Menopause Explained
Menopause is not a disease, it is a normal and natural part of a woman’s life, which usually happens somewhere around age fifty, give or take a few years. Just like menstruation, pregnancy or childbirth, every woman is different, and the age at which these changes take place can vary greatly.
Menopause begins a new phase in life, when the ovaries cease to produce eggs and a woman’s period ends for approximately a full year. The process doesn’t happen overnight though. It happens over a gradual period of time that is referred to as a perimenopausal transition. This transition period can start when a woman is in her 40’s and can last several years.
Approximately one-third of American women will go through menopause without any significant symptoms, about another one-third will have mild symptomatic experiences, and another one-third will experience more intense symptoms.
Menopausal symptoms, which may occur in varying degrees include irregular periods, hot flashes, hormonal imbalances, mood changes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, various urinary symptoms like a urinary tract infection, foggy-memory and emotional symptoms, skin changes and weight gain.
It is really not all as bad as it may sound and there are actually positive aspects to this time. If you prepare yourself by doing a little homework and learn what to expect, it can be a start to the best years of your life! Talk to your doctor, as well as friends and relatives who have gone through it and store away their hints and bits of advice for future use. There are many ways to drastically reduce some of the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Knowledge is definitely power as far as this goes – it can cut out a lot of needless worry.
There are tons of great resources out there to learn from, especially online! Check out menopause sites, blogs and community forums where women share their experiences, ask and get answers to some of the same questions you may have.