Living With Menopause

During menopause, women's bodies begin to change, as their ovaries slow in producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menstruation also slows down, and eventually stops as well. Although menopause can occur at any age, the normal timeframe is between 50 and 54.

Menopause is the part of a woman's normal aging process and it will happen to all who haven't had their uterus and ovaries surgically removed. If this is the case, premature menopause will occur. In some cases, only the uterus is taken out and the ovaries are left. Under these circumstances, there are no immediate menopausal symptoms, since the patient is still receiving the hormones mentioned above.

At the onset women don't generally experience symptoms. Over time, as the ovaries produce less of the hormones, the monthly cycle will be affected. One month she may experience heavy menstruation and the next month she may only have a couple of days of spotting.

There are a number of symptoms that start manifesting as she begins to enter the various phases of menopause:

(1) hot flashes
(2) irritability
(3) sweating at odd times
(4) sleep disturbances
(5) vaginal dryness that can lead to sexual and urinary
discomfort
(6) mood swings that may include anger and depression.
(7) hair growth on the face, arms, chest and stomach
(8) memory problems and difficulty with concentration
(9) low frustration level, affecting her whole mood.

Women can prepare for menopause by learning as much as possible about it. This will help them understand what is happening as they start going through the "change of life". They won't feel alone in the process or be as alarmed by the unusual things they experience.

As with so many other aspects of our lives, a balanced and healthy diet, and exercise will go a long way in making women feel better. Eating healthy, nutritious foods will help minimize their symptoms. Vitamin and minerals taken as supplements are essential as well. Some women experience severe menopausal symptoms and may wish to consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT). During these years, it is more important than ever for women to regularly visit their doctors. They may experience unrelated symptoms and not be able to tell the difference without a medical examination. It may also be beneficial to join a menopause support group, where they will meet other women with similar experiences. This contact can go a long way in helping women cope with menopause.