Menopause The Issues
Menopause commonly occurs when a women stops ovulating and her
periods ceases. Most women reach menopause between 45 and 55 ,
with an average age around 50. But some reach it before 40,
which is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian
failure.
The first thing to note about menopausal symptoms is that there
is a surprisingly long list of them, and that no list is really
comprehensive, because every woman experiences menopausal
symptoms in an individual way. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood
swings, a decline in libido and changes in the menstrual cycle
are very common menopausal symptoms, but there are many others.
Some very fortunate women experience these symptoms only mildly,
or not at all, while for others the menopause phase can prove a
very challenging stage in life
Emotional and mental symptoms are also very common, and can be
very distressing. These may include mood swings, depression,
irritability, difficulties in concentrating, mental confusion
and memory problems.
A decline in libido is another very common menopause symptom.
This may be exacerbated by vaginal dryness, and a thinning of
the skin around the cervix, which can make intercourse
uncomfortable.
Hormone Replacement Therapy HRT has been the standard of care
for menopause for women since the 70's. In fact, more than 47
million women every year receive prescriptions for this
treatment. However, in recent years this form of treatment has
come under attack as it is being thought that it causes an
increase in heart disease.
For women who are fearful of HRT as a course of treatment for
menopause, there are other means of treatment. The most popular
forms of alternative treatment involve the use of plants and
vitamins to suppress the symptoms of menopause.