Every woman knows that if she lives longenough, she will go through menopause, the "change of life." But whatis it? What should we expect, and when should we expect it? And, perhaps mostimportantly, what can we do to make this transition as physically andemotionally comfortable as possible?

What Is Menopause?

The word menopause comes from the Greek andLatin words for "moon" and "stop," and refers to the ending ofa woman's menstrual cycle, viewed by some throughout history to be influencedby the moon. The moon may or may not affect our periods, but estrogen mostcertainly does.

As we age, our bodies begin to produce lessestrogen, resulting in irregular or nonexistent menstruation. This can alsooccur after removal of the uterus and both ovaries and is then called asurgical menopause. Non-surgical menopause usually occurs around the age of 50,give or take five years. It is not impossible, however, for it to happen asearly as age 35 or as late as age 60.

Signs of Menopause

You may experience only some of thesesymptoms, or even none at all.

• Hot flashes (up to 20 times a day)
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Irregular, heavy or light menses
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Night sweats
• Decreased sexual desire
• Vaginal dryness
• Nausea
• Increased bladder infections
• Palpitations

Health Risks and Replacement Therapy

Once it has been determined that yoursymptoms are those of menopause, you will want your physician's assistance todetermine whether your newly lowered estrogen level will increase your risksfor health problems such as osteoporosis or heart disease.

If it is determined that your risks areincreased, you may wish to begin estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) or hormonereplacement therapy (HRT). These treatments have their pros and cons, andshould be discussed carefully with a health care provider before making adecision. You will want to take into consideration such things as age, race,family and personal health history. If you have had certain types of cancer orliver disease, for instance, you should not take estrogen.

Regular exercise and calcium supplements mayprove to be a better way to prevent osteoporosis in some cases.

Coping with the Early Stages of Menopause

• During the day, light-colored clothing made of naturalfibers and/or clothing worn in layers can help lessen hot flashes.
• A portable fan can provide additional comfort.
• At night, caffeine and hot, spicy foods should beavoided.
• Sleeping nude or in cotton pajamas can help reduce nightsweat discomfort.
• Vaginal lubricants may alleviate any vaginal discomfort ordryness you may experience during intercourse.
• Support groups for women who have been or are going throughmenopause may be a comfort.

Other than dealing with the side effects ofmenopause, life should continue pretty much as it did before. Continue to usebirth control if you do not wish to become pregnant until you have been assuredby a doctor that you can no longer conceive.

Many women find that post-menopausal life(approximately one year after their last period) is liberating because there isno longer a need to be concerned about pregnancy or menstruation -- and thereis more time to focus attention on new areas of health andwell-being.