Is it hot in here? I can't sleep – I'm tossing and turning all night because I am so hot? Did you change the thermostat? These questions haunt the minds of Baby Boomer women who have just begun, or are well into, menopause. As with all things that the Baby Boomers touch – menopause, the "hidden problem," is changing its image forever.
Menopause is defined as "the cessation of menstruation as a result of the normal decline in ovarian function," in other words, it is when a woman's period stops and she can no longer become pregnant. A woman will know she has reached menopause when she has not had a period for 12 months in a row (and there are no other causes, such as pregnancy or illness, for this change) – this may also be referred to as "postmenopause." For most women, natural menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age of onset being around 51. In rare instances, menopause can occur as early as the 30's or as late as the 60's. Menopause is considered premature if it occurs before the age of 40, or if radiation exposure, chemotherapeutic drugs, or surgery induces it. Other factors that may contribute to the early onset of menopause include a history of smoking, poor nutrition, a co-existing medical condition, or even a traumatic experience.
Menopause is a normal change in a woman's body. In the years leading up to menopause known as "premenopause or perimenopause," a woman's ovaries slowly make less and less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This is usually the time when most of the symptoms of menopause are manifested. While some women suffer severe symptoms, others may see little or no changes. Once hormones have leveled off, most of the symptoms experienced during perimenopause will disappear -- although some women have occasional hot flashes, anxiety, bouts of depression, etc., for years after they become postmenopausal.
In the past this "change of life" was seen as something to hide or dismiss. In the 1960's – 1970's medical emphasis was on treatment with hormones and other supplements. Unfortunately, science has discovered alarming potential side affects from traditional hormone replacements, including the threat of cancer. Given the stigma associated with traditional medical solutions, women are faced with the need to find alternatives too many of the troubling symptoms of menopause – particularly since these symptoms may linger for years. Fortunately, as with many other issues that affect Baby Boomer life, there are many new alternatives springing up, as well as new resources to help meet the need of menopausal women. Recent studies are compelling women to view menopause as simply a "natural life transition."
In the past, information on menopause treatment was primarily available through doctors and other health care professionals. But the Internet has radically changed the quality and quantity of information. Early on, menopause sites were primarily dedicated to information and support. With few accepted alternative treatments, support was seen as the only effective tool. Over the last few years however, we are seeing new products that can provide at least some symptomatic relief, as well as natural alternative supplements that compare favorably to traditional chemical supplements. Unfortunately, as new products started to be developed the manufacturers tended to limit website content to the selling their products. However, for the first time we are seeing websites that try to marry education, information and alternative products. Recently a new website was developed to offer comprehensive education along with unique products specifically designed to address menopausal women. Products such as wicking sleepwear, cooling mattress covers, natural supplements, and "cool technology" bedding; can go a long way towards easing the years of discomfort that come from menopause symptoms.
As Baby Boomer's and succeeding generations enter into menopause it is critical that they understand everything about this unique time and how to live with it.
Menopause is defined as "the cessation of menstruation as a result of the normal decline in ovarian function," in other words, it is when a woman's period stops and she can no longer become pregnant. A woman will know she has reached menopause when she has not had a period for 12 months in a row (and there are no other causes, such as pregnancy or illness, for this change) – this may also be referred to as "postmenopause." For most women, natural menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age of onset being around 51. In rare instances, menopause can occur as early as the 30's or as late as the 60's. Menopause is considered premature if it occurs before the age of 40, or if radiation exposure, chemotherapeutic drugs, or surgery induces it. Other factors that may contribute to the early onset of menopause include a history of smoking, poor nutrition, a co-existing medical condition, or even a traumatic experience.
Menopause is a normal change in a woman's body. In the years leading up to menopause known as "premenopause or perimenopause," a woman's ovaries slowly make less and less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This is usually the time when most of the symptoms of menopause are manifested. While some women suffer severe symptoms, others may see little or no changes. Once hormones have leveled off, most of the symptoms experienced during perimenopause will disappear -- although some women have occasional hot flashes, anxiety, bouts of depression, etc., for years after they become postmenopausal.
In the past this "change of life" was seen as something to hide or dismiss. In the 1960's – 1970's medical emphasis was on treatment with hormones and other supplements. Unfortunately, science has discovered alarming potential side affects from traditional hormone replacements, including the threat of cancer. Given the stigma associated with traditional medical solutions, women are faced with the need to find alternatives too many of the troubling symptoms of menopause – particularly since these symptoms may linger for years. Fortunately, as with many other issues that affect Baby Boomer life, there are many new alternatives springing up, as well as new resources to help meet the need of menopausal women. Recent studies are compelling women to view menopause as simply a "natural life transition."
In the past, information on menopause treatment was primarily available through doctors and other health care professionals. But the Internet has radically changed the quality and quantity of information. Early on, menopause sites were primarily dedicated to information and support. With few accepted alternative treatments, support was seen as the only effective tool. Over the last few years however, we are seeing new products that can provide at least some symptomatic relief, as well as natural alternative supplements that compare favorably to traditional chemical supplements. Unfortunately, as new products started to be developed the manufacturers tended to limit website content to the selling their products. However, for the first time we are seeing websites that try to marry education, information and alternative products. Recently a new website was developed to offer comprehensive education along with unique products specifically designed to address menopausal women. Products such as wicking sleepwear, cooling mattress covers, natural supplements, and "cool technology" bedding; can go a long way towards easing the years of discomfort that come from menopause symptoms.
As Baby Boomer's and succeeding generations enter into menopause it is critical that they understand everything about this unique time and how to live with it.