paper.

One 2002 study showed an increase in skin firmness from a cream containing DMAE but the study was done on only 30 subjects, the increase was modest at best, and it did not report whether or not the improvement lasted. Plus, one study is hardly proof positive this ingredient is the answer to your skin care woes. It is possible that DMAE can help protect the cell membrane, and keeping cells intact can have benefit, but so far, that appears to be only conjecture and not fact.

However all of this is of no importance to the huge number of men and women who are using DMAE and reporting happy results. It takes time for studies to be undertaken, analysed and published, and if your skin is becoming firmer and your wrinkles are shrinking, who needs official studies? The price range of skincare products containing DMAE is in the normal range and won’t break the bank. Why not give it a whirl?

Eat more fish

On the other hand, you could include more fish in your diet.

DMAE is found in high levels in fish. Fish proteins are good sources of all essential amino acids, rich in lysine and threonine, and the best source of omega 3 fatty acids (essential for the healthy development of the eyes and brain).

If you have an inflammatory condition, or psoriasis, oily fish should already form a regular part of your diet.

Small fish eaten along with bones are a rich source of calcium. And we ll know we have to bump up our calcium intake.

Why not try a nutritional face-lift? Protein is the basis for healthy good-looking skin and essential fatty acids reduce inflammation and puffiness.

Start by eating a fish based meal twice a week. If you’re like me and eating fish isn’t your favourite pastime, get some fish oil capsules.

Ten Minute Anti-Ageing

The Wrinkle Cure: Unlock the Power of Cosmeceuticals for Supple, Youthful Skin