How Do I Know When I’m Done with Menopause?

Count the number of months that have passed since your last menstruation. If one has had 12 consecutive months with no menstruation then this is generally accepted as marking the end of menstruation.

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PERIMENOPAUSE:

The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. Beginning in your 40’s the amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries begins to fluctuate. A common sign of perimenopause is a change in your menstrual cycle. Cycles may become longer or shorter. One may begin to skip periods. The amount of flow may become lighter or heavier. Although changes in menstrual bleeding are normal during perimenopause, you still should report to your doctor. Abnormal bleeding may be a sign of a problem.

Signs and Symptoms of Menopause:

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• Hot flushes (getting warm in the face, neck, or chest)

• Night sweats

• Mood swings

• Irregular periods

• Decreased fertility

• Sleep disturbance

• Increased abdominal fat

• Vaginal dryness

• Thinning of bones and hair

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HOW TO COPE UP WITH MENOPAUSE?

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• Lifestyle modification

• Wear a Light Clothing

• Exercise regularly – get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical

• Improve your body shape

• Exercises can improve some forms of urinary incontinence.

• Strengthen your pelvic floor – pelvic floor muscle exercises,

• Eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Avoid too much oily fried stuff.

• Optimize your sleep

• Enroll in some yoga or meditation class

• Don't smoke

• Take Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements

• Hormone therapy, shown to decrease menopausal hot flashes

CHECKUPS AFTER MENOPAUSE:

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• Regular mammograms after age 40 through age 75

• Regular Pap tests, even after menopause. You should get a Pap test and HPV test together every five years if you have a cervix until you are 65 and have had three clear tests in a row

• Regular height measurements to detect loss of height due to bone loss-Bone density checking

• Blood test and Urine test to detect Diabetics and other issues

What are some of the health concerns following menopause?

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• Cardiovascular disease

• Osteoporosis

• Urinary incontinence

• Weight gain

• Cancer