MENOPAUSE

Menopause is an inevitable change in a woman's life. As a woman ages, her reproductive system changes and her body makes less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menopause can be a natural part of aging, chemotherapy drugs, or caused by surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries. The ovaries are small, oval-shaped organs on either side of a woman's uterus that produce estrogen and progesterone as well as producing ovum, the "egg" necessary for having a baby.

Natural menopause typically starts when a woman is in her 40s to 50s. Some women experience hot flashes and night sweats during and after menopause. Some symptoms can be uncomfortable or annoying, such as mood swings and dry skin. It's important to discuss any menopause symptoms you may be having with your doctor. Many times hormone replacement therapy is an option, and in other cases there are non-hormone options for treating symptoms.

Menopause doesn't have to be a miserable time. There are many ways to alleviate menopause symptoms. Talk with your doctor about options and what may work for you.