Symptoms of Menopause

Women & men both face a variety of health conditions as they age. However, there are specific illnesses & disorders that can only affect women for biological reasons. A woman's body responds to aging dramatically with menopause while a man's body responds more gradually.

Menopause is a point in time - 12 months after a woman's last period. The years leading up to that point, when a woman may have changes in her monthly cycles, hot flashes or other symptoms, is called the menopausal transition or Perimenopause. The perimenopause most often begins between ages 45 & 55. It usually lasts about 7 years but can last as long as 14 years. During the perimenopause, body's production of estrogen & progesterone (ovarian hormones) varies greatly.

Bones become less dense, making the woman more vulnerable to fractures. During this period, the body begins to use energy differently; fat cells change & a woman may gain weight more easily. After menopause, the woman enters post-menopause. A post-menopausal woman is more vulnerable to heart disease & osteoporosis. At this time, it is important for her to eat a healthy diet & make sure she gets all the appropriate nutrients.

• Perimenopause: Perimenopause is the phase before menopause; when ovarian hormone production is declining & fluctuating thereby causing host of symptoms.
• Menopause: Menopause is defined as the permanent end of menstruation & fertility. (Ovaries stop producing estrogen)
• Surgical Menopause: Surgical Menopause is when the ovaries are removed prior to natural menopause. This causes a sudden & permanent drop of ovarian hormones. In surgical menopause, the symptoms may commence very quickly & often they are intense.

Perimenopausal Symptoms:

• Hot flushes, day & night sweats
• Skin atrophy
• Vaginal dryness, recurrent urinary tract infections
• Urinary incontinence
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Forgetfulness
• Poor concentration
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Mood swings

 Post-Menopausal Risk:

• Osteopenia
• Osteoporosis
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Cognitive Impairment