What to Expect When Going Through Menopause

Many women dread the idea of oncoming menopause, but it is completely manageable with the right information and treatment.

Menopause is scientifically described as the permanent cessation of the primary functions of the ovaries, meaning the woman no longer ovulates. Menopause typically occurs during the late 40's or early 50's, representing the end of the woman's fertile years. Menopause itself occurs when a series of natural biological changes cause the ovaries to stop producing the hormone estrogen. Menopause can occur naturally or as a result of a hysterectomy.

Hysterectomies cause what is called surgical menopause. Surgical menopause is slightly different from natural menopause. With both types of menopause, women experience hot flashes; night sweats, irritability, mood swings, and decreased sex drive. Symptoms of surgical menopause are typically more severe, but are dependent on the individual woman.

Natural menopause is broken into three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause. Preimenopause occurs when estrogen production begins to slow. Women experiencing preimenopuase have symptoms such as erratic periods, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. This stage usually occurs during the late 40's.

Menopause is characterized as the passing of the final menstrual period. After a full year of no menstrual activity, a woman is considered to have gone completely through menopause. Postmenopausal is the final stage of life after the final period.

There are also many health implications that increase after menopause. Women that have gone through menopause are at a much higher risk of developing osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, and coronary artery disease.

Though menopause is unavoidable, there are some types of treatments that make it much more manageable. Hormone replacement therapy is a form of treatment given to women that have received a surgical hysterectomy. These hormones help the body continue to produce estrogen and delay t he onset of menopause. Hormone therapy usually consists of progestin and estrogen. Hormone therapy was first developed as a tablet, but is now available as a gel patch, skin spray, and implant. Hormone therapy relieves patients from hot flashes, vaginal dryness; improve sleep quality and joint pain. It is also extremely effective in preventing bone loss and osteoporotic fractures.

Tibolone is a non-hormonal therapy that has also been proven to aid against hot flashes and some pharmaceutical relief. Tibolone is a popular alternative to hormone therapy and is a natural ingredient in Mexican yams. With these treatments women are able to effectively manage menopause and continue living life in a normal manner.