Hesperian Health Guides
The End of Menstrual Periods (Menopause)
This is a time of emotional, physical, and social changes. You may feel a sense of relief because menopause means the end of periods. It also means that you cannot give birth any more. It is natural to feel sadness for this loss of possibility
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Signs:
- Your menstrual cycle changes. Your period may shorten by 2 or 3 days, or it may last longer than usual, perhaps 2 to 3 weeks. You may not have your period for a few months, after which it may return with a heavier flow.
- At times you suddenly may feel very hot or sweaty (called having âhot flashesâ). This can wake you up at night.
- Your vagina becomes smaller and less wet.
- You may urinate more often.
- Your desire for sexual activity may change.
- You may have trouble sleeping.
- You may feel sad, tearful, or irritable for no reason.
These signs happen because the ovaries stop making the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Signs will go away as your body gets used to less estrogen.
How you feel about the end of your menstrual bleeding may also depend on how your community treats older women. Are they respected and listened to, or ignored and valued less when they are no longer raising children?
What to do during menopause
Menopause is a normal part of life. Most women will be able to feel better by following some of the suggestions on the next page.
For people who menstruate, menopause marks the beginning of a new phase for their body. By paying attention to the changes in our physical and social needs, we can achieve good health as we age.
In the past, doctors recommended medicines containing estrogen and progesterone to relieve the most severe symptoms of menopause. This is called âHormone Replacement Therapyâ (HRT). Unfortunately, HRT has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots, and stroke. It is healthier to avoid using hormone medicines this way.
To feel better during menopause: | ||
Notice how different thingsâfoods, activities, where you sitâaffect you as you age. Small changes can make a big difference. | ||
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