Traditionally called "the change of life," menopause used to be something that wasn't openly discussed, even between a woman and her physician. And with symptoms ranging widely, many women still may find themselves in the dark as their bodies begin to change. Swedish Covenant Hospital is here to help you through this transition.
Embracing Menopause: Preparing for a Healthy Transition
What is the average age of the onset of menopause?
According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 95 percent of women begin menopause between ages 39 and 51. Some women begin to notice menstrual changes and symptoms in their late 30s, while others don't notice changes until their late 40s.
What is menopausal transition?
Menopausal transition, also known as perimenopause, is the time before menopause, or the stage of a woman's reproductive life beginning eight to ten years before menopause. During menopausal transition, the ovaries gradually begin to produce erratic levels of estrogen. This usually begins when a woman is in her 40s, though it can start in her 30s.
Menopausal transition continues up to menopause, or the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. During the last few years of this stage, the reduction in estrogen accelerates, which can cause changes. It ends one year after menopause — when women have not had a period for 12 months.
What do women really need to know about menopause?
Menopause is not a hormonal illness, but a natural transition in life. What women experience during menopause is simply a change, not symptoms that indicate illness.
Often, it can be difficult for women to ask questions about the changes in sexuality that may be brought on by menopause. The lack of sexual interest or displeasure can be attributed to changes in life situations as a woman matures, and vaginal dryness and increased bladder infections caused by thinning of vaginal walls can make sexual activity uncomfortable. Be open and honest with your doctor about these issues to get the help you need.
During menopause, women also are at increased risk of heart disease. Increased daily calcium and vitamin D intake, coupled with daily cardiovascular exercise, can lessen those risks and also may decrease the possibility of developing osteoporosis.
What should I do now to plan for entering menopause?
Women should schedule a special visit with their physician to discuss menopause and what changes to expect. After age 40, women should have an annual mammogram, clinical breast exam, Pap test, pelvic exam and perform monthly breast self-exams. After age 50, you should have an annual colon exam, mammogram, Pap test, pelvic exam, clinical breast exam and continue monthly breast self-exams.
Women should view their maturing years as an opportunity to implement lifestyle changes that include stress reduction techniques, daily exercise, periodic bone density tests, a lipid profile to identify high cholesterol levels and an overall fitness assessment. The next time you schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, address these questions and create a screening and lifestyle plan that is just for you.
To make an appointment with a Swedish Covenant Hospital Women's Health Physician, please calll Physician Referral at 773-878-6888 or click here to view our online physician database.
