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Menopause
marks the end of a woman's fertility
and the cessation of both ovarian
function and menstruation.
Menopause is a normal event in a
woman's life, denoting a natural
transition from the child-bearing
years, to an end of that phase.
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In normal cessation,
when a woman has not had a menstrual
period for 6 to 12 months, she has
reached menopause. During menopause, there is a
declining production of the sex
hormones, estrogen and progesterone. These natural changes in a woman's
body usually occur between the ages
of 45 and 55 years old. Younger
women may also experience menopause
caused by certain medical conditions
or treatments, such as;
the removal of ovaries,
genetic predisposition, or cancer treatments
(chemotherapy or radiation to
the pelvic area).
The first signs of
menopause may begin with
perimenopause, a transitional
stage that can occur for 10 or more
years before actual menopause
begins. Women in their mid to late
thirties and early forties may
experience irregular hormone levels
and symptoms, like occasional bloating
and insomnia, mood swings, and
breast tenderness.
The
long-term health risks associated
with menopause and the decline of
estrogen, may include weight gain,
cardiovascular disease,
osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's
disease. Menopausal women can
effectively manage the majority of symptoms and risk
factors by choosing and developing
lifestyle habits that promote and
maintain proper health. [1-3]
According to the
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), US Department of
Health and Human Services
[1]:
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About 37.5 million
women, ages 40 to 59, are reaching
or are currently at menopause
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The onset of
menopause typically occurs
between the ages of 45 and 55
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A woman has reached menopause when she has not
had a period for 12 consecutive
months
Menopausal
symptoms caused by certain hormonal
imbalances commonly occur around the
ages of 45-55, and can include;
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hot flashes
(flushing in the face, neck, or
chest)
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night sweats
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insomnia
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mood swings
(anxiety and depression)
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muscle and joint
stiffness and pain
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diminished libido
(sexual drive)
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vaginal dryness
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heart palpitations
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water retention
(edema)
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decreased
metabolism leading to weight gain
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bone
demineralization leading to
osteoporosis
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changes in the skin
and hair; leading to skin wrinkling
and loss of tone, hair loss on the
scalp, and hair growth on the face
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increased risk of
cardiovascular disease
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increased risk of
Alzheimer's disease
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Learn More About
Menopause |
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