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Page 58
| Menopause |
| Menopause is a natural phase of a woman's menstrual life. At some point, probably around age 40 or so, changes in hormone regulation begin to signal the ultimate cessation of periods. This time when periods are still experienced, though perhaps irregularly, is known as the climacteric and it can go on for many years before periods actually stop. Cessation of periods itself is known as menopause. This usually occurs between 50 and 60 years of age. |
| Some women experience little or no discomfort during the climacteric and after menopause. Others have a more difficult time with the changes. Symptoms that may be experienced before and after menopause include sleep disturbances, menstrual irregularities, vaginal dryness, emotional ups and downs, temperature intolerance or hot flashes, night sweats, itchiness of the vulva, lowered libido and others. As hormone regulation changes and hormones necessary for reproduction are diminished in their secretion, many changes begin to occur in the body. Some of the symptoms result from those changes. |
| The views society has about menopause and the aging woman play an important role in a woman's experience of menopause. Aging women are often seen in our society as sexless creatures who have |
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