Just the facts, ma’am
Navigating
menopause
The average age of
menopause in the U.S.
Source: National Institute on Aging
Percentage of women who will
have hot flashes going through
menopause
Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
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3
IT
is sometimes called the change
of life—a change that may sound a
little worrying.
But just as puberty kicked off a
new life adventure, so can meno-
pause. And this time around, you
have self-confidence and experience
to call upon during the transition.
Menopause does bring changes
to your life, but there are many steps
you can take to maintain your health.
Menopause—what is it?
Natural menopause is defined
as the end of menstruation—after
12 consecutive months without a pe-
riod. Perimenopause is the transition
time—sometimes lasting six years or
more—before natural menopause.
During perimenopause, the levels
of two hormones, estrogen and pro-
gesterone, begin fluctuating. Around
this time, periods may become irreg-
ular in frequency and duration, with
unusually light or heavy bleeding.
Other symptoms you may notice
during this time include:
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Hot flashes (flushes). These sud-
den sensations of body heat often are
one of the first symptoms of peri-
menopause. Your face and neck may
blush, your skin may bloom with red
blotches, and heavy sweating and cold
shivers may follow each flash. Hot
flashes during the night—called night
sweats—may disrupt sleep, leading
to daytime fatigue and irritability.
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Vaginal and urinary problems.
Drying, thinning vaginal tissue can
make sex uncomfortable and may lead
to infections. Changes in the urinary
tract also raise the risk of infection,
as well as unexpected leaks of urine
when you laugh, cough or sneeze.
What is a woman to do?
To help you deal with perimeno-
pausal symptoms, your doctor may
recommend a variety of ways to find
relief. For example, to reduce hot
flashes, he or she may suggest:
Duration of a hot flash
Source: National Institute on Aging
Ashley Western,
FNP/WHNP
1
to
10
minutes
Health
Nite Out
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Avoiding possible triggers, like
spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine.
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Dressing in layers that you can
remove quickly.
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Drinking a cold glass of water at
the first sign of a flash.
To ease vaginal dryness, you may
be advised to use:
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A water-based lubricant, such as
K-Y Jelly, during sex.
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A vaginal moisturizer, like Replens.
Hormone therapy may relieve
moderate to severe menopausal
symptoms. However, ask your doc-
tor about the risks and benefits.
Source: American Medical Association
“Step by Step
Through Menopause”
Your own personal guide
through your new life
adventure—hosted by
AshleyWestern, FNP/WHNP
• When: Thursday, April 24, 6 p.m.
• Where: Leggett Auditorium,
Halifax Regional Hospital
Reservation is required.
Call
434-517-8891
or go to
.
