QuestionCan you please help me. I have had the above for several years now and it's getting worse. I cannot lie on my right side as the twitching starts in my buttock and then the cramping starts. On a scale of 1-10 the pain is a 9 & I have not had a undisturbed nights sleep in months. I am on Fematab 2mg for five years and stopped taking for a couple of weeks but went back on it as the sweats were bad and I became very depressed. I have since started back on the HRT (six days now) and my breast are so sore I can't bear anything near them and still can't sleep - HELP!!
Kindest regards,
Lorraine Whelan
Answerleg cramps , buttock pain , staten island leg pain
Hello Lorraine Whelan,
Sorry to hear of your complaints.
First, the leg twitching and cramping, then your overall health.
Do you drink beverages with caffeine? Do you drink 'De-Caf' beverages? Stop them.
Drink good ol' plain water. Drink fresh squeezed fruit juices. Stay away from soda, processed drinks, artificial drinks.
Drink good old filtered water. Even a simple brita filter to your tap water will do a good job and be good for your health.
Caffeine drags water out of your body, dehydrates you, causes leg cramping, twitching, lowers your pain threshold. 'De-caf' drinks take cafeine out of those caffeine drinks artificially, chemically, and those chemicals cause their own problems.
Legs cramping?, Twitching?, simple; Stop drinking caffeine drinks, stop drinking 'de-caf' drinks, stop drinking anything with alcohol in it, stop drinking beverages that actually dehydrate you.
After you are properly hydrated (oh - that includes drinking adequate water for your body) THEN you can move on to supplementation. To be properly hydrated you need AT LEAST eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day, every day. That is 64 ounces of water every day, and it works if you are 128 pounds (128 pounds divide by 2 = 64,,, if you weigh 128 pounds, you need 64 ounces of water). If you weigh more, you must drink more (ie: 150 lbs?= 75 ounces of water every day. 200 lbs?= 100 ounces of water every day).
Many cramps/ twitches are due to simple dehydration.
AFTER you are properly hydrated, make sure you are getting Vitamin E, calcium and magnesium in adequate amounts. Circulation is helped by vitamin E and magnesium, muscle irritability is calmed by Calcium and magnesium.
Cramps, twitching, low pain threshold?- See a local Doctor of Chiropractic for an examination. You may have nerve irritation that is leading to these symptoms. Perhaps a regimen of adjustment to lessen nerve irritation will be helpful.
Nutritional Cramp help:
High amounts of magnesium can be taken, but may cause diarrhea if taken in excess of about 1000 mg per day. Epsom salt baths before bedtime may be beneficial. External magnesium can significantly reduce fatigued and cramping muscles.
alcium is a popular nutrient for muscle cramps. Calcium should be balanced with magnesium.
Essential fatty acids may be helpful. Essential fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flax oil) and omega-6 fatty acids (black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil).
Vitamin E has been found to be beneficial for restless legs syndrome (Ayres, S. Jr., Mihan, R. Leg Cramps and Restless Legs Syndrome. A Progress Report on Response to Vitamin E (tocopherol). South Med J. 1974; 67 (11): 1300-12).
Potassium aids in calcium and magnesium metabolism.
Diet is important. Eliminate sugar and caffeine from the diet. Increase fiber and protein and enjoy healthy snacks to avoid hypoglycemic symptoms. Increase calcium and magnesium rich foods including green leafy vegetables, fruits (avoid citrus), alfalfa, millet, yogurt, brewer抯 yeast, kelp, chlorophyll and cornmeal. An alkaline diet is suggested, which includes a high consumption of fruits and vegetables. An alkaline diet will decrease calcium loss. Vitamin E foods including whole grains, raw nuts and seeds are important. High potassium foods may also be helpful.
Stretching and strengthening exercises and massage may be beneficial to alleviate spasms.
Hot epsom salt baths followed by stretching is suggested. Cold packs may decrease spasm and relax a tensed muscle.
Carrot, celery, beet and cucumber juice are suggested.
Avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of filtered water. see above.
Avoid sodium and soda pop (high in phosphoric acid) - they will leech calcium.
Avoid chocolate, caffeine and alcohol - they interfere with magnesium absorption.
If cramping is due to walking, and stops when you stand still, see your doctor. Impaired circulation (claudication) may be suspect.
