We’ve all been touched by menopause: maybe your mom has it, maybe your grandma, maybe your sitting there, reading this right now, wondering if you are going through the “change of life.” Menopause usually strikes women around 51 years old but menopause can begin as early as your 30s and as late as your 60s. This can be affected by your lifelong financial health and general adversity faced says the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. It shouldn’t be too surprising that the more challenges a person faces, the quicker they age – literally. In addtion to full-fledged menopause, around 90% of women go through perimenopause, which is marked by unusual menstrual cycles.
So now that we understand who gets menopause and when, what exactly can you expect? Fist, you don’t have to expect much of anything. Menopause is controlled by hormones. Ask your doctor about bioidentical hormone therapy and you could partake in therapy similar to assisted reproductive technology to keep your hormones at a level that makes menopause comfortable. This treatment can be used for up to five years to avoid the frustrating symptoms of menopause like night sweats and mood swings.
One of the biggest causes of infertility in women is – you guessed it- age! So, on top of dealing with menopause, you may be reconciling that having more kids – or any kids – isn’t in your cards. While women under 35 should try for a full year before contacting their doctor about infertility, women in their 40s may want to reach out right away. Infertility solutions are a-plenty, including surgery, medicine, and tubal ovum transfer, but the quicker you start, the quicker a baby can transpire.
As with any hormonal-related issue, it’s never a bad idea to be in contact with your physician. During first stages of menopause, you don’t have to suffer. Bioidentical hormone therapy could be just what you need.