Menopause or “change of life” is a natural change in a woman’s life when menstruation (or your period) stops. Most women go through this change when they are between 45 and 60 years old. The average age is 51.

What causes menopause?

Menopause is caused by the ovaries making no female hormones. Menopause can also happen when a woman has surgery and the ovaries are removed. Women who have gone through menopause are more likely to have heart disease or weakening of the bones called, “osteoporosis.”

What are common symptoms of menopause?

You may notice physical and other changes during menopause. These changes are different for every woman and some women don’t notice any changes. These changes may last only a few weeks or last several years.

Physical symptoms:

• Hot flashes
  
  
• Irregular menstrual periods
  
  
• Night sweats
  
  
• Dry skin or hair loss
  
  
• Difficulty sleeping at night
  
  
• Pain or burning when urinating
  
  
• Vaginal dryness which may cause painful sex
  

Other changes:

• Moodiness, anxiety or depression
  
  
• Less desire for sex
  
  
• Trouble remembering things
  
  
• Lack of concentration
  

How can I take care of myself during and after menopause?

• You may be able to take hormone medicine to help the common symptoms of menopause
  
  
• These hormones will decrease your risk of heart disease and bone weakening
  
  
• Get a mammogram every 2 years between the ages of 40-50 and then every year after age 50
  
  
• Eat a balanced diet high in calcium like milk, yogurt and dark green vegetables
  
  
• Exercise every day. Good exercises are walking, biking, swimming, light weightlifting.
  
  
• If you are having irregular periods, you can get pregnant. It is important to use birth control.
  
  
• If your vagina is dry and sex hurts, use a lubricant jelly or cream
  
  
• See your care provider for a physical and pap smear test every year
  
  
• Talk about your feelings with a friend or family member