These nutritional approaches should be helpful. Your Doctor (of Chiropractic) is usually well informed on these nutritional helps.
See your local DC for nutritional help as well as the Chiropractic adjustments that may be indicated.
Why Chiropractic Adjustment? Here is an informational handout I give to my Staten Island Leg Cramp, leg pain patients:
- HOMEOSTASIS
"Homeostasis" is the ability of a system to maintain itself.
Every Biology or Chemistry student knows the term 慼omeostasis?
The human body, given no interference, with proper input, is a homeostatic system. The human body can maintain itself as a healthy organism given proper input, proper support. Place stress on the system, have improper input, and the system becomes less efficient, goes 憃ut of balance? and eventually breaks down.
揌omeostasis? starts in our tiny cells!- yes, our cells maintain homeostasis. Our cells make up our tissues- our tissues have a certain BALANCE- our tissues endeavor to maintain homeostasis. Tissues build into an Organ- a heart, lung, intestine; yes even our organs have a homeostatic balance. Finally, these organs build into a body- US, you, me! Our Body has a homeostatic balance. Out of balance = out of health.
Homeostasis- for our body to thrive, rather than just survive, needs proper input: proper rest, exercise, diet, vitamins, water, clean air, and efficiently running cells, tissues, organs, systems. Any improper input or inefficiency will reduce homeostasis, reduce efficiency and eventually lead to a breakdown of the entire system.
All of our cells, tissues, organs have particular 'enemies'. For instance our diet could cause heart disease or high blood pressure: eating a poor diet leads to an inefficiency which ultimately leads to a breakdown in the system (our body).
Our nervous system also has an 'enemy' to homeostasis and efficient performance: the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC). Improve efficiency, improve health by combating VSC!
Build health, improve health, 'do the right thing'; i.e.; eat correctly, take supplements as needed, proper rest, exercise, and keep your body working at improved efficiency- i.e.; chiropractic to remove nerve interference.
Building Heath- a history:
What ? ! , I have to brush my teeth!?,,, after EVERY meal ! ? ,,,,, For the REST of my life ! ? ! ... I don抰 want to. period. I won抰. To heck with it ! If I get a hole (cavity), THEN I抣l take care of it. Maybe I won抰 get any cavities anyway?.
It took the American Dental Association YEARS to educate people that they should brush frequently to avoid dental disease. It has taken YEARS to educate patients that visits to the Dentist for hygiene, cleanings, flossing, coatings, etc. are necessary to PREVENT dental problems. Some people still do not floss after every meal, some do not even brush often enough (yyyuuukkkk), so some people still have severe dental problems despite all the knowledge about PREVENTION and dental health maintenance that is out there. Can you believe it ?? !!
Some people have the same problem with PREVENTATIVE Spinal Health
that used to exist with preventative dental health. Some people come to the Doctor of Chiropractic and say, ?..do not adjust me, just give me therapy...? some people say,
?..What ? ! , I have to practice SPINAL HYGIENE !?!, (practice proper postures, proper movement patterns, and see the Chiropractor periodically !?!), Naahh, ... I don抰
want to. period. I won抰. To heck with it! When I get PAIN, then I抣l take care of it.
( pain is often the LAST symptom to appear- whether a cavity or a heart attack ! )
Nerve Interference- decreases your body's efficiency, decreases homeostasis, decreases health:
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?(nerve interference)
The vertebral subluxation complex can be the underlying cause of many healthcare problems. A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This (Subluxation) is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology, Neuropathophysiology, Myopathology, Histopathology, Pathophysiology.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, massage, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health- Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
ONLY a Doctor of Chiropractic evaluates for the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, as well as other pathologies.
Chiropractic corrects the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Chiropractic helps restore HOMEOSTASIS to the body. Chiropractic helps restore homeostatic balance to your nervous system--- the MASTER Control system.
You cannot be 慼ealthy?if you have a Subluxation. You cannot be 慼ealthy?if you are out of balance. You MAY feel it, with a pain, stiffness, or a 慿ink?in your neck/ back.
You may NOT even feel it-
just as people often do not feel the cavity growing in their tooth,,,, until it hits the nerve; or you may not feel it at all, like people do not feel high blood pressure or diabetes until AFTER damage has been done!!
