Menopause
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her period stops and she can no longer become pregnant. It is a normal change in a woman’s body. A woman will know she has reached menopause when she has not had a period for 12 consecutive months (with no other possible causes, such as pregnancy or illness). This happens for most women after the age 45. Even though the symptoms accompanying menopause can be irritating, to say the least, it doesn’t in any way diminish a woman or her role in the society. In fact, there is no neurological disorder associated with menopause.
Menopause affects every woman differently. Some of the changes you might notice as you near menopause include:
- Change in pattern of periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Trouble sleeping through the night
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings, feeling crabby or crying spells
- Trouble focusing or forgetfulness
- Hair loss or thinning on your head or more hair growth on your face
Menopause is a natural and necessary course one must take. However, it does not have to invoke the feelings of doom. Instead of fighting it, embrace it. If help is needed, there are various support groups available to help you through it. No one said that life was going to be easy, and this particular cycle of life is no exception. Depression during the menopausal transition is treated in much the same way as depression that strikes at any other time of life. If your mood is affecting your quality of life, get enough rest and look for positive ways to unwind and ease daily stress.
