as of September 6, 2010
Menopause Corner
OVERVIEW
Menopause is the transition period in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, her body produces less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether.
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
Menopause is a natural event that normally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Once menopause is complete (called postmenopause), you can no longer become pregnant
SYMPTOMS
The potential symptoms include:
-Hot flashes and skin flushing
-Night sweats
-Insomnia
-Mood swings including irritability, depression, and anxiety
-Irregular menstrual periods
-Spotting of blood in between periods
-Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
-Decreased sex drive
-Vaginal infections
-Urinary tract infections
In addition, the long-term effects of menopause include:
-Bone loss and eventual osteoporosis
-Changes in cholesterol levels and greater risk of heart disease
CARE/TREATMENT
Menopause is a natural process. It does not require treatment unless the symptoms, such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness, are particularly bothersome.
One big decision you may face is whether or not to take hormones to relieve your symptoms. Discuss this thoroughly with your doctor, weighing your risks against any possible benefits. Pay careful attention to the many options currently available to you that do not involve taking hormones.
If you have a uterus and decide to take estrogen, you must also take progesterone to prevent endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus). If you do not have a uterus, progesterone is not necessary.
PREVENTION
Menopause is a natural and expected part of a woman's development and does not need to be prevented. However, there are ways to reduce or eliminate some of the symptoms that accompany menopause. You can also reduce your risk of long-term problems like osteoporosis and heart disease.
-DO NOT smoke -- cigarette use can cause early menopause
-Exercise regularly to strengthen your bones, including activity that works with the resistance of gravity
-Take calcium and vitamin D
-Eat a low-fat diet
-If you show early signs of bone loss, talk to your doctor about medications that can help stop further weakening
-Control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease
Real Stories, Expert Advice
Health Corner Videos: Menopause
The Great Life Makeover
Hot flashes, mood swings, a waning libido; they're all part of getting older, right? Not if you've read The Great Life Makeover. Just when most people start to complain about feeling old, Bob and Beverly Kistler say they’re turning back time. They...
Resources
MedlinePlus: Menopause
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
North American Menopause Society
In the News: Menopause
Position Statements About The Post-Reproductive Health Of Women Published By EMAS
Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:00:00 PDT
http://mnt.to/f/3JhG
Elsevier has announced the publication of four important position statements from the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) in the journal Maturitas on common management problems in the post-reproductive health of women. The statements cover the management of the menopause in the context of obesity, epilepsy, endometriosis and premature ovarian failure...
European Menopause And Andropause Society Publishes Four Position Statements About The Post-reproductive Health Of Women
Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:00:00 PDT
http://mnt.to/f/3Jgn
Elsevier announced the publication of four important position statements from the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) in the journal Maturitas on common management problems in the post-reproductive health of women. The statements cover the management of the menopause in the context of obesity, epilepsy, endometriosis and premature ovarian failure...