Menopause is one of the stages in a woman’s life that marks the end of their menstrual cycles. It is a natural condition that generally is caused by aging. Menopause is the time leading up to the stop of menstruation. After a woman has reached menopause, she is no longer able to reproduce. Before menopause arrives, it’s important that every woman learns what to expect and how to prepare.
What Causes Menopause?
When a woman is born, she is born with a certain number of eggs in her ovaries. Once a woman no longer menstruates and stops producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, she will no longer be fertile. This generally happens naturally sometime after a woman turns 40, however, some women may have premature menopause, which occurs before they reach that age.
Any treatment or conditions that damage a woman’s reproductive system may also cause menopause. For example, many women go into early menopause after receiving chemotherapy. Your OB-GYN will discuss with you the chances of early menopause before any treatment or surgery.
What Symptoms of Menopause?
Women often experience many symptoms of menopause. Some of the main symptoms include:
- Menstrual cycle changes. Periods often become irregular during menopause. Some women may have heavier bleeding, while other women will experience a light flow. Many women miss periods all together.
- Hot flashes. Perhaps one of the most notorious symptoms of menopause, hot flashes is one of the more bothersome signs of menopause. Women often feel sudden flashes of heat on both their head and neck, or all over their body. These hot flashes can be mild to severe and may last for up to two years after menopause.
- Insomnia. Many women notice a change in their sleep cycle during menopause. It can become difficult falling or staying asleep.
Other common menopause symptoms are vaginal dryness, painful intercourse frequent urination, urinary tract infections, mood swings and a decreased libido. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to speak with your gynecologist about menopause.
Help Treat Your Menopause at OB-GYN Women’s Centre in Lakewood Ranch
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact OB-GYN Women’s Centre. Our experienced physicians have a number of proven solutions to help treat your menopause symptoms. Don’t let menopause control your life; call OB-GYN Women’s Centre today!
