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What is menopause?
Menopause is the complete cessation of menses (not just a "pause" in the menses as the name suggests). For most women, the menses don't just suddenly stop one day (although for about 10% of women, they do). For most women, a whole process lasting a number of years occurs, during which the menses stop and start, and occur irregularly as hormone levels fluctuate.
This process, known as "perimenopause", or "the climacteric" or simply "the change", lasts on average about 5 years, and begins around age 47 on average. The average age of actual menopause (permanent cessation of menses) is 52. But there is a wide range of ages during which this may occur. These are just averages.
Just as the body goes through a process of "winding up", known as "puberty" during which many physical and emotional changes occur, similarly the body goes through a process of winding down, the "perimenopause" during which many physical and emotional changes occur.
What are the common symptoms of the peri-menopause?
- Hot flashes
- Sexual changes
- Mood changes
- Sleep disturbance
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
Are there some blood tests that can be done to see if you are in the perimenopause?
Is there any positive aspects to menopause?
What are my health risks after menopause?
Should I take hormone replacement therapy? Is it safe, or isn't it? For how long should I take it?
Are there any safe alternatives to hormone replacement therapy for my symptoms? Do they work?
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