MENOPAUSE

Menopause is a natural process that marks a series of changes for women as they move from childbearing to non-childbearing years. Women usually think of menopause as the ending of menstrual cycles or periods. Doctors define menopause as the time after a 12-month absence of periods. The changes of menopause can begin in the 30s and 40s and last into the 50s and 60s. By understanding the changes that their bodies go through, women can be better prepared and more easily adapt to them.

Symptoms of menopause start as the supply of eggs in the ovaries begins to shrink and the female hormone estrogen levels drop. Some women have gradual changes that their body can adjust to, while others have sudden changes that cause uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, painful intercourse, and vaginal dryness. There may also be mood swings, sleep problems, less interest in sex, hair loss, tiredness, and depression. Women may choose to live with them or may ask for help in dealing with them.

There are many changes that occur during and after this midlife stage. Women may become more susceptible to serious physical problems. Loss of calcium from the bones is a result from lower amounts of estrogen. The bones may become brittle and break easier. Lower levels of estrogen can also put women at risk for osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, or cardiovascular disease.

Ways to prevent these health problems include:

Eat a balanced low fat, high fiber diet. Make sure your calcium intake is 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams. Nutritious foods can keep the heart, colon, and other organs healthy.
Exercise daily for 30 minutes or more. Activities like walking, gardening, and dancing strengthen the bones and heart.
Do not smoke. Smoking increases your chance for cancer, heart disease, stroke, and many other health problems.
Prevent accidents. Keep a safe home environment, such as adding non-slip protection to stairs, tubs, and floors.
Hormones work to keep the heart, brain, and bones healthy. Most women can safely take hormones, like estrogen and progesterone. They help stop the common signs of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Hormone replacement therapy is not without its own risk. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against the routine use of estrogen and progestin for the prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women. The Task Force also states that the balance of benefits and harms for an individual woman will be influenced by her personal preferences, individual risks for specific chronic diseases, and the presence of menopausal symptoms.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all labels on estrogen and estrogen-progestin therapies be revised to carry a warning stating the increased risks for heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer.

A healthcare provider can help a woman decide if she should take hormone therapy.

Talk with your provider about your special needs and concerns. Having a plan for dealing with menopause can help a woman live an active and healthy life.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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