PREVENTION- Visit the Doctor of Chiropractic REGULARLY,,, just like your dentist! (practice spinal hygiene as you do dental hygiene) -PREVENTION!-
Build health, build balance, help your body maintain homeostasis! Practice good spinal hygiene, just as you practice god dental hygiene. See your Doctor of Chiropractic for a preventive regimen of chiropractic, rather than waiting for pain or a problem ?wherever that pain/ problem/ condition may be expressed in your body.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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".....I am on Fematab 2mg for five years and stopped taking for a couple of weeks but went back on it as the sweats were bad and I became very depressed. I have since started back on the HRT (six days now) and my breast are so sore I can't bear anything near them and still can't sleep - HELP!!....", FIRST, I would implement the simple steps outlined above, and my health should improve and my complaints should begin to diminish.
Next, info on FemTab and HRT (freely available, public information):
http://www.project-aware.org/Managing/Hrt/benefits-risks.shtml
Risks and side effects of HRT
There are a number of risks and side effects associated with HRT. It is difficult to determine the extent to which NHRT is associated with most risks and side effects because of the lack of long-term clinical trials using NHRT or comparing bio-identical hormone replacement with other forms of HRT in the United States.
HRT risks and possible side effects include:
Increased risk of endometrial cancer in women with a uterus if estrogen is taken without progesterone or a progestin
Slightly increased risk of breast cancer after 4 or more years of HRT, as shown in the WHI study that used continuous combined oral estrogen and progestin (Prempro). Estrogen alone or other HRT regimens may not raise the risk of breast cancer significantly.
Increased breast density, making mammograms more difficult to interpret and possibly increasing breast cancer risk. This appears to be an effect primarily associated with taking oral progestin continuously with estrogen (e.g., Prempro).
Slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer
Slightly increased risk of blood clots, associated primarily with oral estrogens such as Premarin*
Increased risk of gallbladder disease, associated primarily with oral estrogens such as Premarin*
Slightly increased risk of heart attack or stroke, both in women with cardiovascular disease and in healthy women. This effect may be associated primarily with HRT using continuous combined oral estrogen and progestin (Prempro) or the daily use of an oral progestin such as Provera with estrogen.
Breast pain (often a temporary problem)
Nausea, associated primarily with oral estrogens*
Bloating and fluid retention, primarily associated with progestins, e.g., medroxyprogesterone acetate
Negative effects on mood, primarily associated with progestins, e.g., medroxyprogesterone acetate
*Note: These side effects seem to be associated with oral estrogen and not with transdermal estrogen.
Monthly vaginal bleeding often occurs when women take estrogen and progestin in a cyclical style (usually estrogen every day, but progestin only part of the month) rather than all the time. Spotting or bleeding may also occur when HRT is taken in the continuous combined style (both estrogen and progesterone or progestin every day). Problems with bleeding and spotting may improve over time or with a change in dose, regimen, or type of progestin/progesterone used. Women who do not want any bleeding at all may find these effects unacceptable.
Some women find that trying a different type of HRT, such as switching to bio-identical hormones, using a transdermal product instead of pills, or trying a different regimen, may reduce or eliminate side effects and work better for them.
Who should not use HRT?
HRT is usually not recommended for women who have:
Vaginal bleeding for no known reason
A history of breast cancer
A history of cancer of the uterus
Liver disease
Blood clots in the veins or legs, or in the lungs. This includes women who have had blood clots during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills.
Cardiovascular disease (diseases of the heart and blood vessels)
For a long time, it was thought that ERT and HRT reduced the risk of heart disease, based on large observational studies that found lower rates of heart disease in ERT and HRT users. However, research has found that women who have had a recent heart attack or a stroke are more likely to have a second heart attack or stroke if they start taking HRT. For this reason, starting HRT is not recommended for women with cardiovascular disease. In addition, as the WHI study showed, even healthy women who begin HRT (at least with Prempro) may have a slightly increased risk of heart attack or stroke in the first year or two of therapy.
To read the latest information about the WHI studies on HRT, its risks, benefits and side effects, visit the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's web site.
Because of these research findings, the American Heart Association has recommended that HRT not be given to women solely in order to prevent heart disease, and that women with heart disease or who have had a stroke should not start taking hormones. Recent research has suggested that the effects of estrogen on the cardiovascular system vary according to the mode of delivery of estrogen (oral versus transdermal). In addition, the effects of estrogen seem to be affected by the addition of a progestin, androgen, or a statin (cholesterol-lowering class of drugs). Much remains to be learned about these interactions and effects.
