Forsyth Medical Center 
Midlife and Beyond
Menopause
| Often called "the change of life," menopause signals the end of a woman's ability to have children. |
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Menopause occurs when a woman stops having menstrual periods, and is usually said to be complete when there are no periods for a full year. Menopause occurs naturally at an average age of 51, but it can be surgically triggered at any age if ovaries are removed.
Perimenopause is the term for the transition period from the time a woman's hormones begin to change to menopause. This transition usually begins about 3 to 5 years before the final menstrual period, but can begin earlier.
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Do you have specific questions about menopause? Visit our Health Library for answers. |
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Women may experience both physical and psychological symptoms during menopause. Each woman has a different experience, with symptoms lasting a few weeks or several years. The symptoms may come and go at any time.
Physical Symptoms:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Hot flashes
- Dry skin
- Night sweats and disturbed sleep patterns
- Vaginal dryness
- More frequent urination or leakage of urine
- More frequent minor vaginal and urinary infections
Psychological Symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Tearfulness, irritability
- Less desire for sex
- Lack of concentration
- More trouble remembering things
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Of all the health choices you face as you approach menopause, whether to use hormone-replacement therapy - whether by replacing estrogen alone, or by replacing estrogen with a combined progesterone (progesterone or a progestin) - is considered one of the most effective strategies for relieving menopausal symptoms and reducing the health risks that accompany them.
This is a decision that should be made with your physician with consideration of the risks and benefits for your individual situation.
For More Information
Please contact the Sara Lee Center for Women's Health to find out how we can help you through menopause. Our telephone number is 336-718-3780
