Are you or a loved one approaching the time of life many women fear -- menopause? If so, you probably have questions about this sensitive subject.
Here are 6 answers to help you go through menopause as comfortably as possible:
1. Why is menopause a puzzling time of life?
Before reaching the change of life, many women don't know what to expect. That can be scary! There are horror stories floating around that can make women unnecessarily apprehensive, but you need to know that menopause is a normal part of your journey through life.
2. At about what age does menopause begin?
Most women cease having periods between the ages of 45 to 55. However, menopause can be induced earlier by surgery.
3. What are some of the symptoms?
During the early stages of menopause, called perimenopause, a woman's menstrual cycle becomes irregular. When menopause has been completed, a woman no longer has periods at all. One of the most widespread symptoms of menopause is hot flashes and a high percentage of menopausal women have them. Some women experience feelings of depression while they are going through menopause and mood swings can accompany the change of life.
4. What about hair loss during and after menopause?
Hair loss sometimes occurs to some women with the aging process. This is one of the most distressing side effects of menopause. However, there are a lot of women who don't lose their hair during this transitional period in their lives. Some women have higher levels of the hormones that cause hair thinning. If you are experiencing hair loss, you should check with your doctor about treatment options.
5. Are there any special nutrition recommendations for women going through menopause?
You might want to consider adding soy products to your diet to assist your estrogen levels. Be sure to get enough vitamin A to help your skin and hair to be as healthy as possible. Health food stores offer a variety of herbal extracts to help with menopausal symptoms.
6. What medical help is available while you're going through menopause?
Your doctor may prescribe treatment options to help lessen disturbing side effects of the change of life.
A combination of estrogen and progestin may be recommended by your doctor -- if you don't have a history of breast cancer in your family. There are treatments to help you if you are suffering from hot flashes that disturb your sleep and other symptoms as well
Although cessation of menstruation can be a puzzling time dreaded by many women, there are a number of advantages to this period of your life's story. It's a new chapter opening before you! You will probably be able to enjoy greater freedom than ever before to pursue interests you could not pursue before because of family responsibilities. Why not investigate new opportunities and challenges in this new chapter of your life!
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fainting every month during menopause be ...
By: Dianne arscott | 12-09-2008
Can fainting every month during menopause be serious
Menopause symptoms
By: Doris | 08-09-2008
What is the best drug for menopausal symptoms? I have hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, and iratibility that has chnged me from a happy person to a moody witch. Dr. Started me on vyvanse (add?), THEN ADDED WELLBUTRIN, NOW ADDED CLIMARA....Hate all these drugs but hate feeling this way worse.....
Egg retrieval
By: Angellafrancis | 25-08-2008
?can eggs be retrieved from a woman in menopause?.
Menopause
By: Raye | 21-08-2008
I need an over the counter med that will help with my menopause symptoms?
Help me, someone!
By: sheckett | 16-08-2008
I stopped taking my premarin 5 days ago and I am having terrible migraine headaches> I also had migraines on it!!
I was not taking it everyday and cut back gradually! I think? I am vomiting, which is typical for me with migraines! I am so confused as to what to do??
I am 52 years old and miserable! Someone help me!
Kim
Hormone q
By: lesley | 16-08-2008
my dr has put me on estrogen-methyltestos h.s after ovarian cancer and hystrecatomy level 1 stage 1 incapsolated im having mild abd pain and weight gain 10 lbs in 5 weeks ok or not
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