Menopause Body » Menopause Signs

Menopause Night sweats are one of the signs of menopause

admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 03:24:13 +0000

Many women notice night sweats in their late 40s. Some women experience it earlier, some later. But most of the night sweats started when a women suddenly wakes up in the middle of the nights and notice even though the air conditioner is on, she’d still be covered in sweat. This and along other symptoms, mark the beginning of the menopause. Many women write that this sudden change make them feel old. They were still young women, and the noticeble menopause symptoms mark the beginning of a changing life.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Think about the freedom of not having periods for the rest of your life! No more birth controls. Menopause is actually the half way mark in the women’s life. Other than the fact that you no longer can bear children, you still have years ahead of you. Most of today’s women will live 25 to 30 years, a third of their lives, post menopause.

Don’t underestimate the benefit of exercise during menopause

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:49:01 +0000

Most women notice menopause symptoms in late 40s. During this time, many women have busy lifestyle with children still in the house and aging parents to take care of. Just remember that maintaining an active lifestyle can lower your risk of early death from a variety of causes and help you maintain a healthy weight. The benefit of exercising is sometimes ignored by people who are busy. It can help with your menopause symptoms.

Regular exercise can also improve your mood and help you sleep better at night. Make an exercise plan and stick to it. It is recommended that older adults do 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic physical activity each week. You can also substitute it for 1.5 hour vigorous aerobic physical exercise. Keeping an active exercise schedule might be easier than you think. Even with busy schedule, most women can find 2 hours each week for themselves.

Some women have symptoms before the start of menopause

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:36:10 +0000

Female menopause occurs in women, when they no longer get their period. There is no fixed age for the menopause. It may occur in forties or fifties in women, depending from person to person.

During menopause women undergo a lot of hormonal changes in their body. Some women have symptoms before the start of menopause while others will not have any noticeable changes. Normally during menopause, women have hot flushes especially at night. The body becomes warm and they sweat profusely. Other symptom is vaginal dryness. Doctor will prescribe some lubricants to deal with it. Another symptom is headaches, and depression. They get irritated for no reason at all. Skin become dry and looses its elasticity.

Extra care should be taken by using moisturizers. Women should prepare themselves for menopause. They should remind themselves that they are under going hormonal changes in their body, which causes uneasiness in them.

Women have a tendency to have osteoporosis, in which, their bones become brittle there is a chance of fracturing their bones easily on falling. Calcium supplement is what they need. One should start taking lots of milk once they have the symptoms of menopause.

Menopause and Mental Health

admin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:30:42 +0000

Midlife is often considered a period of increased risk for depression in women. Some women report mood swings, irritability, tearfulness, anxiety, and feelings of despair in the years leading up to menopause. But the reason for these emotional problems isn’t always clear. Research shows that menopausal symptoms such as sleep problems, hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue can affect mood and well-being. The drop in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause might also affect mood. Or it could be a combination of hormone changes and menopausal symptoms.

But changes in mood also can have causes that are unrelated to menopause. If you are having emotional problems that are interfering with your quality of life, it is important to discuss them with your doctor. Talk openly with your doctor about the other things going on in your life that might be adding to your feelings. Other things that could cause feelings of depression and/or anxiety during menopause include:

Having depression before menopause
Feeling negative about menopause and getting older
Increased stress
Having severe menopausal symptoms
Smoking
Not being physically active
Not being happy in your relationship or not being in a relationship
Not having a job
Not having enough money
Having low self-esteem (how you feel about yourself)
Not having the social support you need
Feeling disappointed that you can’t have children anymore

If you need treatment for these symptoms, you and your doctor can work together to find a treatment that is best for you. Depression during perimenopause and menopause is treated in much the same way as depression that strikes at any other time life. If your mood is affecting your quality of life, here are a few things you can do:

Try to get enough sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same times every day. Keep you room cool and dark. Use your bed only for sleeping and sex. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, large meals, or physical activity before bed.
Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
Set limits for yourself, and look for positive ways to unwind and ease daily stress. Try relaxation techniques, reading a book, or spending some quiet time outdoors.
Talk to your friends who are in perimenopause or menopause or go to a support group for women who are going through the same thing as you. You also can get counseling to talk through your problems and fears.
Ask your doctor about therapy or medicines. Menopausal hormone therapy can reduce symptoms that might be causing your moodiness. Antidepressants might also help.

