Menopause

Menopause by definition is the cessation of a woman's menstrual cycle for an entire year. It signals the end of fertility. "The change" as menopause is often referred to, generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. It can, though, occur as early as 35 or as late as 65 years of age. It can also result from the surgical removal of both ovaries. The physical and emotional signs and symptoms that go with "the change" usually span 1-5 years or more (peri-menopause). They vary from woman to woman. The changes themselves are a result of a number of factors. These include hormone changes such as estrogen decline, the aging process itself and stress.

Physical signs and symptoms associated with the peri-menopause and menopause are:

• Hot flashes - sudden waves of heat that can start in the waist or chest and work their way to the neck and face and sometimes the rest of the body. They are more common in the evening and during hot weather. They can hit as often as every 90 minutes. Each one can last from 15 seconds to 30 minutes - five minutes is average. Seventy-five to eighty percent of women going through menopause experience hot flashes, some more bothered by them than others. Sometimes heart palpitations accompany hot flashes.
• Irregular periods - this varies and can include:
• Periods which get shorter and lighter for two or more years.
• Periods which stop for a few months and then start up again and are more widely spaced.
• Periods that bring heavy bleeding and/or the passage of many or large blood clots. This can lead to anemia.
• Vaginal dryness - this results from hormone changes. The vaginal wall also becomes thinner. These problems can make sexual intercourse painful or uncomfortable and can lead to irritation and increased risk for infection.
• Loss of bladder tone which can result in stress incontinence (leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise).
• Headaches, dizziness.
• Skin and hair changes. Skin is more likely to wrinkle. Growth of facial hair, but thinning of hair in the temple region.
• Muscles lose some strength and tone.
• Bones become more brittle, increasing the risk for osteoporosis.
• Risk for a heart attack increases when estrogen levels drop.

Emotional changes associated with menopause:

• Irritability.
• Mood changes.
• Lack of concentration, difficulty with memory.
• Tension, anxiety, depression.
• Insomnia which may result from hot flashes that interrupt sleep.

To reduce the discomfort of hot flashes, try these tactics:

• Wear lightweight clothes made of natural fibers.
• Limit or avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.
• Avoid rich and spicy foods and heavy meals.
• Have cool drinks, especially water, when you feel a hot flash coming on and before and after exercising. Avoid hot drinks.
• Keep cool. Open a window. Lower the thermostat when the heat is on. Use air conditioning and/or fans. Carry a small fan with you (hand or battery operated).
• Try to relax when you get a hot flash. Getting stressed out over one only makes it worse.
• Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, biofeedback or yoga.
• Take 400 international units of vitamin E daily, but consult your doctor first.

If you suffer from night sweats, (hot flashes that occur as you sleep):

• Wear loose fitting cotton nightwear. Have changes of nightwear ready.
• Sleep with only a top sheet, not blankets.
• Keep the room cool.

To deal with vaginal dryness and painful intercourse:

• Don't use deodorant soaps or scented products in the vaginal area.
• Use a water soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly, Replens, etc. to facilitate penetration during intercourse. Avoid oils or petroleum-based products. They encourage infection.
• Ask your doctor about intra vaginal estrogen cream.
• Remain sexually active. Having sex often may lessen the chance of having the vagina constrict, help keep natural lubrication and maintain pelvic muscle tone. This includes reaching orgasm with a partner or alone.
• Avoid using antihistamines unless truly necessary. They dry mucus membranes in the body.

To deal with emotional symptoms:

• Exercise regularly. This will help maintain your body's hormonal balance and preserve bone strength.
• Talk to other women who have gone through or are going through menopause. You can help each other cope with emotional symptoms.
• Avoid stressful situations as much as possible.
• Use relaxation techniques. Examples include: meditation, yoga, listening to soft music and massages.
• Eat a healthy diet. Check with your doctor about taking vitamin/mineral supplements.

Treatment for the symptoms of menopause varies from woman to woman. If symptoms cause little or no distress, medical treatment is not needed. Alternative therapies such as botanicals, acupuncture and clinical herbology may be helpful for mild to moderate symptoms. However for some women Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may be indicated for the relief of many of the symptoms of menopause. It may also offer significant protection against osteoporosis. It is highly recommended that the risks and benefits of HRT be discussed with your medical provider.