Monday, January 26, 2009

How to Tell If You're Going Through Menopause

By Sarah Duke

Approximately 70 percent of women who are nearing menopause experience noticeable symptoms. Menopause symptoms are a result of changing hormonal levels. This is in preparation for the shutdown of the female reproduction system. As hormone production decreases, most women will start to have symptoms even if their periods haven't stopped.

Women generally begin to experience the first signs of menopause anywhere between their late 30s and early 40s. At this age, women's bodies start to produce less estrogen and progesterone. This stage of menopause is known as perimenopause.

The ovaries gradually stop releasing eggs, so ovulation becomes irregular. A woman's body is no longer as fertile as it was so it will be more difficult to become pregnant. Also, there are more risks involved in becoming pregnant at this stage of life.

One of the early symptoms of menopause is an irregular period. The flow will be either considerably lighter or heavier than it has been historically.

Another indication of menopause is mood swings. This condition might require prescription medications for depression.

As well, women often experience hot flashes. It's a surge of heat throughout the body that appears without warning, frequently during the night. The face will become red and she will break out in a sweat.

Excess abdominal fat and sleeping disorders are also signs of menopause. Exhaustion and depression are often the result of a sleeping disorder, so get the advice of a doctor to manage the problem.

In a woman's 40s, these symptoms become more pronounced. As she reaches her early 50s, the process is usually complete. Once a woman has made it through a full year without having a period, she has officially reached menopause. Fifty-one is the typical age when this happens.

Most women will experience symptoms through the entire process of menopause. Unfortunately, some women may suffer with them for the rest of their lives.

Menopause is a unique experience for each woman. There are those who are barely aware of the process. Others will have symptoms that disrupt their lives.

If you've noticed any of the symptoms of menopause, you should seek advice from your doctor. They will be able to give you advice on managing your menopausal symptoms. There are numerous ways to ease the symptoms, including pain relievers, lifestyle modification and hormone therapy.

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