The WHI study added to the evidence that at least some types of HRT are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Other studies have found an increased risk of breast cancer in women who take estrogen for 5 or more years, the risk rising with longer duration of HRT use. Use of a progestin along with estrogen in these studies did not seem to reduce that rising risk and may even have increased it.
A note on menopause and natural approaches:
- Irregular periods; eventual ceasing of menstruation
- Low sex drive
- Hot flashes
- Heart palpitations
- Memory loss
- Night sweats
- Irritability/mood swings
- Nausea
- Depression
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Inability to concentrate
- Vaginal dryness and pain
- Incontinence
- Water retention
Hormonal fluctuations - progesterone levels gradually decline, followed by estrogen levels decreasing
Poor diet and lack of exercise
Biliary stasis and liver dysfunction - inability to breakdown and detoxify estrogen
Smoking can be a cause of early menopause
Soy contains phytoestrogens, which possess weak estrogenic activity. High soy consumption has been linked to decreased hot flashes. Soy isoflavones (genistein and daidzein) are rich in phytoestrogens and have been shown to decrease menopausal symptoms, increase bone density and decrease the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease.
Flaxseed meal is high in phytoestrogens and has been shown to reduce hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Essential fatty acids alleviate hot flashes, especially omega-6 fatty acids, such as evening primrose oil or black currant seed oil.
Calcium and magnesium are beneficial as natural relaxants and to prevent bone loss. Both are used to counteract the increased risk of osteoporosis found in menopausal women. Vitamin D is also suggested to regulate calcium absorption.
A natural source of progesterone may help hormonal imbalances and alleviate menopause and peri-menopausal symptoms.
Research shows that natural intestinal flora can enhance the potential action of phytoestrogens.
Vitamin E is shown to provide symptomatic relief for vaginal dryness (both orally and topically). Vitamin E is also helpful for hot flashes.
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids may be helpful for menopausal symptoms and may reduce hot flashes. Vitamin C is a primary antioxidant effective at protecting against cardiovascular disease and may help support bone mineral density. Flavonoids improve vascular integrity, lessening excessive capillary permeability, a primary factor in hot flashes.
Boron naturally elevates estradiol levels. Boron aids in calcium absorption.
Vitamin B-6 in combination with magnesium is helpful in PMS and menopausal symptoms. Vitamin B-6 may also be helpful when taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Vitamin B-6 aids in the manufacturing of serotonin. Serotonin production alleviates depression, which is a symptom for women on HRT therapy.
Adrenal or thyroid support may be necessary. Healthy functioning adrenal glands will continue to produce small amounts of estrogen and progesterone even after the cessation of ovarian function.
Proper liver functioning is important since the liver is responsible for metabolizing and detoxifying estrogen. Beneficial liver nutrients include glutathione, N-acetyl cysteine, choline, methionine and lipoic acid.
B complex deficiency suppresses liver function.
A multi-vitamin and mineral may be beneficial for comprehensive support.
Gamma-oryzanol is a substance found in grains and isolated from rice bran oil. Gamma-oryzanol has been shown to alleviate menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, headaches, muscle pain, insomnia and nervousness.
A healthy, balanced diet is important. Foods high in phytoestrogens (weak estrogenic substances) are helpful for hot flashes including papayas, soybean foods, apples, carrots, potatoes, brown rice, whole wheat, rye and sesame seeds. Calcium rich foods, such as yogurt and green, leafy vegetables, are important to prevent osteoporosis. Legumes, seeds and nuts are a good source of minerals. Avoid dairy products, caffeine and alcohol.
Avoid hypoglycemic symptoms by eating a balanced diet. Eat regular meals throughout the day and incorporate protein and chromium into the diet.
Take a walk daily to relax the body and stimulate the energy system. Daily exercise also fights depression and alleviates anxiety.
Do not smoke. Smoking promotes early menopause.
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I have given you a lot of information,
I hope this helps.
If you need further, do not hesitate to re-contact me here at AllExperts.com
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
This article is for informational purposes only, of course you must see your own health provider IN PERSON for specific recommendations to you and your case.
Good luck, and I wish you good health, naturally,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (email newsletter)
