Hot flashes, night sweats, depression, loss of sleep and frequent trips to the bathroom. What I just described are just some of the things that women go through as they experience a significant change in their life. The change I am speaking about is known as menopause. Menopause literally means “end of the month’s cycles.” Menopause is a part of life for aging women. Just as puberty was, but there are aspects of our lives that directly influence the rate and timing of menopause. In our culture, menopause is frequently seen as a negative milestone, a time of loss, and it is sometimes viewed as a disease or medical condition requiring a cure. With messages like this from the medical establishment and the media, it is no wonder many healthy women in the midst of this transition develop negative feelings towards their bodies. Some women may think “it’s the end of the world, or I’m old and no will want me”. The Center For Disease Control and Prevention also known as the CDC reported in 2000 that 37.5 million women were going through the life change of menopause. Pub Med states that as a society we are not fully aware of what menopause truly is and there is misleading information everywhere we look. Therefore this essay is meant to be informational and informative.

Web MD defines Menopause as permanent cessation of the primary functions of the ovaries: the ripening and release of ova and the release of hormones that cause both the creation of the uterine lining, and the subsequent shedding of the uterine lining aka missing of the period. A woman is born with a finite number of eggs, which are stored in the ovaries. The ovaries also produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which regulate menstruation and ovulation. Menopause occurs when the ovaries no longer release an egg every month and menstruation stops. Most women experience menopause in their late 40’s early 50’s. There are some women that have this experience earlier; Web MD refers to this as commonly known as “premature menopause” which can be brought on by genetics, illness, or medical conditions. Medical conditions such as hysterectomy or receiving chemotherapy for treating cancer can increase a woman’s chance of developing premature menopause. The women that experience premature menopause not only deal with the regular symptoms expected with menopause. They also often experience more physical symptoms including drying of the vagina, dry skin, sleepiness, as well as emotional concerns, depression, and mood swings.

The time in a woman’s life following menopause is known as post-menopause. Web MD states that a woman is considered being post menopause when she hasn’t had her menstrual cycle for over a year. During this stage the symptoms that you once experienced during menopause will dissipate over time, although it is to be said that hot flashes may remain constant. It is noted that although you may regain your energy strength and your “old self” you may be at risk for other medical conditions including: heart disease and osteoporosis.

As women age and experience menopause, we cannot just stop the inevitable, but there are treatments to help in the process of dealing with menopause. A treatment known as hormonal replacement therapy is used to supplement the woman’s body with the hormones she is lacking either estrogen or progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone are two key players in menopause and a woman’s life. Web MD has some natural treatments that have been linked in coping with the symptoms of menopause include: black cohosh, soy, flax seed, and vitamin E. Women cannot stop menopause from occurring, but women can do certain things so that menopause is not such a rough part of aging. Women need to learn to relax and accept the fact that this is a part of life. Woman need to eat healthier which can help us feel better in all aspects of our health. Women can also get involved with communities online, as an outlet to other women to talk to that are experiencing the same things. Women need to have a good attitude about the changes that are happening and make the best of it. Senior health concludes that doctors have said the best way to get through menopause is to have a positive attitude and don’t stop being the person you were once before, continue to do the daily activities you enjoy, don’t let menopause hinder you like a disease would.

Menopause is a natural occurrence within a woman’s body but our society has put horrible stereotypes, stigmas, and brainwashed our minds to think this is a horrible time, or the end of the world for the ladies. When in reality woman can age gracefully. By woman incorporating a healthy lifestyle, becoming aware of menopause, and seeking the help of medical advisors as well as friends and becoming involved with communities online discussing. We as woman are not alone when it comes to menopause and should educate ourselves as to what is to come. The more knowledge and the better informed we are the better we can prepare ourselves for what’s to come