MENOPAUSE

Menopause is an age related change in a woman's life. The monthly period or menstruation ceases because the ovaries stop making enough hormones. It is a time when a woman can no longer bear children. Natural menopause is a gradual process that can take several years.

Treatment for breast cancer can include the surgical removal of the ovaries, radiation of the ovaries and/or chemotherapy. Surgery and radiation to the ovaries cause immediate and severe menopause. The powerful drugs in the chemotherapy treatments can cause cessation of ovary functions, reduction of estrogen and progesterone levels and loss of periods temporarily or permanently.

  DETECTION

Menopause can occur anytime from forty-one to fifty-nine years of age. One of the signs of menopause is not having menstruation for six to twelve months. It can be confirmed by a blood test.

  SYMPTOMS

• no periods or dramatic change in periods
• hot flashes, night sweating
• nausea
• dizziness
• muscle pain
• headaches
• sleep disturbances
• tiredness
• palpitations
• thinning of the skin of the vagina and vulva
• urinary tract problems - incontinence
• emotional changes - sadness, nervousness, mood swings
• at risk for heart disease and osteoporosis

  TREATMENT

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - taking estrogen and/or progestin

Please discuss this treatment option with your doctor because it can put a woman at risk for breast cancer.

Women already diagnosed with breast cancer should discuss other non hormonal options with their doctor, oncologist, gynecologist or endocrinologist.

  HELP FOR HOT FLASHES

• nightclothes and bedclothes made of natural fibers
• day clothes made of natural fibers
• dressing in layers
• hand fan
• bedroom ceiling fan
• cool shower at bedtime
• drink lots of cool water
• eat a healthy low-fat diet - lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains
• get regular exercise
• herbal or vitamin therapy (check with doctor first)
• acupuncture
• meditation
• biofeedback
• K-Y Personal Lubricant, Astroglide, or Replens for vaginal dryness
• Kegel exercises for urinary incontinence
  • To locate the right muscles, try stopping or slowing your urine flow without using your stomach, leg or buttock muscles. When you are able to slow or stop the stream of urine, you have located the right muscles.
  • Squeeze your muscles. Hold for a count of 10. Relax for a count of 10.
  • Work up to doing this for 20 repetitions, three to four times a day.

  RESOURCES

Web Sites

• A Friend Indeed - Canadian Newsletter
• Power Surge:A Virtual Community For Women In Meno-Morphosis
• Doctor's Guide to Menopause
• North American Menopause Society
• Menopause Resource Center on Medscape