Menopause
As menopause nears, the ovaries make less estrogen. One of the earliest and most common signs that menopause may be approaching is a change in your menstrual periods. You may skip one or more periods. The amount of flow may become lighter or heavier. Bleeding may last a shorter or longer time than is usual for you. At some point, the ovaries stop making enough estrogen to thicken the lining of the uterus. This is when the menstrual periods stop. Menopause also can occur when a woman's ovaries are surgically removed. This may trigger severe symptoms because the hormone levels decrease all at once. The average age when a woman has her last menstrual period is 51 years, but the normal range is from ages 45 to 55 years. Although the removal of the uterus (a hysterectomy) ends menstrual periods, it will not cause menopause unless the ovaries also are removed. If the ovaries remain after surgery, most women will go through menopause around the normal age.
What to Expect
Menopause is a natural part of aging. The lower amounts of estrogen that come with menopause will cause changes in your body. These changes occur over time. Menopause is different for everyone. Some women notice little difference in their bodies. Others may find it difficult to cope with their symptoms.
The most commons symptoms are:
- Vasomotor Hot flashes
- Night sweats or chills
- Vaginal dryness, pain, and/or burning
- Pain during sexual activity
- Decreased sexual desire
- Decreased sexual response
- Decreased sexual frequency
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Weight gain
The experienced Ob/Gyn team The Jackson Clinic serves patients, not only from Jackson and surrounding West Tennessee counties, but all over the Mid-South region. Patients come from Memphis, Tupelo, Jonesboro and Paducah to receive The Jackson Clinic’s state-of-the-art treatment and personal approach.