The menopause transition has enormous health implications for women. Menopause has a large impact on cardiovascular health, bone mass, cancer risk and cognitive function. Menopause is a normal event defined as not having a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Menopause is associated with reduced functioning of the ovaries due to aging, resulting in lower levels of estrogen and other hormones. It marks the permanent end of fertility.

When Women Experience Menopause

All women experience menopause, but each in a unique way. Most women go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. In the United States the average age for menstrual periods to stop is 51.

Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause. Perimenopausal changes are brought on by changing levels of ovarian hormones. It can last 6 years or more and ends 1 year after the final menstrual period.

Hormonal changes can cause physical and psychological symptoms before and during menopause. Symptoms may occur for a few weeks, a few months, several years, or not at all. The symptoms may come and go, or they may occur regularly.

These physical signs and symptoms are common during menopause:

• Irregular menstrual periods
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Changes in your sleep patterns
• Headaches
• Muscle and joint pain
• Dry skin
• Palpitations (awareness of a fast or irregular heartbeat)
• Loss of desire for sex
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Vaginal dryness

Menopause usually occurs at a time in your life when other dramatic changes take place. Some of these include aging parents, loss of parents, adjustment to children growing up and leaving home, becoming a grandparent, retirement or career changes. These changes in addition to the changes in your body, may result in psychological or emotional stress.

Psychological symptoms of menopause may include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Tearfulness and irritability
• Sleeplessness
• Less desire for sex
• Memory issues
• Lack of concentration

Menopause-related discomforts can often be reduced with lifestyle changes, such as exercise, diet modification, weight management, and stopping smoking. Menopause presents an ideal time to evaluate personal health and improve health practices. A healthy lifestyle can contribute significantly to improved well-being, not only around menopause but throughout life.

3/6/2009