COVER STORY
Breaking Through the Menopause Taboo
How toembrace the change and live ahealthy , fulfilling life
By Nancy Cohen FOR HEALTH QUARTERLY
Until recently , menopause was ahighly uncomfortable and neglected issue in the media , in scientific research and among women themselves . But alot has changed , and the stigma surrounding the topic of menopause is disappearing . We arenolonger ageneration that considers the topic taboo . With new research by neuroscientists on the impact ofhormonal changes on the brain , celebrities speaking out on the topic and honest conversations among friends , colleagues and peers , women are empowered and better equipped with more knowledge and greater health .
What is Menopause ?
Menopause is the time that marks the end of a woman ’ s menstrual cycle . It ’ s diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period . Itcan be thought of in terms of early stage versus later stage of menopause that finally leads to the last menstrual period . Menopause is a natural biological process , but many experience physical symptoms that can impact their mental health as well . Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s , but the average age is around 51-52 . The years leading up to that point , when women mayhave changes in their monthly cycles , hot flashes , or other symptoms , are called the menopausal transition or perimenopause . During perimenopause , the body ’ s production of estrogen and progesterone , two hormones made by the ovaries , varies greatly . As we are living longer , we can spend more than one-third to one-half of our life in a postmenstrual state .
Signsand Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause occurs when ovulation ceases by the ovaries and the hormone production has decreased . Themenopausal transition affects each woman uniquely and in various ways . Our genetics , medical conditions , where we work , live andplay can all affect when and how we experience menopause .
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12 SPRING 2024 | THE RECORD HEALTH QUARTERLY | PREPARED BY THE ADVERTISING DEPT .