A good understanding of what is happening to your body and how other women cope with these changes can help with the adjustment. So can an understanding doctor who can make recommendations tailored to your particular problems, health history, and life-style. A womans final menstrual period commonly occurs between ages 45 and 55, but the process that leads up to menopause occurs gradually, easing the bodys adjustment to shifting hormonal patterns. Women are affected in varying degrees by the uncomfortable symptoms that can accompany menopause, such as irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, disturbed sleep patterns, vaginal discomfort, and the emotional difficulties these problems can cause. Some women barely notice the changes and experience no interruption in their daily routines, but about 60 percent of women approaching the age of menopause experience some symptoms due to biochemical changes taking place within.
Symptoms often subside naturally as the menopausal years progress.
Other women experience symptoms suddenly or very intensely, and seek medical relief for their debilitating effect. This chapter focuses on the most common symptoms of the menopausal period and the non-pharmaceutical strategies that can relieve them. A discussion of pharmaceutical remedies can be found in the chapter on hormone replacement therapy. All Rights Reserved. Inc. All Rights Reserved.