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Menopause has been defined in Webster’s as, “The period of natural cessation of menstruation occurring usually between the ages of 45 and 50.” We all know that’s the simple way of looking at it. There are a number of mental, physical and even emotional changes that can occur, although it is different with every woman.
I can recall my mother talking about how some women, "lost their minds" during this time. She describes how menopause was such a different experience for some back then. When just a little girl, she remembers an aunt who would sit and cry all the time. Looking back, she realizes now what was happening. My mother grew up in the deep South in the 50’s and 60’s where you did not ask questions regarding women’s health. If you did, you were promptly put in a child’s place and told not to be so ‘fast.’ In more than one way, we have definitely stepped out of those dark ages.
For one, we can be fully informed, no matter what age we are. Let’s talk about the changes that women experience at this time. According to the U.S. Department of Health, some of these changes are as follows: changes in cycles until it actually ceases, hot flashes, night sweats, tiredness, sleeping problems, vaginal changes (becoming dry and thin, resulting in painful sex), incontinence, sudden bouts of waistline bloat, heart palpitations, crying for no reason, temper outbursts, migraines, itchy/crawly skin, onset of osteoporosis, and memory lapses. Before you get overwhelmed by this list, it is important to remember that the severity and kind of symptoms a woman has varies due to all kinds of factors like: different hormone levels in different women, amount of stress, whether the person is a smoker or not, eating habits and the like.
For a number of women, the above symptoms will go away without medical assistance. However, women who are concerned about bone loss prevention in addition to temporarily treating menopause symptoms can talk to their health care provider about hormone therapy – estrogen and progestin.
Why Hormone Therapy?
Hormone Replacement therapy (HRT) is a good option for some because as a woman ages, the level of estrogen and progesterone starts to decrease. Hence, the physical changes develop as noted earlier. Using HRTs has proven to be most effective for relief for symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and even vaginal dryness according to the FDA. HRT has been used as an option to successfully reduce osteoporosis for many as well. But, as you know, there are always risks. Some are as follows as listed by the Dept. of Health: blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and gall bladder disease. If the woman still has her uterus, estrogen may be conducive to causing endometrial cancer. However, adding progestin lowers this risk.
For How Long…and What Kind?
Many are concerned as to how long they should take hormones. The Dept. of Health advises that one talk to their doctor about this matter. Your doctor should always use the lowest dose and for the shortest time. This rule applies for whatever type of hormone your are using: pills, patches, vaginal creams, gels, rings or custom-mixed (compounded) hormones prepared by a pharmacist as revealed by the Dept. of Health. Many wonder about bio-identical hormones – whether they are safer or more effective. The official answer is that there is no research to prove that this type of treatment is better than other forms. The benefits/risks have so far proven to be the same. Lastly, with all the risks of manufactured hormones, many wonder if there are any natural products in treating symptoms of menopause. The answer from the FDA is not at this time, but studies are being done at present.
Finally, there are many other practical things women can do to ease symptoms caused by decreased hormones. Those ranging from watching your diet, regular exercise, using vaginal creams (for vaginal dryness), resting due to tiredness or irritability. Also, know your limits. You’re not that 22 year old any more for crying out loud! And hopefully, at this time, one would have a good support system – family and friends – that love and validate you. Women are still a productive and valuable part of society no matter what changes their bodies go through.
Whatever you choose, HRT, practical options, or riding the ‘storm out,’ maintain the attitude that menopause is normal. Your experience will be different and unique to you. Embrace it and empower yourself by being well informed.
We all find that a good sense of humor will take us a long way. Read about my adventures in health at
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