Every woman comes to the point in her life that marks the end of her period and the beginning of menopause. To many it is hard to recognize at first and to all it is a little disconcerting. In truth, this is a natural condition that when one knows and understands all its facets, it becomes clear that this is just the next innate step of womanhood.
Menopause refers to the end of a woman's natural menstrual cycle which is medically determined when it has been absent for 12 months. It usually occurs in patients between the ages of 45 to 60 but can begin when a women is in her late thirties.
How does Menopause occur?
This next natural step occurs when the patient's ovaries cease producing the hormone estrogen. The drop in estrogen levels then prompts menstrual cycles to cease as well. Menopause can be bumped into action from any other action that causes the ovaries to cease its functions such as having a woman's ovaries removed.
What are the symptoms of Menopause?
Symptoms of menopause can be medial to severe depending on the woman. The most distinguishable symptom is hot flashes, termed as such because of the unexpected flashes of heat and sweating that can come at any time. These hot flashes can get so intense on occasion that they can distract and disturb the patient from normal daily habits such as sleep cycles. Other symptoms can include mood swings, irregular periods, vaginal or urinary infections, incontinence problems, and/or some problems with sexual activities. Sometimes women can notice slight variations in skin, digestive systems and hair due to fluctuating hormone levels. Low levels of estrogen can also attribute to risk of osteoporosis and heart disease in some women.
Is there any cure for Menopause?
There is no cure for this natural occurrence, but there are new and developing programs such as hormone replacement therapy that can be used to help women who want to cease menopause. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking hormone replacement therapy as some doctors recommend against it in cases where ovarian cancer runs in the family. Often a doctor will recommend natural progesterone to help with symptoms of menopause.
