The 4 Menopause Information Facts You Need to Know!

Menopause is the permanent termination of menstruation and fertility. This stage begins when a woman has her last period. Menopause can be defined by 12 consecutive period-free months. At this stage, ovaries no longer produce eggs as hormone production stops, and common changes become noticeable - including vaginal dryness and loss of sex drive.

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life. The menopausal process occurs in four stages: pre-menopause, perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause.

Pre-menopause refers to a woman's fertile life, which ranges from her first menstrual period to her last menstrual period. However, the term is often misused to describe the years immediately before menopause (perimenopause) and also to describe premature menopause.

Perimenopause encompasses the years preceding menopause. It describes the length of time when your periods are becoming lighter or heavier. When discussing menopause, most women refer to perimenopause because its during this stage that the hormone levels change and levels of estrogen decline. As ovarian production decreases, the follicle stimulating hormone (or FSH) increases, triggering symptoms like hot flashes, headaches, memory problems, acne, and mood swings.

Perimenopause typically takes place between 45- and 60-years-of-age and can span a 2- to 10-year period of time. Early signs of perimenopause usually occur in a woman's mid-40s. Women who experience early menopause typically follow their mother's pattern.

4 Menopause Information Facts

Menopause Information Fact # 1 - Do all women experience menopause in the same way? No. Menopause experiences are different among individual women, and also among women in different cultures, and in different parts of the world. Research has shown that women's experience of menopause can be related to many things including: genetics, diet, lifestyle, and social and cultural attitudes toward older women.

Menopause Information Fact # 2 - Diet and exercise are pertinent during menopause, as inactivity can heighten the risk of weight gain, heart disease, and osteoporosis. The female hormone, estrogen, protects your heart and bones. When it drops rapidly, you will need to consciously work to compensate for its loss by adopting a healthy diet, an active lifestyle complimented with physical exercise, and by consulting your doctor concerning hormone replacement therapy.

Menopause Information Fact # 3 - To lessen menopausal sickness and lower cholesterol levels, menopausal women should consume foods that are high in plant estrogens. Ideal sources are soy products, lima beans, celery, nuts, seeds, fennel, parsley, and flaxseed oil.

In addition, adding vitamins C, D or E, herbal supplements, low-fat and high-fiber foods such as fruits, green vegetables and whole grains, will help energize your body and ease hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia and uncomfortable bloating. Lastly, lean protein such as chicken and fish can help you to lose weight. Eating five small meals instead of three large ones per day is recommended to keep your blood sugar and metabolism levels even throughout the day.

Menopause Information Fact # 4 - Because of the nature of early or premature menopause, a woman will experience another level of emotional reaction to her situation than someone who comes to menopause in due, natural course. As well, if disease or the treatment that is prescribed has contributed to the onset of early menopause, the individual's situation is that much more challenging. Psychological issues will likely need as much attention as the physical. Be as kind to yourself as possible. Seek support. Accept help and comfort whenever offered. Breathe.

In summary:

1. How will I know when perimenopause is over and full menopause has settled in? Menopause is considered to be in full effect when you cease to have a period for 12 consecutive months.

2. Will all my perimenopause symptoms disappear when I am in full menopause? No. The experience of menopause is not so cut and dry.

3. What is the single most important thing for me to do? Cultivate an accepting attitude. Menopause is a natural aging process that all women go through. The more you allow these changes to take place, the easier it will be on you. Try not to use menopause as an excuse for bad behavior.