Menopause

It is important to realize that the start of menopause is exactly what it has been called for years: a change of life. For years, women have dreaded and even feared what they refer to as "the change" and at one point it was almost considered as an illness or something to be ashamed of. This is no longer the case if women are properly educated to all the facts about menopause, pre-menopause and perimenopause. It can truly be a change of life, but a wonderful change to a better and more fulfilling life.

The age for menopause is anywhere from 45 to 52 years of age. This, of course, can vary with each woman. Pre-menopause can start for a woman as early as her thirties. This can be very frightening for a woman and many times, she believes she is truly ill. The symptoms, from hormonal changes in the body, will come on very gradually and are perfectly natural. Hot flashes, weight gain, and night sweats are usually the first symptoms.

Whereas pre-menopause can begin many years before menopause, perimenopause usually begins a year or two before menopause. By this stage, a woman has an idea that she is about to begin menopause. Finding a good, knowledgeable and sympathetic doctor can make all the difference on how you deal with the ever-changing parts of your body.

Years ago, many doctors did not fully understand menopause and the result was many women felt they were no longer important in their role as a woman. Many women find it easier to discuss this with a female because she will understand more than a man. Thankfully, today there are many more female physicians available to help a woman understand what is happening and it is vital that all women recognize the symptoms so they can seek help for them, if needed.

Some woman will go right into menopause with hardly any pre-menopause symptoms, while others struggle to get past all the changes they experience. Although depression is the last on the list of symptoms above, perhaps it should have been first. It is one symptom that, if not understood, can bring on other more serious problems. Because some of these symptoms may last for a few years, it's important to understand why they are happening. Understanding what is happening and realizing it's a natural part of life will make the whole transition much easier.

There are many helpful options available for treating early menopause symptoms, such as hormonal replacement therapies, counseling, herbal medicines and literature just to name a few. The list is almost endless. As important as it is to understand what is about to happen, it is more important and wonderful if you have a wealth of family and friends who understand as well.

Effects Of Early Menopause |