Menopause

Menopause is the natural stage in every woman's life that signals the end of the childbearing years. The average age for menopause is 51 years, however, it may occur over a span of years, from the thirties to the mid-fifties. Premature menopause occurs before age 40. "Surgical menopause" occurs when the ovaries are removed before a woman has gone through a natural menopause.

Menopause is the result of a decrease in production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, especially estrogen.

Generally, a woman is considered "through the menopause" (or post-menopausal) when she has had no menstrual period for one year.

Menopausal symptoms:

• Irregular periods: change in frequency and regularity of menstruation
• Hot flashes: 75-80% of women experience hot flashes, mild to intense. Hot flashes may occur any time but frequently occur at night. A night sweat is when a hot flash awakens a woman from a sound sleep. This can cause an interruption of sleep and may explain the fatigue and irritability that sometimes accompanies menopause.
• Emotional changes: some women report irritability or moodiness as well as some nervousness and mild depression.
• Vaginal dryness: due to the decrease in estrogen levels, causing the vagina to be thinner and less elastic. This can lead to discomfort during intercourse.
• Urinary tract symptoms: Lack of estrogen to the tissues that support the urinary bladder may lead to urinary incontinence and an increase in urinary tract infections.
• Sexual desire: some women have a decrease in desire while others feel more free and interested in sex. It is important to discuss problems such as painful intercourse with your physician.

What Treatments Are Available

Overall, the most effective treatment of the symptoms of menopause is the use of hormone replacement therapy. Estrogen, and in some cases progesterone, use will give rapid relief of hot flashes for most women. Replacement of estrogen will also maintain bone density (see osteoporosis) and help prevent urinary problems.

Controversy abounds regarding the use of hormones. Many published articles in the media regarding the results of recent investigations of hormones have made some women afraid to use these drugs. Dr. Jamieson will be glad to discuss the pros and cons of various methods of hormone therapy, both traditional pharmaceuticals and bioidentical hormones.