Menopause, Hormones & Emotions

Menopause is the end of the menstrual cycle in women. Although some people think of it as an illness, it is a naturally occurring condition. It will usually occur in women between the ages of 40 and 50 years old. The average age is 52. Menopause is also known as the big life change for woman.

Symptoms

• Knowing that you reached menopause might be a little anticlimactic in terms of it being called the big life change. You haven't reached menopause until you no longer have a period or menstrual cycle for more than 12 months.

  You menopause may be characterized by any of the following conditions: irregular periods, infertility, dryness in the vaginal region, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood fluctuations, extra belly fat, hair thinning and breast not feeling as full.

Causes

• There are four known causes for menopause. The most known cause is naturally occurring menopause due to age. Another cause for menopause is a total hysterectomy or a removal of the uterus and ovaries. In this case menopause will occur immediately after the surgery.

  The cancer therapies of chemotherapy or radiation therapy can induce menopause in some women. It takes about three to six months for any signs to appear.

  Lastly, according to the Mayo Clinic, primary ovarian insufficiency causes menopause in almost 1 percent of women under the age of 40. It is suspected to be related to an autoimmune or genetic disorder, but it is not definitely known what causes the ovaries to start under producing hormones or begin to shut down.

Complications

• Menopause has been known to lead to complications in women after it occurs. It has been linked to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence and weight gain.

Treatments

• The condition of menopause itself does not require treatment. Hot flashes are one of the biggest problems with menopausal women. Some choices for treatment depending upon your history range from hormone therapy to low-dose antidepressants. If these are not suitable for you, there are other choices, such as neurotin, that may have unpleasant side effects. Discuss with your doctor the treatment you agree might work best for you.

Hormonal Changes

• When menopause occurs the hormone estrogen is no longer produced. Since it is vital substance in women it does change the way your body works. You will feel differently physically and may need replacement therapy to ease your body reactions to not having the hormone.

Emotional Changes

• Menopause can cause many women to have mood swings on a daily basis. Some women feel less like a woman and fall into a depressed state. It is important to realize that you are not alone in menopause; there are support groups in many cities where you can meet with others who have similar experiences and can help you develop ways to deal with the changes that have occurred.