Why moving Through Menopause

It is a habit passed by a few women who are looking forward to it - menopause. The term refers to both the end of one's period and the time of transition that accompanies this event. While most women look forward to the end of female hygiene products, few look forward to the ups and downs of hormones that lead to night sweats, hot flashes, and emotional turmoil. Also known as the “lifestyle change,” menstruation can be quick and painless, even for years. Although menopause usually occurs when a woman is older (usually between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five), it can also be the result of surgical procedures that remove a woman's genitals and thus create a hormonal menopause. Many of the symptoms of menopause are the same. These can include bleeding spots, hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, anxiety and depression, . In recent years, doctors have begun prescribing hormone replacement therapy to many women during menopause to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The risks of osteoporosis, which is the result of bone loss due to muscle loss, and heart disease increase after menopause. Therapeutic replacement of estrogen, which is thought to help reduce the risk of disease. Recently, however, studies of hormone replacement therapy have shown that treatment can actually increase the incidence of heart disease and breast cancer and not help osteoporosis. From these studies, expert opinions are still mixed in the use of hormone replacement therapy. Many experts agree that the best course of action is to get a woman to discuss her condition with a doctor. A woman can discuss the risks of using or not using hormone therapy with her doctor to make a more informed decision. In addition to hormone replacement therapy, other treatments for menopause include naturopathic remedies, changes in diet, vitamins, and other ways to increase overall well-being. Also, each woman should decide for herself the best options and the size of the symptoms. Some women experience some signs of menopause, while others are intolerant. Each person's condition is different, and even a woman's tolerance of certain symptoms may vary from month to month or year to year. For those seeking alternative therapies, consider working with a naturopathic physician or someone trained in the use of these therapies. Many over-the-counter remedies do not work and some may not be safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate nutritional supplements. Some treatments make exaggerated or unsubstantiated claims, and a woman considering alternative therapies needs to be aware of the ingredients in any supplement. Generally, the better care a woman can take for the rest of her life, the better. Staying physically and mentally active can help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, engaging in refreshing activities and spending time with family and friends can make a huge difference in a woman's perception of her overall quality of life. These activities can also help a woman feel younger at a time when her body is reminding her that she is not as young as she used to be. There are many resources to help a woman deal with menopause, including the medical profession, many organizations, books, and support groups. Joining an organization or group can be helpful in comparing notes and providing similar support. Knowledge can also give a woman a sense of control when her body acts uncontrollably. Having the tools to deal with the daily fluctuations of menstruation can make this change much more tolerable. Menopause does not have to be a time of distress as a woman changes from one stage of her life to another. Many menopausal women live rich, full, and productive lives.