The medical term for when a woman’s periods stop is menopause. This is a naturally occurring process that begins in the late forties or early fifties for most women. It may take several years to complete. Removal of the ovaries through surgery will put a woman into immediate menopause. In either way, there are a few menopause side effects that need to be reviewed so women can be informed.
For women, the most common side effect is hot flashes. Experienced by eighty percent of women, hot flashes are also responsible for night sweats and heart palpitations. About a year after your last period, the hot flashes should taper off and stop.
Menopause can cause a loss of libido. This loss of sex drive may be associated with vaginal changes, including dryness and loss of tone. In addition, mood changes along with a loss of sleep due to your night sweats may lower your desire for sex.
Menopause is often blamed for mood changes. You may experience such emotional feelings such as irritability, anxiety or depression. Some research indicates that these mood changes are actually as the result of life changes rather than being due to menopause.
Some women will begin to experience headaches during this time. Women who have had headaches prior to menopause may find that they become more severe. On the other hand, sometimes the hormonal changes can be good and women who have experienced migraines in prior times may no longer have the headaches.
Menopause can bring urinary changes as well. Some women experience incontinence at this time. If you are overweight, the chances of incontinence are greater. Chances are also greater if you have had two or more babies. If the problem becomes worse, you may require surgery to correct the condition.
The changes in hormone levels in the body can cause women to be at a greater risk for a condition known as osteoporosis. This condition leads to a loss of bone density. Over time, the bones may become brittle so that breaks occur easily. As time passes, the problems brought on by this condition become more serious and chances of bone breaks are greater.
Postmenopausal life involves an increased risk of heart disease and of suffering from a heart attack. While one forth of women over sixty-five have heart disease, doctors are often reluctant to start early testing in women as they do in men. Cholesterol tests should be reviewed on a regular basis. Steps should be taken to keep these numbers as well as blood pressure in control to prevent serious heart conditions or stroke.
Hormone replacement therapy was very common in the past for women who experienced menopause side effects. Recent studies have caused many doctors to question the value of hormone replacement therapy when compared to the risks that it brings about. Women using hormone replacement therapy are at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke. They are also at a greater risk for developing breast cancer. Before beginning any hormone replacement therapy, you should review both the benefits and the risks of the therapy for you.
If you’re a female that is going through the natural process of menopause, you might want to look into Amberen. There are many Amberen reviews you can read online.