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Menopause

Beat the Heat

Odds are that you will have some hot flashes during perimenopause or menopause—maybe before you even suspect that you’re “of a certain age,” according to Steven J. Ory, MD , an ob-gyn with a practice in Margate, FL , and a clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Miami.

Herbal Products for Menopause

During menopause, a woman's body produces less estrogen. This can cause changes that occur slowly over time. Some women find these changes uncomfortable.

Hormone Therapy

At menopause, a woman's body makes less estrogen and she stops having menstrual periods. This is a natural stage in a woman's life. The lack of estrogen can bring on symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness. It also can increase the risk of osteoporosis (bone loss). Because of this, women may choose to take hormone therapy after menopause.

Menopausal Bleeding

Around menopause, a woman's menstrual cycles may become less regular. After menopause, you should not have any bleeding. Any bleeding after menopause should be checked by a doctor. Bleeding after menopause may be a sign of cancer.

If you have any bleeding after menopause, see your doctor. The earlier the cause of bleeding is found, the better it can be treated.

Midlife Transitions: A Guide to Approaching Menopause

Midlife often is called "the prime of life," and research suggests it really is.

The Menopause Years

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when she stops having menstrual periods. The years leading up to this point are called perimenopause, or "around menopause." Menopause marks the end of the reproductive years that began in puberty.

The average age that women go through menopause is 51 years. Most women enjoy a healthy lifestyle for years afterward.

Your Guide to Midlife Health

Hot Flushes

As you approach menopause, you may start having hot flushes (also known as hot flashes). About 75–85% of perimenopausal women get them. These flushes are the most common symptom of perimenopause.