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Sometime during her life, a woman will go
through menopause. Normally it will happen when she is between 50 and
54, but it can occur when she's younger or older. Menopause means that a
woman's ovaries are shutting down and will stop producing estrogen and
progesterone. Menstruation will diminish, and will stop altogether when the
ovaries quit functioning.
Menopause is a normal part of aging and happens to all women. If for some
reason, a woman has to have her ovaries surgically removed, she will go into
early menopause. If her uterus is removed and not her ovaries, she won't
have menopausal symptoms yet. This is because her ovaries will still be
making estrogen and progesterone.
At the onset women don't generally experience symptoms. Over time, as the
ovaries produce less of the hormones, the monthly cycle will be affected.
One month she may experience heavy menstruation and the next month she may
only have a couple of days of spotting.
Here are some signals to watch for:
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hot flashes
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crankiness
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unusual sweating
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sleep disturbance
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vaginal dryness, often leading to
uncomfortable sex and/ or urination
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mood swings that may include depression
and/ or anger
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unwanted hair on the face, chest, arms,
and stomach
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trouble concentrating and remembering
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low frustration level within her whole
mood.
There are many things that a woman can do
to ease the way her body reacts to menopause. One of the best things that a
woman can do is to be as well informed about menopause as she can. The more
information that a woman has the better she will be able to understand what
is happening, therefore not feeling so alone in the changes that are taking
place in her body.
Eating well-balanced meals and keeping up with her exercise can be among the
most positive approaches she can take. Taking charge of her own body,
including good nutrition, will help her experience minimal symptoms. She
should also
consider vitamins and minerals in the form of supplements. Any woman,
who has a great deal of difficulty during menopause, may want to consider
hormone replacement therapy. It's always vital to stay in touch with
her doctor throughout menopause. That way any other changes not related to
menopause won't be missed. Some women may want to seek out a support group.
It's always helpful to have contact with people experiencing the same life
conditions as you.
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