Menopause
Menopause marks the permanent end of menstruation and fertility. A woman has officially reached menopause when she has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. But the change begins long before a woman experiences her last period.
Perimenopause
A woman in her 40s may begin to notice irregularities in her menstrual cycle (shorter, longer, heavier or lighter) as the hormones that once prepared her body for pregnancy begin to wane. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause or premenopause. This transition period can last five years or longer. While it's possible to become pregnant during perimenopause, it is highly unlikely. The average age at menopause is 51.
Common Symptoms
According to Harvard Health Publications, somewhere between 35 and 50% of perimenopausal women experience hot flashes. These abrupt waves of intense body heat usually begin in the face, neck or chest and persist for 5 to 10 minutes. A woman may also have bouts of insomnia in the years leading up to menopause. It is not uncommon to experience fatigue, weight gain, moodiness or depression.
Hormone Replacement
Menopause is a perfectly normal stage of a woman's life and doesn't require medical treatment. However, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help diminish many of its uncomfortable symptoms. Estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment option for relieving hot flashes. Your doctor will determine whether HRT is appropriate based on your personal and family medical history.
Postmenopause
The decline in estrogen levels places a postmenopausal woman at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. However, taking part in regular physical activity and eating a nutritious diet that limits saturated fats can help maintain heart health. A menopausal woman is also more likely to suffer from incontinence (involuntary urination) since the vaginal and urethra tissues have lost elasticity.
Osteoporosis
It is common for a woman to lose bone density at an accelerated rate during the first few years after menopause. This increases the risk of osteoporosis which causes bones to become brittle and fragile and increases the risk of fractures. Postmenopausal women are particularly vulnerable to hip, wrist and spine fractures. The Mayo Clinic recommends that postmenopausal women get approximately 1,400 milligrams of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D daily to help guard against osteoporosis.
