 cynthia.perkins
Cynthia Perkins,is an author and holistic health counselor helping individuals living with chronic illness or chronic pain live life more fully.
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Believe it or not, some women are overjoyed when they reach menopause. It means no more menstrual disruptions, no more monthly mood swings, and no more fear of pregnancy. For others, however, menopause triggers a type of grief process because they see this as an indicator of the end of life. Not only are they no longer able to have children, but they believe their own lives are coming to an end.
However, the truth is in fact, menopause generally means a woman has reached the middle of her life and there is still a whole lot more living left for her to do.
Menopause is a natural biological event that happens to all women as part of the life process. It is marked by a number of symptoms that varies between women in quantity and severity. While some women might not have any symptoms at all, others can experience anything from a few mild hot flashes to full blown symptoms including mood swings, fatigue and severe hot flashes.
Menopause occurs in two stages: Pre-menopause, also known as Perimenopause and post-menopause.
Pre-menopause covers about 4-5 years and is indicated by irregular production of hormones that can cause a myriad of physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms.
Post-menopause begins 12 months after you have your last period and is indicated by even less production of hormones.
Although menopause generally begins around age 40, the related changes might not be noticeable until around age 50. It all starts when the ovaries slow their production of estrogen and progesterone, the two hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. This slowed production reduces the chances of pregnancy and the frequency of menstrual periods. Eventually, the periods stop completely.
The symptoms that occur during Perimenopause and menopause are caused by these hormonal changes taking place in the body.
Some of the most common physical symptoms of menopause include:
* irregular periods (skipped cycles, changes in flow, frequency and duration, etc.) * hot flashes and night sweats * vaginal dryness * incontinence and increased frequency * infertility * disruption of sleep patterns * heart palpitations * weight gain (particularly around the waist and abdomen) * dry or thinning look to the skin * headaches and or migraines * tender, sore breasts * heartburn and nausea * anxiety * tingling or itchy skin. * bloating and indigestion * dizziness/lightheadedness * aching joints and muscles * thinning or loss of hair loss * facial hair * body odor changes * mouth dryness * unusual taste in the mouth * loss of libido
Emotional or cognitive signs can include:
* irritability * vacillating moods * less tolerance for stress * memory difficulties * inability to cope * severe fatigue or decreased energy levels * mental confusion/ * impaired concentration * depression
There are a few misconceptions that women have about menopause and which can contribute to emotional distress. Some women believe that menopause will extinguish or diminish their femininity and sexuality. The truth is, many women enjoy a more full and liberating sex life after menopause because the fear of pregnancy no longer exists.
Another misconception is that menopause lasts no more than a few weeks altogether. The process of menopause is much slower. In fact from beginning to end, the biological changes of menopause occurs over a number of years.
For some women the phase is quick and easy, while for other women it is extended or a period of intense torment and suffering. The key to getting through this cycle of life as painless as possible is to educate yourself thoroughly about the process and the options available to you. Be proactive in your treatment approach.
Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed. is an author and holistic health counselor helping individuals living with chronic illness or chronic pain to live life more fully. Visit her site to learn more about the process of menopause and a variety of holistic methods for managing and relieving
menopause symptoms.
http://www.holistichelp.net/menopause-symptoms.html
