|
Menopause is an inevitable part of a woman's life cycle. The process can cause several symptoms that range from very mild or hardly noticeable to severe and unbearable. During this transition, hormone levels will fluctuate which is the cause of the various symptoms.
Peri Menopause:
This is the period leading up to Menopause. It can start anywhere from age 30 to mid 50's and sometimes even later. The average woman will be peri menopausal in her mid to late 40's. During this time, there may be changes in the menstrual cycle such as frequency and amount of blood loss. Hot flushes may begin to occur during the day and some women start to have night sweats. Difficulty sleeping due to night sweats, difficult and painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness are other common complaints. Other changes may occur including mood swings, irritability and fatigue. It is not known if these symptoms are all part of the menopause cycle or if other life factors such as life stresses and normal aging are the more likely cause.
Peri Menopause lasts until a woman's periods have stopped for a full year. She is then Menopausal and becomes Post Menopausal thereafter. Unfortunately for some women, the symptoms may last into the post menopausal years. Others may not notice any symptoms at all. In fact, 50% of women do not suffer any discomfort. It seems unfair that there is not a standard time frame for all women, but as everyone is different, so is the severity and length of time the discomforts continue for.
When hormone production declines or ceases in a woman, other changes begin to occur. The skin starts to become thinner and begins to show more wrinkles. Bone density reduces and can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Cholesterol levels change due to the reduction in estrogen and increases the risk of heart disease. Loss of muscle tone can cause urinary incontinence and there may be increased vulnerability to urinary and vaginal infections. Some women experience weight gain or 'middle age spread'.
Chemical Drugs:
Depending on the symptoms, there is a range of drugs available to help women cope. Hormone Replacement Therapy during menopause is by far the most common and useful. It helps to boost estrogen levels that are declining which is the cause of many complaints. However it is strongly recommended to be used at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time possible as new studies have shown that there are higher risks of heart disease, stroke and breast cancer in women using HRT for a prolonged period.
Anti depressants are also proving to be helpful in reducing hot flushes, and there are several drugs available to help with osteoporosis.
No matter what symptoms you are experiencing, always talk to your doctor before taking any medications. Make sure your doctor knows your medical history and your family medical history so that your treatment does not increase any known risk factors.
Natural therapies:
There is little information concerning herbal/natural treatments for menopause. No definitive clinical studies show verifiable proof that a particular herbal preparation works. However, women do report good results with some but the effects vary for different women. Always consult your doctor before using herbal preparations as there are known side effects that can be harmful.
The best alternative therapy is exercise, good nutrition and a happy environment. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also very useful during menopause.
A new therapeutic product is available that has no side effects and addresses the variety and severity of changes the female body undergoes at various stages in life. Find out more about this new product here.
|
