The Fundamentals

Menopause is the period that marks permanent cessation of menstrual activity, usually occuring between the ages of 35 and 58. Menses may stop suddenly, there may be a decreased flow each month until a final cessation, or the interval between periods may be lengthened until complete cessation is accomplished. Women with short menstrual cycles may reach menopause as much as two years earlier than women with long cycles. Cigarette smoking has an effect on menopause, causing it to occur 1-2 years prematurely. Symptoms of menopause begin occurring soon after the ovaries stop functioning. Symptoms may last a few months or a few years, and vary from mild to severe. Some symptoms include vasomotor instability, nervousness, hot flashes, chills, excitability, fatigue, apathy, vaginal dryness, mental depression, crying episodes, insomnia, palpitation, vertigo, headache, numbness, tingling, myalgia, urinary disturbances such as frequency and incontinence, and various disorders of the gastrointestinal system. Hot flashes may begin with abdominal discomfort and perhaps a chill, quickly followed by a feeling of heat moving toward the head. The face becomes red and the body breaks out in sweat followed by exhaustion.Long-range effects of lower estrogen levels are osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.

Helpful Links:

N. American Menopause
Association
Menopausal Symptoms
M
enopause occurs when estrogen and progesterone production decreases. It can happen suddenly or take years. The first phase of menopause is often called perimenopause. It is characterized by the fluctuation of estrogen levels which can begin as early as age 35. Common symptoms of perimenopause include erratic periods, breast tenderness, night sweats, headaches, food cravings, anxiety, depression, forgetfulness, and mood swings. These symptoms are very similar to those present in PMS, so it may be difficult to tell exactly when perimenopause begins.
It is commonly known that women who are vegetarians have fewer episodes of hot flashes and milder menopausal symptoms. This is because soy, beans and other plants have mild estrogenic activity because of phytoestrogens, including isoflavones, lignans, and saponins, so it might be worthwhile to consider a diet change. In addition, there are some specific herbs that help relieve many of the symptoms associated with menopause. Black Cohosh has been used for many years to help relieve the discomforts of menopause, especially hot flashes. Scientific studies have proven significant estrogenic activity in women taking Black Cohosh rather than a placebo. Black Cohosh also possesses antispasmodic and diuretic properties. Dong Quai acts as a phytoestrogen. It is similar to but milder than actual estrogen. It has been shown to help with vaginal dryness as well as hot flashes. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a natural estrogenic compound, which appears to reduce estrogen levels in women when they're too high, and increase the levels when they're too low. It also helps to control water retention, breast tenderness, and certain food cravings. As it boosts estrogen metabolism, it helps decrease many symptoms associated with hormone fluctuation. Chaste Tree Berry seems to normalize the estrogen-progesterone ratio, and Saw Palmetto has been used by Native Americans for hundreds of years to alleviate some of the hormonal imbalances in women. St. John's Wort, well known as a mood lifter, boosts brain function and fights anxiety and depression which is a common symptom of menopause.
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