All About Menopause
There are certain things that a woman must know all about menopause
Menopause is part of the natural aging process for all women, unless it is caused by surgical removal of both ovaries. Surgical menopause tends to cause symptoms to come on more quickly. The following risk factors may also make menopausal symptoms occur faster:
Radiation or chemotherapy
Depending upon the type and location of the cancer and its treatment, these types of cancer therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy can result in menopause if given to an ovulating woman. In this case, the symptoms of menopause may begin during the cancer treatment or may develop in the months following the treatment.
Premature ovarian failure
Premature ovarian failure is defined as the occurrence of menopause before the age of 40. This condition occurs in about 1% of all women. The cause of premature ovarian failure is not fully understood, but may be related to autoimmune diseases or inherited genetic factors
Smoking
Smokers tend to begin menopause 1 - 2 years earlier than nonsmokers, and are also at higher risk for heart disease and osteoporosis.
Hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormone)
Most women will recognize the signs that they are going through menopause. However, if the start of skipping periods suddenly is a sign to that one should see doctor for a pregnancy test -- it is possible to become pregnant when going through perimenopause as long as a woman is having her periods, even irregular ones, one can become pregnant. In some cases, doctors may order blood tests to check hormone levels. Sometimes the doctor may also suggest a bone density measurement. If a woman is having moderate-to-severe symptoms that interfere with life, it is advisable to talk to a doctor about what treatments might be right for you.
Although you can't prevent menopause, you can take action to reduce your risk of complications (such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease):
- Stop smoking
- Take calcium supplements to protect against bone loss.
- Exercise - The benefits of exercise include:
- Keeping bones strong and warding off osteoporosis (through weight-bearing exercise, such as walking)
- Reducing hot flashes
- Boosting mood
- Enhancing memory and concentration
- Lowering cholesterol
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet - Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can help you reduce the risks and discomforts associated with menopause. A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, for example, may reduce your risk of heart disease by providing the following benefits:
- Lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides (fats in the blood)
- Lower blood pressure
- Maintain a healthy weight
Some evidence suggests that eating soy-based foods such as tofu might help reduce certain symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes. Adding plenty of calcium and vitamin D to your diet should help you avoid bone loss. (Foods rich in calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, almonds, and dried beans). High-fiber foods may also help lower your risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.
By: Cathy
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Angela Bryant 16.04.09 at 11:12am Blanca 05.01.10 at 14:26pmI went to my doctor and got a complete physical/blood work and all my test came back normal. My body is telling me something differnet. I have tried different solutions and nothing has helped me with my symptoms. I started taking Amberen (www.menopauseaway.com) three weeks ago and still not help.
What would you recommand???
Thank you,
Blanca
Phyllis 03.03.10 at 13:43pm Enfridah 30.03.10 at 19:58pm Diana 12.08.10 at 22:16pm
