Menopause Menopause
is the time in a woman’s life when her menstrual period stops. With menopause,
the body begins making less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This is
usually between the ages of 45 and 55. A woman has entered menopause when she
has not had a period for 12 months with no other cause for this change. You will
begin having symptoms from the changes in your body. Symptoms can cause
discomfort. Women may need to see their doctor to discuss options and help
you make the best treatment choices.
Some
women may not have any symptoms other than no menstrual cycle. But the closer
a woman gets to menopause, other symptoms may begin from the change in hormones.
These include abnormal bleeding, hair loss, hot flashes, night sweats, thinning
of the vagina, thinning of the bones, mood swings, irritability, depression, incontinence,
loss of concentration, memory loss, sexual disinterest, and weight gain.
If
you are having any of these symptoms, and they effect your quality of life, you
should discuss them with your doctor. If treatment is needed, your doctor
can work with you to find the right one.
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