Coping with Menopause
When discussing this topic, the first important note to make is that menopause is a normal, biological process that nearly every woman will experience. It is not a disease, and should not be treated as such. This time of a woman’s life can occur anywhere from the age of 30 to 60 years, but the most common time for menopause to begin is when a woman hits her 40’s or 50’s. Menopause prior to the age of 40 is considered early or premature menopause, depending upon the cause.
The majority of women will begin to notice the symptoms of this life change when they hit the middle-age, and for some these symptoms will continue for a number of years. Others will see the process go by fairly quickly, and may not experience as many of the symptoms. If you are beginning to notice that irregular periods, hot flashes and difficulty sleeping are making an appearance in your life, it may be time to discover some methods for coping with your menopause.
Symptoms to Look for
There are a number of symptoms that can accompany this life process, the most common of which is irregular periods. You may notice that your menstrual cycles become lighter or heavier, or that you begin to have them less frequently. Keep in mind during this time that you can still become pregnant if you are continuing to have periods, no matter how irregular they might be. While ovulation has become less frequent during this time of life, it is still a possibility. Until you have gone a full year without a menstrual period, it is a good idea to continue to use contraception.
Another common symptom of menopause is hot flashes, or night sweats, and these are thought to be caused by the changes to the body that are taking place due to the drop in estrogen levels. A hot flash is described by many women as a feeling of warmth that spreads over the body, with the most intense heat felt in the head and chest area. You may get flushed or perspire heavily during a hot flash, which can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Night sweats occur when you awaken in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat. This symptom of menopause can disrupt your sleep patterns, making you more tired and irritable during the day.
While the most common symptoms of menopause can be difficult for some women to deal with, the good news is that there are treatments available to make this phase of life a bit more comfortable to grapple with. If you suspect that symptoms of menopause have begun, talk to your doctor today about your options in dealing with this important time of life.
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