Source: http://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/mental/

What is Menopause?

admin — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:19:25 +0000

Menopause is a normal change in a woman’s life when her period stops. It is often called the “change of life.” During perimenopause, a woman’s body slowly makes less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This often happens between the ages of 45 and 55 years old. A woman has reached menopause when she has not had a period for 12 months in a row, and there are no other causes for this change. As you near menopause, you may have symptoms from the changes your body is making. Many women wonder if these changes are normal, and many are confused about how to treat their symptoms. You can feel better by learning all you can about menopause, and talking with your doctor about your health and your symptoms. If you want to treat your symptoms, your doctor can tell you more about your options and help you make the best treatment choices.

Source: Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause

megdilts — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:21:14 +0000

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when you start to notice menopause-related changes–plus the year after menopause. Perimenopause is what some people call “being in menopause” or “going through menopause.” But menopause itself is only one day–the day you haven’t had a period for 12 months in a row. During perimenopause, your ovaries start to shut down, making less of certain hormones (estrogen and progesterone), and you begin to lose the ability to become pregnant. This change is a natural part of aging that signals the ending of your reproductive years.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Sexual Health and Perimenopause

megdilts — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:20:12 +0000

Many aging women enjoy an active sex life. Yet, many women are not aware of their risk of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. If you have more than one sexual partner or have started a new sexual relationship, talk with your partner about using condoms before having sex. Latex condoms used correctly and every time you have any type of sexual contact offer the best protection against STIs. Dental dams (used for oral sex) and female condoms also can help protect you from some STIs.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Pregnancy and Perimenopause

megdilts — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:19:26 +0000

If you’re still having periods, even if they are not regular, you can get pregnant. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control. Keep in mind that some methods of birth control, like birth control pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Signs and Symptoms of Perimenopause

megdilts — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:18:48 +0000

Perimenopause causes changes in your body that you may or may not notice. For most women, the discomforts associated with perimenopause are minimal and manageable. Some things you might experience in the perimenopause years include:

Changes in your menstrual cycle (longer or shorter periods, heavier or lighter periods, or missed periods)
Hot flashes (sudden rush of heat from your chest to your head)
Night sweats (hot flashes that happen while you sleep)
Vaginal dryness
Sleep problems
Mood changes (mood swings, sadness, or irritability)
Pain during sex
More urinary infections
Urinary incontinence
Less interest in sex
Increase in body fat around your waist
Problems with concentration and memory

You can’t always tell if physical or emotional changes are related to menopause, the normal aging process, or something else. But by monitoring your menstrual cycle and recording your signs and symptoms for several months, you’ll gain a better understanding of the changes occurring during this time. You will also have valuable information to discuss with your doctor should you have a concern.

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are often the treatment of choice to relieve perimenopausal symptoms — even if you don’t need them for birth control. Today’s low-dose pills regulate periods and stop or reduce hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and premenstrual syndrome.

Making lifestyle changes may help ease the discomfort of your symptoms and keep you healthy in the long run.

Good nutrition. Because your risk of osteoporosis (bone disease) and heart disease increases at this time, a healthy eating plan is more important than ever. Adopt a low-fat, high-fiber eating plan that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Add calcium-rich foods or take a calcium supplement. Limit alcohol or caffeine, which can affect sleep. If you smoke, try to quit.
Regular exercise. Regular physical activity helps keep your weight down, improves your sleep, strengthens your bones, and elevates your mood. Try to exercise for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week.
Stress reduction. Practiced regularly, stress reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga can help you relax and tolerate your symptoms more easily.