Bedford Park is a small community in Cook County, Illinois. Dr. Denise Furlong in Bedford Park is one of the best urogynecologists in the county.
Though many women know that they will reach menopause after a certain age, they know little more than that. Every woman and man should know more about what happens to women during menopause.
The following are some things you need to know about menopause:
1. Menopausal Age Varies
A common misconception is that there is a specific age when women start developing signs or symptoms of menopause. The truth is that menopause affects women differently, particularly the age at which they enter menopause.
The average age when women enter menopause is 51. However, many women enter menopause in their 40s and late 50s.
Some signs of menopause may start earlier than others, for example, declining ovary function. Menopausal age is not entirely genetically determined and is affected by lifestyle factors such as diet and smoking.
2. Hot Flashes Are Almost Certain
The most common symptom of menopause in women is hot flashes caused by reduced estrogen levels. About three-quarters of women suffer from hot flashes during menopause.
A hot flash is a sudden flare-up in body temperature, typically experienced in the upper body and skin. A hot flash may also include dizziness, sweating, and heart palpitations in some cases.
Hot flashes in women during menopause vary significantly in intensity and frequency. The hot flashes may last between 15 and 30 minutes and occur several times a day or several times a year.
3. Menopause Affects Cardiac Health
Women in menopause experience more cardiac health issues than their younger counterparts. It is common for cardiac problems such as heart palpitations to occur during menopause.
The reduction of estrogen causes cardiac issues in menopausal women. The health of blood vessels in the body depends on estrogen, so less estrogen leads to weakening blood vessels and reduced blood flow.
The good news is that there is much a menopausal woman can do to avoid serious cardiac health issues. You can eat a healthy diet low in cholesterol, exercise, and maintain a healthy weight.
4. Does a Hysterectomy Affect Menopause?
A hysterectomy is a medical procedure that involves removing the uterus from the body. A variety of health concerns may lead to the removal of the uterus.
Menstrual periods are the primary method most women use to know if they are menopausal, but a woman without a uterus does not have periods. It is difficult to tell if menopause has set if you have had a hysterectomy apart from inevitable hot flushes.
5. Many Hormone Changes During Menopause
The reduction of estrogen is not the only hormonal change in the body of a menopausal woman. There are many hormones whose composition and amount change during menopause.
The hormonal changes are what cause the symptoms of menopause. The changes are mainly meant to change the reproductive system since you can no longer have a child.
Menopausal women have the option of hormonal therapy if they wish.
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