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Many women discover that menopause gives them a new lease on life - physically, emotionally, sexually, and spiritually. They are enthusiastic about becoming free of their concerns about pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, some women dread reaching menopause. They feel it is an affliction that will make them unattractive, lonely, helpless, and useless. They may mourn the loss of their fertility and youth. Women may experience a wide range of feelings, from anxiety and discomfort to release and relief. But the truth is that for most women menopause is not about extremes before, during, or after. Most adapt to the changes and continue to live well and healthy through these transitions. DefinitionsSymptomsHot FlashesHormone Replacement TherapyAll-Natural Methods of Controlling MenopauseSex During Mid-LifeLinks
DefinitionsMenopause is the time at "mid-life" when a woman has her last period. It happens when the ovaries stop releasing eggs - usually a gradual process. Sometimes it happens all at once. Perimenopause is the period of gradual changes that lead into menopause. It affects a woman's hormones, body, and feelings. It can be a stop-start process that may take months or years. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
SymptomsAs most women approach menopause, their menstrual periods become irregular - they happen closer together and/or further apart. Other common symptoms include
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Hot FlashesHot flashes are sudden or mild waves of upper body heat that last from 30 seconds to five minutes. They are caused by rapid changes in hormonal levels in the blood. Hot flashes can start with a tingling sensation in the fingers or rapid heart beats. Skin temperatures rapidly rise from the chest to the face and may cause facial redness and sweating. Seventy-five out of 100 women experiencing perimenopause have hot flashes. Half have one each day. Twenty out of 100 women have more than one a day. Ten out of 100 have them up to five years after menopause. They are very uncommon after that. Hot flashes that happen during sleep may include drenching sweats that can soak the bedding. These are called night sweats.
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Hormone Replacement TherapyHormone Replacement Therapy - HRT uses pills, patches, implants, and vaginal creams to restore estrogen and other hormones that decrease during perimenopause and menopause. Testosterone is sometimes used to increase sexual desire. Up to 20 percent of menopausal American women use HRT because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. It is believed that prolonged use of estrogen replacement reduces the risk of hip fracture by nearly 50 percent. Women base their decisions on their individual and family medical histories. Benefits
Risks
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All-Natural Methods of Controlling MenopauseExercise - Aerobic, weight bearing, and stretching exercises are recommended for reducing risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and symptoms of menopause. Diet - A diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat is recommended for overall health benefits. Soy products, foods such as soybeans, tofu, soymilk, and roasted soy nuts, are also recommended. Soy contains phytoestrogens. These plant chemicals are similar to estrogen. Vaginal Products - Over-the-counter creams without estrogen are also available - lubricants for intercourse and moisturizers for dryness. Herbal Treatments - Herbalists recommend herbal tinctures, capsules, and infusions - especially those rich in phytoestrogens. Chinese Medicine - Chinese medicine practitioners recommend acupuncture and herbal treatments to harmonize a person's life energy or Qi (chee). Homeopathy - Homeopaths recommend minute doses of medicines that in larger doses cause symptoms like those of the condition being treated. For example, a remedy made from onions is used to treat colds with symptoms like runny nose and teary eyes. Many women also benefit from counseling during mid-life changes. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
Sex During Mid-LifeSexual desire is often diminished during symptoms of perimenopause, but it is often restored when these conditions subside. After menopause, many women have increased sexual desire because they no longer worry about unintended pregnancy. On the other hand, about one-third lose some of their sex drive. Vaginal dryness and the thinning of genital tissue can lead to discomfort during sexual intercourse and masturbation. Over-the-counter, water- soluble vaginal lubricants may be helpful. Estrogen replacement creams and vaginal rings restore the tissues and are available by prescription. Menopause is nature's original contraceptive. However, menstruation may be unpredictable for some time toward the end of perimenopause. So, it's a good idea to wait a full year after what seems to be the last period before giving up contraceptives. Using the Pill during perimenopause may mask menopause because periodic bleeding will continue. Women who use the Pill can have their hormone levels checked (after stopping the Pill) to find out if menopause has been reached. Remember: Menopause is no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Male or female condoms can reduce the risk of infection during sexual intercourse if you or your sex partner have more than one partner. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGELinksNAMS - The North American Menopause Society
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