subject: Menopause And How It Effects Women [print this page] Menopause, although troubling and difficult to deal with, is a completely natural and expected part of a woman's life. As women age, this biological change is something that can be expected. Most women have trouble dealing with the change, often succumbing to feelings of sadness, depression, and the loss of one's youth and fertility. It is important to understand that the shift is completely normal, natural, and is not an illness.
The typical definition of menopause is the body's end to the menstruation cycle. In turn, this means the end of a woman's ability to bear children. It's usually defined as beginning one year, or twelve months, after the final period. A completely normal part of the aging process, the ovaries will shut down. As this happens, the production of hormones like estrogen will cease, leading to extreme bodily changes.
There is no real date to expect this event to begin occurring, but it typically begins around the age of 51, being officially diagnosed as menopause twelve months after the last period. There are many changes that will begin manifesting in the body, accompanied by a slew of symptoms that can make daily life difficult.
A couple of very common symptom that most women endure are termed "hot flashes, " and "night sweats." These events are known as the sudden feeling of intense heat, the sensation of "flushing, " and sweating. During the day, this occurrence is known as hot flashes, while at night is is called night sweats, but are essentially the same thing.
Mood swings are often one of the most difficult parts of this for both sufferers and those around the person. While the body begins the end of it's estrogen and progesterone production due to failing ovaries, the woman will report easily triggered, and highly emotional, responses of emotions of every kind.
There are many other symptoms that are very common with menopause. These include an increase of tension and migraine headaches, as well as insomnia, or trouble sleeping. Also common is weight gain, due to lower metabolism, and extreme fatigue and vaginal dryness.
The emotional and psychological problems associated with this are also very difficult to deal with. Many women equate this with getting older, and find it extremely difficult to deal with the fact that they no longer can bear children. Many women associate this end of fertility with the end of their sexuality, which is not the case. If you find yourself depressed with difficulties dealing with this change, it might be ideal to undergo therapy sessions or take part in support groups.
You will need no medical treatment regarding menopause, because it is not an illness. Being in no danger, however, doesn't make the issue any easier to cope with. Women often seek relief with hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and various prescription drugs aimed at helping the sufferer. You cannot stop this process, or even slow it down, so the only reaction is alleviating the problem. Many psychologists recommend a positive attitude and a gradual acceptance of the changes in the body as a new adventure, not the end of your life.
