Nature's Way | Health Conditions

Understanding Menopause


•		An Introduction to Menopause
•		Tips for Living with Menopause

An Introduction to Menopause


•		Menopause is a time in a woman's life when the ovaries naturally stop producing eggs as well as the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. This ends menstrual periods and fertility.

•		Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

•		A woman is said to have reached menopause if she hasn't had a period for 12 months.

Signs and Symptoms

Women experience menopause differently. Some have few discomforts while others experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms can begin years before your menstrual period actually ends. This transitional stage is known as perimenopause.

Common symptoms include:

•		Changes in periods. Menstrual bleeding may be shorter or longer, heavier or lighter, occur more frequently or get farther and farther apart before stopping.

•		Hot flashes, when a warm sensation spreads over your body from 30 seconds to several minutes - Most women have hot flashes for an average of 5 years. - Hot flashes are more common at night, causing night sweats and disrupting sleep.

•		Vaginal symptoms: thinner, drier and less elastic vaginal lining as oestrogen levels fall. This leads to dryness, irritation, itching or painful intercourse.

•		Urinary symptoms: leakage of urine, the urge to urinate more often and more frequent urinary tract infections

•		Emotional and cognitive symptoms: mood swings, fatigue, memory problems, irritability and/or depression

•		Other health problems affecting skin, blood vessels, heart, bones and breasts - Without oestrogen, the bones are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis. This causes the bones to weaken. - The risk of heart disease also increases after menopause.

More about Women's Health Conditions: Menopause
•		Tips for Living with Menopause
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