Menopause: Managing the change of life
| May 1, 2008
Menopause: Managing the change of life
Medically speaking, menopause is defined as the first anniversary of a woman's final menstrual period — a natural consequence of the drop in ovarian hormone levels that usually occurs around age 50. This clear physical milestone is often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Until the mid-1950s, such discomforts were considered an inconvenience to be endured. And not much discussed. As the baby boomers have reached perimenopause and beyond, this phase of a woman's life has received more and more medical and media attention
If you are approaching menopause or have already reached it, now is a good time to talk with your doctor or nurse practitioner about any symptoms you are having or are worried about. Symptoms vary widely from one woman to the next. Instead of broad-brush treatments (such as estrogen to treat everything from hot flashes and insomnia to moodiness, as was the case in the 1990s), today's clinicians are more apt to recommend specific treatments for specific symptoms.
Menopause isn't only a physical change. This phase of life signifies a broader transition for women, touching their social, psychological, and spiritual core. Because it marks the end of the childbearing years, menopause has been associated with a sense of loss. But it also can be a time of new-found freedom and opportunity.
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A healthy diet, weight control, and exercise will help most women look down the road to several decades of life beyond menopause. |
There's no denying that menopause is a sign of aging. As such, it often causes a woman to assess her situation in life and to plan for her future. Children may be leaving home, marital or social status may change, and aging parents may fall ill or die. Some women reassess their priorities, shifting their focus from home to career or the other way around. These potentially stressful life events may affect a woman's perception and experience of the physical changes associated with menopause.
A woman can empower herself by learning about the biology and psychology of perimenopause and menopause—and how to tell if the changes you experience are normal or something that should be evaluated by a health professional. You'll want to work with your doctor to find an approach that works best to meet your needs. Short term hormonal therapy is just one of many options. There are other strategies to help deal with physical and emotional issues that often surface in midlife, such as problems with sleep, bladder control and sexual drive.
Review Date: 2008-05-01
Harvard Medical School does not endorse products or services.
