Menopause
Menopause is the complete cessation of periods and ovulation. It officially begins 12 months after your last menstrual period. For most women, most of the symptoms of perimenopause improve in menopause…eventually (months to years)!
This is because hormones are no longer fluctuating (going up and down at random) but rather low and not changing. Most women’s bodies adapt (gets used to) to low yet stable levels of hormones. Some, though, never adapt to low estrogen and progesterone and continue to experience hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, low libido, and anxiety.
Some menopausal women (the lucky ones) continue to have adequate amounts of sex hormones, enough that they are symptom free. Although they may not feel the effects of low hormones, their bodies do. The body’s organs, from our heart to digestive organs to skin, are all supported by hormones.
Without these hormones, organs age more quickly. In fact, women who go through early menopause have an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, i.e. heart attack, stroke, and hip breaks!
Menopausal and post menopausal women who are not on some sort of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may experience chronic symptoms related to low sex hormones.
Common Symptoms of Post Menopause: