Menopause – The beginning of the end!

No woman in the world is left unaffected by menopause. However, the way women react to it depends on the culture that they belong to. There is no universality to the condition, but it definitely marks the end of one phase of the woman.

UNDERSTANDING MENOPAUSE

It is of utmost importance that you understand this – Menopause is absolutely normal. It is defined as the final menstruation period. It is generally confirmed after a woman has missed her periods for 12 consecutive months.

This condition is associated with the reduced functioning of the ovaries, which is caused by natural causes such as aging. Lower levels of hormones like estrogen are being produced by the body at this stage. It, thus, marks the end of fertility in a woman. She is no longer of childbearing capacity.

The average age for menopause is around 51. The years between puberty and menopause are dubbed as ‘premenopause’.

MEETING PERIMENOPAUSE

Signs of an impending menopause hit the woman way before the final menstrual period. This transition phase is called ‘Perimenopause’, which literally means ‘around menopause’.

The bad news is that it lasts for 6 years or more, and technically speaking, will end only a year after the final menstrual period.

Perimenopausal women have changed levels of ovarian hormones such as estrogen. Irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes and mood swings are just a few of the subsequent signs.

Quite a few women experience lowered levels of libido and (or) vaginal dryness as a direct effect of this new condition. During this stage, a woman is still capable of conceiving. So if a pregnancy is not desired, it is essential to use a convenient method of contraception; until menopause is reached.

BREAKING AWAY FROM PERIMENOPAUSE

When a woman suspects she is experiencing perimenopause, it’s a good time for her to have a complete medical check up. Look out for a good Menopause practitioner around you; or have your gynecologist refer you to someone he/she knows.

EMBRACE THE CHANGE

When a woman approaches this stage of her life, it’s the apt time for her to start planning a midlife wellness strategy. If she sticks to a certain program that she charts out for herself, she will see the benefits last her through the rest of her life.

Remember, each woman is an expert on her own body. She can have the maximum benefits in her favor when she is well informed. Make responsible, well-informed choices, and lead a healthy lifestyle to waltz the rest of your life away!

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