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The average age of
menopause in the U.S.
Source: American Medical Association
enopause is sometimes called the change of
life—a change that may sound a little ominous.
But just as puberty kicked o% a new life adventure, so
can menopause. And this time around, you have self-con$-
dence and experience to call upon during the transition.
Menopause does bring changes to your life, but there
are many steps you can take to maintain your health dur-
ing these years. So, read on to see what to expect and to
get tips on how to navigate the journey ahead.
Moving toward menopause
Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to meno-
pause. During perimenopause, the levels of two hormones,
estrogen and progesterone, begin &uctuating. Around this
time, periods may become irregular in frequency and dura-
tion, with unusually light or heavy bleeding.
Other symptoms you may notice during this time include:
Hot #ashes (#ushes).
"ese sudden sensations of body heat
o#en are one of the $rst symptoms of perimenopause, accord-
ing to the American Medical Association. Your face and neck
may blush, your skin may bloom with red blotches, and heavy
sweating and cold shivers may follow each &ash. Hot &ashes dur-
ing the night—called night sweats—may disrupt sleep, leading
to daytime fatigue and irritability.
Vaginal and urinary problems.
Drying, thinning vaginal
tissue can make sex uncomfortable and may lead
to infections. Changes in the urinary tract
also raise the risk of infection, as well
as unexpected leaks of urine when
you laugh, cough or sneeze.
Join us for a lecture, “Nearing Menopause? Ways to
Navigate the Change of Life,” by Robert Schnurr, MD,
and others on Thursday, Aug. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at
Doc’s Trattoria, 9 Maple St., Kent, Conn. Wine and hors
d’oeuvres will be served. Seating is limited. Please
RSVP by calling our Health & Wellness Concierge at
877.364.4202 or emailing concierge@sharonhospital.com.
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lifeand health