Menopause - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Peter Rodrick
November 17, 2008
As the menopause approaches, there is a decrease in estrogen production by the body. This most often happens between the ages of 45 and 55. This shift in hormone balance affects nearly every body system and causes a mixture of symptoms. Fortunately, alternative therapy offers some solutions to these symptoms.
Causes of Menopause
In some cases, the causes of early menopause are clear, but there are situations when you keep asking why did that happen, and have no idea which can be the cause.A common cause of premature ovarian failure can be an autoimmune disorder. When this happens, the body senses parts of itself as being intruders, so, antibodies will attack those parts. Antibodies may attack your own ovarian tissue, your endometrium, or one or more hormones that regulate ovulation. This can happen in the case of premature menopause, and if you have a family history of autoimmune disorders, it is a great possibility that this is the cause for your early menopause.
Women have two x chromosomes. One is active and the other is inactive. Fragile X syndrome indicates a defect in the inactive X chromosome. This defect can trigger premature menopause.
The medications that are used in chemotherapy and radiation treatments may cause early menopause. The ovaries can be damaged with these treatments. This is not usually reversible damage. Other surgical procedures may cause ovarian damage as well.
Symptoms of Menopause
Symptoms of the menopause can include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, declining libido, osteoporosis, ageing skin, lack of energy, joint pains, weight gain, headaches and changes in hair quality. Symptoms of perimenopause can begin as early as age 35, although most women become aware of them much later. Symptoms tend to last or get worse the first year or more after it. Symptoms can be perceived as physical problems, emotional disturbances, or problems associated with sexual functioning.
One of the biggest changes occurs in the level of hormones in the body. During menopause the levels of estrogen and progesterone start to decline, and as a result of this the body starts to display many of the 34 menopause symptoms. These symptoms can cause great discomfort and in some cases embarrassment, for example hot flashes can cause discomfort because they cause a woman to suddenly get hot for no reason, even in the cold. They can also cause embarrassment because they may cause a woman to start sweating profusely in public. Some of these symptoms go on to cause other problems, for example sleeping problems can cause a woman to suffer from tiredness and fatigue the following day. Now that we have looked at one of the biggest changes that occurs during menopause lets take a look at the 34 symptoms.
Treatments of Menopause
Non-medical treatments can be something as simple as changing your life style. Reduce your intake of alcohol and quit smoking. Eating a healthy diet and getting exercise will not only help you to feel better. Exercise might also boost your sex drive. Accept the fact that you are aging and be more open to your partner during this time.
Pharmaceuticals such as HRT - hormone replacement therapy are effective but they have some serious after effects. Many women seek to avoid these side effects. Natural treatments including herbal supplements may be an option.
Visit Natural Treatments. Also visit Breast Enlargement Products and Breast Firmng Products
Causes of Menopause
In some cases, the causes of early menopause are clear, but there are situations when you keep asking why did that happen, and have no idea which can be the cause.A common cause of premature ovarian failure can be an autoimmune disorder. When this happens, the body senses parts of itself as being intruders, so, antibodies will attack those parts. Antibodies may attack your own ovarian tissue, your endometrium, or one or more hormones that regulate ovulation. This can happen in the case of premature menopause, and if you have a family history of autoimmune disorders, it is a great possibility that this is the cause for your early menopause.
Women have two x chromosomes. One is active and the other is inactive. Fragile X syndrome indicates a defect in the inactive X chromosome. This defect can trigger premature menopause.
The medications that are used in chemotherapy and radiation treatments may cause early menopause. The ovaries can be damaged with these treatments. This is not usually reversible damage. Other surgical procedures may cause ovarian damage as well.
Symptoms of Menopause
Symptoms of the menopause can include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, declining libido, osteoporosis, ageing skin, lack of energy, joint pains, weight gain, headaches and changes in hair quality. Symptoms of perimenopause can begin as early as age 35, although most women become aware of them much later. Symptoms tend to last or get worse the first year or more after it. Symptoms can be perceived as physical problems, emotional disturbances, or problems associated with sexual functioning.
One of the biggest changes occurs in the level of hormones in the body. During menopause the levels of estrogen and progesterone start to decline, and as a result of this the body starts to display many of the 34 menopause symptoms. These symptoms can cause great discomfort and in some cases embarrassment, for example hot flashes can cause discomfort because they cause a woman to suddenly get hot for no reason, even in the cold. They can also cause embarrassment because they may cause a woman to start sweating profusely in public. Some of these symptoms go on to cause other problems, for example sleeping problems can cause a woman to suffer from tiredness and fatigue the following day. Now that we have looked at one of the biggest changes that occurs during menopause lets take a look at the 34 symptoms.
Treatments of Menopause
Non-medical treatments can be something as simple as changing your life style. Reduce your intake of alcohol and quit smoking. Eating a healthy diet and getting exercise will not only help you to feel better. Exercise might also boost your sex drive. Accept the fact that you are aging and be more open to your partner during this time.
Pharmaceuticals such as HRT - hormone replacement therapy are effective but they have some serious after effects. Many women seek to avoid these side effects. Natural treatments including herbal supplements may be an option.
Visit Natural Treatments. Also visit Breast Enlargement Products and Breast Firmng Products