by Diane Quinn

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: May 06, 2009

For modern women, menopause is out of the closet and has become a very manageable time in a woman's life. Although previous generations suffered in silence with little or no help from the medical world, today knowledge has replaced shame. Answers to troubling questions and sensitive concerns are now every woman's right of passage.

What is menopause? It is the time when a woman ceases to have any menstrual period for at least a year. Menopausal symptoms occur when hormonal levels are out of balance, and specifically, estrogen levels drop. This passage happens slowly over a period of years.

Perimenopause: The First Stage

For women who experience side effects due to hormonal changes, sometimes even in their late 30's and early 40's, perimenopause is often the cause. The symptoms often mimic those of full blown menopause. Because it is possible to become pregnant during perimenopause, when symptoms occur, it is important to check with your doctor to rule out other medical conditions.

Menopause

Menopause usually occurs naturally, but 25 percent of American women enter menopause due to a hysterectomy. Whether naturally or through surgery, the symptoms remain the same. Here are the most common:

>Hot flashes and night sweats.

>Sleep disorders such as insomnia.

>Mood swings, irritability, depression.

>Decreased libido, vaginal dryness Fuzzy thinking, decreased memory and attention.

>Increased food cravings, weight gain, and difficulty controlling blood sugar.

>Breast tenderness, cysts or nipple discharge

>Hair loss, unwanted facial hair, dry eyes, skin, hair or midlife acne.

There are easy, non-drug related practices to assist managing menopause symptoms. Dress in layers and determine what triggers your hot flashes such as hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol and a warm room or bed.

Vaginal dryness can be improved with water based vaginal lubricants or moisturizes. Staying sexually active keeps the vagina naturally lubricated.

To promote better sleep avoid caffeine. Relaxation techniques can also help. Eat a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, whole grains with limited fats and sugar. Regular exercise with at least 30-minutes of moderate aerobic movement is recommended.

Check with your doctor for regular exams, and by all means, avoid the use of menopause diet pills.

With accurate information, every woman can navigate her own passage through menopause and turn these years into the most dynamic of her life.

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