October is World Menopause Awareness Month

By Kacey Flores, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Coastal Gateway Health Center

  While a celebration isn’t the first thing most women think of when they consider menopause, National Menopause Awareness Month in October encourages women to embrace this phase in their lives and learn more about the support options available for improving health and overall well-being.

What is menopause?

   Menopause is defined as the time period in a woman’s life, typically that occurs near age 51-52, when the ovaries have no remaining eggs and menstrual periods end. After menopause, a woman can no longer get pregnant.

  If menopause happens before age 40, it is called a premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

  If menopause happens between ages 40 and 45, it is called a premature or early menopause.

Symptoms

  Menopause does not happen suddenly; most women experience several years of changes in their menses before periods stop completely. This is referred to as perimenopause. Symptoms begin during this time due to declining levels of estrogen in the body and include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Later on, some women also experience vaginal dryness. Menopause has completed once a woman has gone one full year without a period. Menopause is a normal part of a woman’s life and does not always need to be treated; however, if symptoms are bothersome, there are many effective treatment options (both hormonal and non-hormonal) available.

The Bottom Line

  Speaking up about menopause often does not come easily for many women; as a result, many will suffer in silence. Luckily, there are ways to increase menopause awareness and celebrate World Menopause Awareness Month at the same time.

  Consult your healthcare provider, try an herbal remedy, or go for a walk or run. Keep at it until you find what works for you.