As
women mature over the years, our bodies begin to change once more to end the
fertile phase of our lives. Menopause is based on the natural or surgical
cessation of hormone production by the ovaries, which are a part of the endocrine system that produces hormones. The typical age for the onset of
menopause is between the ages of 45 to 55. This leads to decreased levels of
circulating estrogen, which impacts the reproductive function in a woman from
the brain to the skin. Additionally, the levels of follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) would be abnormally high if menopause has
occurred. On average, women who smoke cigarettes experience menopause significantly
earlier than non-smokers.
Most women undergo significant bodily
changes resulting from hormonal fluctuation:
Weight gain in the lower abdomen, buttocks, and thighs
Increase their risk of osteoporosis
Hot flashes
Mood changes
Insomnia
Fatigue
Memory problems
Common Menopause Treatments for Women:
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Antidepressants - Paroxetine (Paxil), Fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac), and Venlafaxine hydrochloride (Effexor) have been used with some success in the treatment of hot flashes, improving sleep, mood and quality of life
