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Menopause

Menopause is the term used to describe the time when a women's menstrual periods cease. On the average  this occurs about age fifty. During the approach to menopause a women's periods may become irregular before they stop completely.

Whether or not a woman has reached menopause can be determined by consulting your doctor, blood tests can confirm the diagnosis. Almost all women who go through the menopause should take hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their lives.

Low estrogens levels are linked to some uncomfortable symptoms in many women. The most common and easy to recognize symptom is hot flashes, some women find that these hot flashes disrupt their sleep, and others report mood changes. Some women experience problems linked to the low levels of estrogens found after menopause.

Estrogens & Progesterone top Estrogens is known as a female hormone because it plays a key role in shaping the female body and preparing it for uniquely female functions such as pregnancy. For example, estrogens is vital for the development of breasts and hips, and other female organs.

Together with progesterone, another female hormone made by the ovaries, estrogens regulates the changes that occur with each monthly period and prepares the uterus for pregnancy. That's why women continue to have low levels of estrogens after menopause.

Progesterone is the second most important female hormone. Like estrogens, most progesterone is made by the ovaries, with a smaller amount made by the adrenal glands. The job of progesterone is to: Stimulate the growth of a cushiony lining in the uterus where the fertilized egg can grow and develop into a baby, help the breast make milk Generally maintain pregnancy


Diagnosis Menopause is usually diagnosed after the doctor reviews a woman's medical history and performs a physical examination. The doctor may also order blood tests to make sure the symptoms are related to menopause and to decide what therapy, if any, might be most appropriate.

Making sure to get enough calcium in your diet can help strengthen your bones. Calcium is naturally found in many foods, including dairy products, and may also be added to a food. Calcium tablets are another good way to add to calcium to your diet. The goal should be to reach a total daily intake of 1000 milligrams per day before menopause or 1500 milligrams per day after menopause.