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As women approach their 40s, they often look toward menopause - the "Change of Life" - with more than a little apprehension. However, more and more women are finding there is nothing to dread about "the change." In fact, recent studies have shown that many post-menopausal women find menopause a positive, liberating experience. Each woman's experience with menopause will be different based on her unique set of biological and socio-cultural factors.
Menopause is associated with decreased production of reproductive hormones. Perimenopause is a period of hormonal transition for women between the ages of 35 - 55. During this period of transition, women move from their reproductive years to postmenopausal years and may experience symptoms such as irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, sleep disorders and vaginal dryness and irritation. A younger woman can also experience menopause if her ovaries have quit functioning or are surgically removed.
It is important to understand that though your menstrual cycle will change as you approach menopause, abnormal bleeding - such as changes in your cycle, heavy bleeding, bleeding after intercourse or bleeding more often than every three weeks - should be reported to your doctor. It is also important to note that even though you are experiencing the signs of menopause, you may still become pregnant until your menstrual flow has been absent for a year.
Besides the recognizable signs of menopause, many physiological changes take place in your body. One of those changes is an increased loss of bone. This condition, known as osteoporosis, can result in major health problems from conditions related to fractures of thinning bones. Postmenopausal women are also at increased risk for heart attack and stroke because of the reduced production of estrogen.
Emotionally, you may experience nervousness, irritability, and/or depression. If you are having problems coping with any of these emotions, talk to your doctor or to a mental health professional about your concerns.
The following treatment and self-care measures may help you through this period of transition and into a healthy life after menopause.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy may help relieve the symptoms of menopause, prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of heart attack. Your doctor may prescribe estrogen, or a combination of estrogen and progestin. However, there are some risks associated with estrogen use, which should be discussed with your doctor.
- Eat a calcium-rich diet including dairy products and certain types of vegetables. You may need to take calcium supplements to achieve the daily levels of calcium doctors recommend.
- Regular exercise, including weight bearing exercises, to slow down the loss of bone and keep you strong.
- Schedule regular checkups with your doctor and keep him or her informed about any problems that you are experiencing.
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