Menopause is the period of time in a woman's life when menstruation and fertility end. This process usually takes place starting when a woman turns 51 years old, but can vary from person to person.http://www.menopause.org/MF200901two_menopausestatus.aspx Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life cycle, and not a disease, but it can cause problems both emotionally and physically, such as depression, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, hot flashes, among many other things. Changes in hormones take place during menopause, and this is what causes some physical difficulties.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menopause/DS00119
Perimenopause occurs years before menopause, and typically involves decreased amounts of estrogen being produced from a woman's ovaries. Menopause begins later, once a woman has gone a full year without having her period. This is the point in which eggs stop producing altogether.http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/menopause-basicsAll women experience menopause at different times and for different lengths throughout their lives. Menopause can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years.http://menopause.about.com/od/menopausebasics/f/MenoDuration.htm
Manopause Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms for menopause can start to occur before you actually hit menopause. These may carry on throughout menopause and post-menopause. Some of these symptoms include:
- Hot Flashes
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Trouble sleeping
- A decrease in fertility
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Thinning hairhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menopause/DS00119/DSECTION=symptoms
Some treatments have been proven to lessen the severity of the symptoms of menopause. Some of these treatments include hormone replacement therapy, a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, estrogen intake, and select alternative treatments such as herbal supplements or massage therapy.http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/menopause-symptom-treatmenthttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menopause/DS00119/DSECTION=symptoms
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are undergoing Menopause, please consult your doctor.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Marks the end of menstruation and fertility
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Symptoms
Irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal/urinary changes, mood swings, thinning hair
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Fact:
Occurs on average in women at 51 years of age
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Fact:
A total hysterectomy can cause early menopause
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Fact:
1% of women start menopause before age 40
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Treatment
Hormone replacement therapy, depression medications, Clonidine and vaginal estrogen
