Menopause

Did it Suddenly Get Hot in Here?

The Cold Truth about menopause, hot flashes and hormones run amok

Menopause is unavoidable. It’s defined by a complete end to menstrual periods and is a transition to the nonfertile years in a woman’s life. Realistically, it also means a wide range of symptoms that can be visible to others and, at times, embarrassing. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can happen at a much earlier age for some women.

While menopause is medically defined as the time of the last period, remember that women who have their uterus removed but keep their ovaries do not immediately go into menopause even though their periods stop. However, women who have their ovaries removed immediately go into surgical menopause, regardless of their age.

Symptoms

Changes in Libido
Hot Flashes
Irregular Periods
Irritability
Mood Swings
Night Sweats
Sleep Disturbances
Vaginal Dryness
Weight Gain

Menopause can last as long as 10 years.
Moderate weight gain during menopause is normal.
Unless you are postmenopausal, you can still get pregnant.

Types

Natural menopause happens on its own and comes in three stages: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.
Surgical menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries are removed, regardless of her age.

Treatments

Depending on your medical history, risk factors and beliefs, Hormone Replacement Therapy can be an excellent choice for treating symptoms.
Holistic treatments, such as black cohosh and evening primrose oil, are often used to treat hot flashes, mood swings and night sweats.