Menopause (cont.)
Non-pharmaceutical therapies
In women for whom oral or vaginal estrogens are deemed inappropriate, such as
breast cancer survivors, or women who do not wish to take oral or vaginal
estrogen, there are a variety of over-the-counter vaginal lubricants. However,
they are probably not as effective in relieving vaginal symptoms as replacing
the estrogen deficiency with oral or local estrogen.
Lifestyle factors in controlling the symptoms and complications of menopause
Many of the symptoms of menopause and the medical
complications that may develop in postmenopausal women can be lessened or even
avoided by taking steps to lead a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise can help
protect against cardiovascular disease as well as osteoporosis, and exercise
also has known mental health benefits. Proper
nutrition and
smoking cessation will also reduce
your risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months.
It is the time in a woman's life when the function of the ovaries ceases.
- The process of menopause does not occur overnight, but rather is a gradual
process. This so-called perimenopausal transition period is a different
experience for each woman.
- The average age of menopause onset is 51 years old,
but menopause may occur as early as the 30s or as late as the 60s There is no
reliable lab test to
predict when a woman will experience menopause.
- The age at which a woman starts having menstrual periods is not related to
the age of menopause onset.
- Symptoms of menopause can include include abnormal vaginal bleeding, hot
flashes, vaginal and urinary symptoms, and mood changes.
- Complications that women may develop in the postmenopausal period include
osteoporosis and heart disease.
- Treatments for menopause are customized for each patient.
- Treatments are directed toward alleviating uncomfortable or distressing
symptoms.
Previous contributing authors and editors:
Carolyn Janet Crandall,
MD, FACP and
Dennis Lee, MD
Last Editorial Review: 6/17/2008
Next: Lifestyle factors in managing menopause symptoms »
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