MAIN Health Menopause

Sometimes viewed as an end to youth and one's childbearing years, menopause can also be seen as "the change" that liberates many women from the monthly discomfort of the menstrual cycle.

As a major life transition, however, menopause presents its own challenges in the form of hormonal, physical & emotional changes that are all part of a natural biological process.

Beginning in some women as early as the 30's or 40's, symptoms of menopause most commonly appear by age 50 or 60, when a drop in estrogen levels cause the menstrual cycle to become erratic and unpredictable and afterwards to cease entirely.

In varying degrees, most women experience related symptoms such as weight gain, occasional rises in body temperature appearing as "hot flashes" or night sweats. Vaginal and urinary changes are also common with decreased estrogen levels causing vaginal dryness which can result in uncomfortable intercourse, urinary incontinence or infection.

In addition, hormonal fluctuation often bring about emotional changes most often seen in an inability to concentrate, irritability and sleeplessness.

As menopause is a natural process medical treatment is usually not necessary, although symptoms are traditionally treated with either hormone therapy, (HT or HRT - hormone replacement therapy), or in conjunction with topical creams for vaginal dryness, herbal and alternative therapies, or prescription anti-depressants to lessen mood swings.

While hormone therapy has been widely prescribed in the recent past, new studies show possible dangers of developing more serious conditions from HT such as increased risk of heart disease, stroke, or breast cancer. Adding to the controversy, soy supplements have been touted as an alternative hormonal replacement therapy, but some clinical studies have refuted soy's claimed benefits in regulating estrogen levels naturally.

Around the Web, learn more about menopause from expert sites offering news on related studies and the latest research on the topic, along with more facts & information on treatments in the form of medications, herbal supplements, and helpful exercise regimens and dietary guidelines to help cope with the symptoms of menopause ....

Menopause and Menopause Treatments - Extensive FAQ with basic overview, information on premature menopause, post menopause, related symptoms & treatments, details on hormonal therapy & side effects, natural remedies including soy and other sources of phytoestrogens.

Relieving the Symptoms of Menopause - Recommendations from the Consumer's Union on currently marketed estrogen and progestin medications with warnings and possible side effects. Also available in a 21-page report in PDF format.

Menopause Matters - Online edition of the UK print magazine featuring news, FAQ and information on causes, symptoms & treatment with discussions on hormone replacement and testosterone therapy, alternative & herbal treatments, related glossary, online forum.

Hot flashes and hot flash symptoms and treatment - The complete guide to the most common symptom of menopause including information on causes, triggers, and related prescription medications and more on alternative remedies.

Soy Protein and Menopause - Examination of soy with its use in treating menopausal symptoms including its possible benefits, references to clinical studies & refuting evidence, related links.

Questions and Answers About Black Cohosh and Symptoms of Menopause - The herbal remedy explained with information on its history and uses, commercial preparations, effects on the female body & hormone levels, possible side effects, results of clinical studies, with references and links to further information.

also see -> Women's Health | Depression

also see feature articles ->

Menopause Symptoms - Coping Naturally With Change

Menopause Symptoms May Be Serious

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.