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What Is Menopause?

Menopause is something that happens to everyone. Whether it’s something which affects our every day quality of life or something we barely notice, it’s definitely real and is a real fear and concern for many women. Understanding what menopause is and why our bodies go through it can be very helpful to us.

Menopause typically involves not having a period for 12 months. It will start with varying menstrual cycles. Menopause means that the ovaries stop doing their job. The ovary is located in the pelvic area and there is one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size of an almond. The ovaries are the part of the woman’s body that produces eggs. An egg is released from the ovary during each monthly period. The released egg travels from the ovary through the fallopian tube and to the uterus.

Though some women begin menopause late or early, most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. 51 is the average age that most women start menopause.

If a woman’s ovaries are surgically removed, this will cause her to immediately go into menopause. Cancer, chemotherapy and radiation can also affect the timing of menopause.

What can you expect during menopause?

Different women experience different symptoms, some stronger or worse than others. Some symptoms may include hot or cold flashes, weight gain (particularly around the midsection), anxiety, depression, mood swings, burning sensations, dry vagina, to name a few.

Menopause usually begins with changes in your monthly cycle, heavy bleeding; bleeding that lasts longer than usual, bleeding more often than every three weeks, bleeding after sex, and blood spotting in between periods.

Not all women experience emotional symptoms during menopause, but many women do. Emotional symptoms may include sadness, anxiety, or mood swings. Symptoms may be more severe for some women than others, just as with physical symptoms. Women who do experience emotional problems due to menopause should speak to their family doctor about it.

Some treatment options are estrogen cream, low-dose antidepressants, soy products and certain herbal supplements. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also be an option.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy is a type of treatment where the body is given hormones to prevent or treat some medical conditions like menopause or osteoporosis. The hormones used in Hormone Replacement Therapy are created in a laboratory, but they are designed to act like the natural hormones we have in our bodies.

Are there other options besides Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Yes, there are other options than Hormone Replacement Therapy. The options mentioned above (vaginal estrogen creams, herbal supplements and soy products) may be used to combat the symptoms of menopause instead of Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Tags: Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause

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