Menopause signals the end of a woman's reproductive life. It is a natural process that results in the ceasing of monthly periods. Menopause is linked to age and is often referred to as "the change of life." Many symptoms occur prior to and at the beginning of menopause. While menopause itself doesn't usually require treatment, relief from many of symptoms may be obtained through medication and relaxation techniques.
Onset
The most common time period for women to enter menopause is from their late forties to early fifties. If menopause begins prior to the late forties, it is considered early menopause. Women often experience early symptoms of menopause prior to its start.
Menstrual Changes
A typical early and defining sign of impending menopause is irregular menstruation. Periods may become late or early and their duration can vary from the schedule a woman is accustomed to. This occurs due to the hormonal changes that govern egg release from the ovaries. Though this is often a sign of menopause, irregular periods can be caused by other factors, including poor nutrition.
Pain
Many women entering the change of life experience discomfort in the form of headaches, body aches and cramps. These painful conditions are cause by hormonal imbalances, as are most menopausal symptoms. Their presence alone, however, can be indicative of a variety of medical conditions.
Emotions
Hormones as well as the mental stress of knowing you are nearing the end of the fertile period of your life can wreak havoc with your emotions. You are likely to suffer from severe mood swings and very often depression. Some women become very angry or irritable, and also frequently lose interest in sexual activity during the time of menopause due to a reduction in estrogen.
Body Issues
A variety of body issues can afflict women just prior to menopause. A woman may experience fluctuations in blood-sugar readings, be susceptible to yeast infections, find her head hair thinning and experience hair growth where she never had it grow before. All of these are due to changes in hormonal levels.
Night Issues
Many women suffer a multiple of "night" issues when entering menopause. Their sleep is disrupted and they may wake up in a sweat. Hot flashes and flushes coupled with water retention can make a good night's sleep difficult to obtain.
Relief
A woman who experiences several of these menopausal symptoms should see her gynecologist to confirm she is beginning to undergo the change. Her physician can advise her concerning the benefits and risks associated with beginning estrogen therapy at this time. She may also prescribe pain relievers and instruct the patient as to methods for coping with her various symptoms.
