When women go through menopause, they may experience a wide array of symptoms. While most of these changes are occurring within their bodies, some external changes take place as well. Weight gain, acne, and increased facial hair are the most prevalent physical changes a woman experiences during menopause.
Hormones
As a women begins to age, the estrogen that is normally produced in the body begins to decline. The ovaries and adrenal glands begin to produce more of the male hormones androgens, also known as testosterone. The normally fine and thin hair that woman have may become dark and course. And, the hair growth will appear in places that women don't normally produce hair, such as the chin, neck, and chest.
Perimenopause
The stage leading up to menopause is referred to as perimenopause. This stage occurs up to six years before beginning menopause. "Irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings are common, normal signs of perimenopause," according to The North American Menopause Society. Women are producing less estrogen and their chances of getting pregnant are very low once they have reached this stage.
Menopause
Most women will reach menopause by the age of 51. The ovaries cease to function, and are no longer producing eggs, and a woman therefore can not conceive. Facial hair growth is a common symptom of menopause because of the the decrease in estrogen that the ovaries normally produce. Also, the body begins to produce more testosterone.
Hysterectomy and Cancer Therapies
Sometimes women may experience menopause early in life. If you are taking treatments for cancer such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy you may experience hot flashes during treatment. Also, a total hysterectomy--a surgery removing your uterus and ovaries--will cause you to start menopause immediately. Women sometimes need this surgery done for other serious diseases that they may have.
Seek Medical Attention
"It's important to see your doctor during the years leading up to menopause, and the years after menopause, for preventive health care as well as care of medical conditions that may occur with aging," says Mayoclinic.com. You want to seek the best treatments possible, easing the symptoms your body is going through. Hormone therapy is a great treatment for the symptoms occurring in your body, such as hot flashes. For chin and facial hair removal there are many options to consider. A very effective method is electrolysis and laser removal. And, for temporary and immediate results, women often use topical creams and waxing.
