Menopause also known as the ‘change of life’ is a natural occurring phase in a woman’s life. It is a physical change when a woman stops having menstrual periods and is no longer able to reproduce. It is a crucial stage and there are several misconceptions associated with this biological phase. Menopause is not a disease; it is a natural juncture in every woman’s life, hence it is advisable to be aware of the various symptoms of Menopause and periMenopause to deal the situation with ease.
Women encounter this phase after a sequence of hormonal changes caused by the reduced production of oestrogen, a female hormone, which is produced by the ovaries. Since, oestrogen is associated with different female body parts; it causes symptoms before or during the Menopause.
Symptoms of Menopause
Some research shows that not every woman experiences symptoms when going through Menopause, but the fact remains that 80 to 85 percent of women all over the world not only experience the symptoms but also become worried about their health during Menopause. Menopause not only has physical symptoms but may also show deep emotional changes in women. Typical Symptoms of Menopause include:
1. Irregular Periods: During peri-Menopause, the ovaries stop ovulating regularly and as a result stop producing adequate amounts of progesterone. Oestrogen and progesterone then fall out of balance and can result in irregular periods.
2. Hot Flushes and Night Sweats: These are among the most serious symptoms during Menopause. Hot flushes (hot flashes) and night sweats are caused by an imbalance in hormones. Hot flushes cause severe warmth or heat in the body resulting in excess sweating, dizziness and pounding heart. Hot flushes can last anywhere from a few seconds to 20 minutes at a time. The situation may exist for two to three years. It also causes insomnia and palpitations.
3. Weight Gain: Weight gain during Menopause is quite common particularly around the waist and hips.due to the reduction of the production of oestrogen. This upsets the hormone balance and therefore there is an increased likelihood of women gaining weight during this period.
4. Sleep Problems: Sleeping problems, whether it is trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep or getting back to sleep when you wake during the night are a very common symptom of hormone imbalance and are prevalent in women going through peri-Menopause and Menopause. It effects between one third and two thirds of all women.
5. Cholesterol and Heart Disease: Women are also diagnosed with increased LDL Cholesterol level, which in the long run invites several heart diseases. In case of surgical Menopause, the condition is more risky and woman can easily fall prey to severe heart diseases.
Apart from aforesaid symptoms, a woman may also feel some vaginal changes caused due to the reduced oestrogen, burning sensation during urinating, changes in the shapes of the breasts, etc. Some studies also suggest that bone density loss is a major problem and may cause osteoporosis. All these troubles may lead a woman to depression and anxiety.
There is no treatment for Menopause as it is not an illness; however, if detected early, one can consult doctors to help manage some of the more uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety or depression and get a diet plan to control cholesterol level.
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Menopause Testing
Menopause Testing
Menopause is a phase in a woman’s life when she has not had a menstrual period for 12 months in a row. The time before Menopause is known as periMenopause, when a woman may experience irregular periods for a couple of years until she gets the final cycle. The final menstrual period can be determined only after 12 months of time.
When a woman starts observing signs and symptoms of periMenopause and Menopause, she needs to visit her doctor. Menopause is a crucial phase of every woman’s life and indicates that her fertile life is over. It means the end of her menstrual cycles and possibility of getting pregnant. For some women however, it is a time of freedom and can be a very positive period of her life.
The “Big Change” can bring many physical and emotional changes including hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal problems etc are some of the common problems that occur during Menopause and periMenopause. If not handled on time, Menopause can cause several health problems, hence it is advisable to get tested for the same and start the treatment, if needed.
Lab Tests
A doctor can perform a series of tests to determine Menopause or PeriMenopause, these are:
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Measurement of FSH level is the most common lab test to determine Menopause. If your FSH level is rising above 25mlU/ml, then you may be in the periMenopause phase.
• Oestrogen: This is the second hormone test. If your doctor finds that your oestrogen level is low, there is the possibility that your ovaries have stopped producing eggs.
• Testosterone, Progesterone and Thyroid Hormones: are the other hormones, which can also be tested by your doctor to get a clear picture of internal changes taking place in your body.
Apart from all the aforesaid tests, your doctor may also study your medical history, signs and symptoms to confirm Menopause. Signs and symptoms also play a vital role in determining Menopause. However, not every woman experiences signs of Menopause, but the fact remains that more than 70 percent of women notice remarkable physical and emotional changes during Menopause. Before you see your doctor you may choose to do a home test for Menopause with an instnt home testing kit similar to a pregnancy test.
Home Test Kit
The TGA has approved several home test kits for Menopause, which are available on low cost in the market. Home test kits are basically designed to test your FSH Level because it is responsible for stimulating ovulation during your monthly cycle. High FSH Level is the first sign of Menopause. Normal FSH levels are between 5 and 25 mlU/mL. If the level is 25 mlU/mL or higher, there is a real possibility that you are in periMenopause or Menopause. If you get this result on a home testing kit, you should see your doctor as soon as possible to discuss the best course of ction for your situation.
Menopause is a phase in a woman’s life when she has not had a menstrual period for 12 months in a row. The time before Menopause is known as periMenopause, when a woman may experience irregular periods for a couple of years until she gets the final cycle. The final menstrual period can be determined only after 12 months of time.
When a woman starts observing signs and symptoms of periMenopause and Menopause, she needs to visit her doctor. Menopause is a crucial phase of every woman’s life and indicates that her fertile life is over. It means the end of her menstrual cycles and possibility of getting pregnant. For some women however, it is a time of freedom and can be a very positive period of her life.
The “Big Change” can bring many physical and emotional changes including hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal problems etc are some of the common problems that occur during Menopause and periMenopause. If not handled on time, Menopause can cause several health problems, hence it is advisable to get tested for the same and start the treatment, if needed.
Lab Tests
A doctor can perform a series of tests to determine Menopause or PeriMenopause, these are:
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Measurement of FSH level is the most common lab test to determine Menopause. If your FSH level is rising above 25mlU/ml, then you may be in the periMenopause phase.
• Oestrogen: This is the second hormone test. If your doctor finds that your oestrogen level is low, there is the possibility that your ovaries have stopped producing eggs.
• Testosterone, Progesterone and Thyroid Hormones: are the other hormones, which can also be tested by your doctor to get a clear picture of internal changes taking place in your body.
Apart from all the aforesaid tests, your doctor may also study your medical history, signs and symptoms to confirm Menopause. Signs and symptoms also play a vital role in determining Menopause. However, not every woman experiences signs of Menopause, but the fact remains that more than 70 percent of women notice remarkable physical and emotional changes during Menopause. Before you see your doctor you may choose to do a home test for Menopause with an instnt home testing kit similar to a pregnancy test.
Home Test Kit
The TGA has approved several home test kits for Menopause, which are available on low cost in the market. Home test kits are basically designed to test your FSH Level because it is responsible for stimulating ovulation during your monthly cycle. High FSH Level is the first sign of Menopause. Normal FSH levels are between 5 and 25 mlU/mL. If the level is 25 mlU/mL or higher, there is a real possibility that you are in periMenopause or Menopause. If you get this result on a home testing kit, you should see your doctor as soon as possible to discuss the best course of ction for your situation.
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