Menopause for women is basically the transition from being able to get pregnant and not. Our hormones (natural chemicals in our bodies) control this. It may seem like menopause happens over night, but in fact the process of declining hormone production can take many years. The time leading up to menopause (total stop of menses or period) is called peri-menopause.
Natural Menopause: Why is there so much attention about menopause these days? It is a natural event, right?
Yes, menopause is a natural event. It isn't new, of course, but there is more media attention than ever. This is partially because women are living longer and longer. That means that we spend quite a bit of time in menopause. The average age for menopause is 51 years old, yet women live into their 80s now. That means we spend 30 years (more than 1/3 of our lives!) or so post-menopause. It is no wonder that women want to make the best of that time!
Is menopause an Illness? Is this why I am supposed to see my health care provider?
Menopause is no more an illness than puberty is! Menopause is a natural condition of life. As we age, however, there are certain illnesses and conditions that become more common. Some of these are elevated blood pressure, thinning of the bones or osteoporosis, high cholesterol and certain cancers. It is important to see your health care provider for screening and preventive care. You still need to have Pap smears, mammograms and other screening tests.
We see our health care providers for early screening or treatment. Some women with troubling symptoms of menopause may see their health care provider for this. Many are seeing complimentary and alternative care practitioners, also. There are some natural menopause remedies for some of the symptoms.
Some Menopausal Symptoms
Hot Flashes (a feeling of heat from within the body sometimes with flushing and sweating)
Insomnia (some believe women experience troubles sleeping because this time of their life is full of changes and even excitement about new plans, goals... also, this time is about going inward and retrospect and the night time hours are sometimes the least interrupted)
Lack of interest in sex (Some report a low interest because vaginal dryness causes some pain. This is so easy to remedy, though.)
Memory problems and difficulty with focus and concentration and decision making
Does every woman experience menopausal symptoms?
No, many women experience no or very few symptoms. Researchers like to see what makes them different so we might all be symptoms free! There are a lot of factors to consider though-genetics, diet, stress, number of children, other health issues that might contribute, exercise and more.
How long can I expect to have these symptoms?
You might experience symptoms for weeks, months or years depending on what you do. Some of us can make tiny changes that make a big difference, and others of us need to make huge changes. I think we know who we are!
Okay, I'm sold! What can I do to help prevent these problems and make the ones I have less intense?
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