Menopause

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All women experience menopause, usually beginning in their 40s. During the natural process of menopause, a woman’s ovaries stop releasing eggs into the uterus, which results in the end of a woman’s childbearing abilities.

The ovaries also greatly reduce the amount of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which causes the eventual end of monthly menstrual periods. The decreased amount of these hormones causes symptoms that can be very different for different women, from almost non-existent, to debilitating. Hot flashes, night sweats, racing heartbeat, and insomnia are the most common symptoms, but others such as decreased libido, headaches, mood swings, and dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse) also cause significant distress.

Diagnosis is made by measuring hormone levels in the blood. Hot flashes are often successfully treated with anti-depressants (Paxil, Prozac, Effexor).

If symptoms are debilitating enough to cause an impact in a woman’s daily living, she may consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT, estrogen and progestin). This is an important decision to be made with a woman’s doctor, because while HRT may provide relief from menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis, there is also evidence that it may increase a woman’s risk for stroke, heart attack, breast cancer, and pulmonary blood clots. Past medical history will dictate whether a woman is an appropriate candidate for HRT.