1. The End of the Reproductive Years
At one time, many women mistakenly considered menopause to be the end of life, but it's actually only the end of the reproductive years. Today most women live 30 years or more beyond menopause. Although it does herald the end of the childbearing years, it can also be a time of rejuvenation and rediscovery for many healthy women. You can better prepare for this phase of your life by understanding and preparing for the different stages of menopause.
2. Premature Menopause
When menopause occurs before the age of 40, it's premature. Some of the causes are surgical removal of the ovaries, autoimmune disease, chemotherapy and radiation or a genetic predisposition. The decrease in estrogen produces menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, irregular or missed periods, or periods that may be heavier or lighter than usual. Other symptoms may include mood swings, dry skin, decrease in sex drive, vaginal dryness and a possible increase in bladder infections. If you suspect you're experiencing premature menopause, discuss your options with your health care provider. With surgical menopause, the sudden loss of estrogen may cause dramatic symptoms, and you may want to consider temporarily using hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
3. Not Quite Menopause
Perimenopause refers to the 2 to 8 years leading up to menopause, and the first year after your final menstrual cycle. Although not all women will experience the same symptoms, it's important to be aware of the changes that may occur. Gradually progesterone levels begin to decline and estrogen begins to dominate, possibly causing heavy, irregular and longer lasting periods, along with the other symptoms associated with menopause. This is the time to assess all aspects of health, fitness and nutrition in relation to your lifestyle, to ensure optimum health in the years following perimenopause.
4. It's Finally Menopause!
It isn't menopause until you've gone a full 12 months without a period, and for most women this normally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Along with the more common symptoms of menopause, many women may experience depression and anxiety due to hormonal changes, and stress associated with the aging process. In the past, menopausal symptoms were treated with HRT, but with their safety being questioned, many women are choosing more natural ways to deal with this transitional stage of their lives. Alternative treatments include natural food supplements such as dong quai, soy and black cohosh.
5. Menopause Doesn't Last Forever
After you've gone a full 12 months without a period, you've survived menopause and are in the postmenopausal stage of your life. As your body adjusts to the decrease in hormone levels, the hot flashes and mood swings will diminish. Since you're more vulnerable to heart disease and osteoporosis after menopause, it's important to continue to get regular health exams. This is the time to reinforce good habits, which include a healthful diet, plenty of exercise and fresh air combined with adequate relaxation and rest.
