Menopause Is Part Of The Natural Process Of Life

A potential by-product of menopause is osteoporosis (a loss of bone mass which causes bones to become brittle). Bone mass loss is especially pronounced in post-menopausal women. HRT may be used to retard osteoporosis.

When menstrual periods have stopped for a full year or longer, menopause is assumed to be completed and a woman can feel relatively safe from the concern of future pregnancies. When periods first become irregular, some women may believe that birth control is no longer necessary. Because ovulation can still occur women are at risk for pregnancy. Use of an effective method of birth control is encouraged for 12 months after the last regular menstrual period.

There appears to be a relationship between hysterectomy and menopause. A woman who has had her uterus removed will no longer menstruate. If her ovaries have not been removed, her oestrogen production will continue. If and when she does experience vaginal dryness and hot flashes, these symptoms, it will be at the age when she would have naturally stopped menstruating. If both the ovaries and the uterus were removed, oestrogen and progesterone levels will drop causing menopause, regardless of age. HRT is generally given to women who have had a surgical menopause.

More women are adopting self-help approaches to relieve their menopausal symptoms. In general, managing the natural changes of mid-life can be best done through good personal hygiene, healthful diet, and a regular program of exercise.

Studies indicate that vigorous exercise may help reduce osteoporosis because loss of bone mass occurs more rapidly with a sedentary lifestyle. Walking, biking, swimming and dancing are excellent forms of simple exercise. Many women find that cutting down on sugar, caffeine, alcohol and red meat helps reduce the number and frequency of hot flashes. Adding calcium-rich foods to the diet can improve bone density and vitamin D containing food are essential to the ability to absorb and use calcium. Supplemental Vitamin E and Vitamin B complex may be helpful, but women should consult their medical provider about what vitamins and dosages are appropriate for them.

There is an emotional component to the changes of menopause. Women may have concerns about aging, children leaving home, losing a partner, watching parents age, or experiencing discrimination in the job market. Feelings may have physiological or social roots. Women can benefit from talking with other women about the changes in their bodies and their lives. Support groups provide an excellent forum for personal sharing.

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