by Julianna Gwiszcz

Created on: April 28, 2008

What is menopause?
Looking back a generation, menopause was widely considered a taboo topic. While it may be openly discussed today, the term remains contaminated by a host of misrepresented, negative connotations. Family, friends, and coworkers utilize the term to insult females of all ages, calling them "menopausal" whenever they express intense emotion or moodiness. Likewise, men typically lead the way in defacing this very natural and normal female journey by using it as a scapegoat for their own relationship and isolation issues, communication problems, sexual inadequacies and mid-life crises. Menopause is thus equated with instability, pathology, and old age-enough to earn it a bad reputation in any culture.

So then, what is menopause? In a simplistic sense, menopause is directly associated with the end of a women's reproduction period and the consequential "changes" she undergoes physically, emotionally, mentally and even spiritually, before or after her menstrual cycle ceases. Natural menopause and premature menopause make up two main categories. Occurring prior to the age of 40, premature menopause usually results from specific surgery intervention, such as a hysterectomy, or severe damage to the ovaries (WebMD). Natural menopause (beginning after age 40) has three main stages: 1.) peri menopause (few years prior to menopause when estrogen levels drop significantly); 2.) menopause (diagnosed when period has ceased for 12 consecutive months); and 3.) post-menopause (years following menopause when symptoms typically fade, but health risk ensues linked to loss of estrogen).

Symptoms most evident in peri menopausal and menopausal women include: hot flashes; irregular periods; altered sex drives (libido); incontinence (bladder control issues); mood swings; insomnia; depression; joint and muscle pain; accelerated heart rate; and sleep disorder (WebMD, 2008). According to WebMD (2008), it is estimated that only about 70% of women actually experience these dreaded symptoms. Others may only experience one or two symptoms, or none at all. A simple blood test and pap smear is used to detect the onset of menopause by physicians. Associated long-term health risks are those most linked to older age such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and poor muscle tone and function (WebMD, 2008).

While it may not be the most enjoyable period in a female's life, menopause does not need to be such an unbearable and life-shattering experience as portrayed in the public spectrum. All negativity aside, many women have expressed a deep sense of satisfaction and gratification when reflecting on their menopausal days. The key is learning to live with and manage the changes as they come. Hormone replacement therapy, natural vitamins and herbs, prescription drugs and healthy diet and exercise are the most widely recommended care and management methods targeted at treating the disruptive symptoms. In addition, four prominent factors that contribute to more positive outcomes include: preparedness, acceptance, attitude and social support. Menopause can be an enlightening and freeing transformation if addressed appropriately. Many precious resources exist today for women to reach out to medical and social support that have changed the course of menopause for the better.

References
WebMD. (2008). Menopause guide. WebMD.com. Retrieved April 22, 2008.

Learn more about this author, Julianna Gwiszcz.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.