Menopause can be difficult for many women to deal with, primarily because of the various symptoms that go along with it. There are a variety of symptoms, which are common, including night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, and sometimes changes in sexual behavior. These symptoms can vary, and can be either mild, or quite severe. The most common age for menopause to begin is generally between the ages of 48 and 55.
When a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, this is when menopause occurs. Hormonal changes in the body bring on the various symptoms of menopause, some of which are physical in nature, while others can bring emotional changes. If a woman starts to experience irregular periods that vary between a heavy and light flow, or other symptoms such as hot flashes occur, this can be an indication that menopause is about to begin. Perimenopause is the term that is used to describe the transitional stage that precedes actual menopause. Perimenopause is common between the ages of 40 and 45. Some women do experience perimenopause earlier, and it might even start as early as age 35.
There may be some factors in a woman’s life that can cause the onset of menopause to occur earlier than normal. The environmental toxins that are present are sometimes thought to be a cause, as is stress, and smoking. Studies have shown that smoking often brings on perimenopause at least two or three years earlier than normal.
The hot flashes and night sweats that many women experience can be quite uncomfortable. These are triggered by hormonal changes, and can cause sleeping problems. Menopause and its symptoms can also cause a good deal of stress, especially if the symptoms are especially severe. Many women also experience changes in their libido level. This can sometimes be caused by the fact that intercourse becomes somewhat painful because the hormone changes in the body’s level of estrogen can make the vagina dry or irritated. This can reduce a woman’s desire for sex. A woman’s mood swings, which often increase during menopause, can also factor into their desire for sex.
Menopause is part of the natural aging process, and as such, there is not a specific treatment that is always needed or recommended. If a woman has especially pronounced symptoms, there are certain types of medications that can be helpful. Many women deal with menopause simply by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and finding ways to reduce their stress levels and symptoms without any type of medication. Many women find that light exercise can be beneficial, not only because of the physical benefits of exercise but also as a way of improving their mood and reducing stress levels.
To deal with severe symptoms, doctors often prescribe hormone replacement drugs. These drugs are effective for many women, but do have the possibility of side effects, including water retention or the increase in certain types of symptoms. There are both synthetic and natural hormone treatments available, which a woman can discuss with her doctor if she feels they might be beneficial for her.
This author writes about a variety of health topics and is especially interested in women’s health issues including menopause and perimenopause. Please visit Signs of Menopause Guide for additional information.
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