There are a lot of myths about menopause-the time in a woman's life when she stops menstruating. It is a normal stage of life, as natural as pregnancy or menstruation. The average age at the last menstrual period is 51.

Today, there are over 30 million women in the United States who are postmenopausal. Many of these women can enjoy a healthy life style for years to come. This page describes the physical changes that may occur during menopause and how you can stay healthy during this time.

For your health information

• Menopause and the Menstrual Cycle
  One of the earliest signs of approaching menopause is irregular periods. You may skip one or two periods. Your menstrual flow may change. It may become lighter or heavier. Here's what you can expect at menopause...
• Estrogen Replacement Therapy
  After menopause, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy, in which hormones are given to replace those your body made. The main goals of hormone replacement therapy are relieving symptoms, preventing osteoporosis, and protecting against heart disease...
• Having a Mammogram
  Although mammograms do not always detect early breast disease, they are presently your best weapon in your fight against breast cancer...
• Diet and Exercise During Menopause
  A balanced diet and regular exercise will help you to stay fit and healthy before, during, and after menopause...
• Treatment Alternatives for Menopause
  Using alternative methods for menopause can be an individual choice. Not all women choose to go on hormone replacement therapy, or for some reason, hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated...

Other related topics

• Ovarian cysts
  Ovarian cysts are growths that form on the ovaries. Some types of ovarian cysts are normal and usually harmless, often going away without any treatment. Other cysts are abnormal and may cause problems...
• Laparoscopy
  Problems that occur with a woman's reproductive organs sometimes cannot be found by a physical examination alone. Other tests, X-ray, or ultrasound may still leave some uncertainty. In these cases, a type of diagnostic surgery, called laparoscopy, allows the doctor to look inside the abdomen at these organs....

Books and Organizations

• Menopause Guidebook
  The North American Menopause Society: This is a 50 page guidebook which provides current unbiased information on a variety of menopause and perimenopausal issues. Also includes information on other organizations that can provide help. The packet is free, but there is a $5 shipping and handling charge. Order your menopak by calling 1-800-774-5342. ; PO Box 94527, Cleveland, OH 44101-4527
• National Osteoporosis Foundation
  This organization offers a 22 page booklet on prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Individual copies are free of charge by writing to the address above or by calling 202-223-2226; 1150 17th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20036-4603
• The Complete Book of Menopause
  Every Woman's Guide to Good Health; Carol Landau, PhD. et al, Perigee& Berkley, 1995.
• Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book
  Susan M. Love MD et al., Addison- Wesley, 1995 (2nd edition)
• Estrogen: The Natural Way
  Shandler, Villard Books, 1997
• Menopause
  Isaac Schiff, MD, et al, Times Books, 1996
• 150 Most -Asked Questions About Menopause
  What Women Really Want to Know; Ruth Jacobowitz, Morrow, 1996
• The Woman's Guide to Hysterectomy: Expectations and Options
  Adelaide Haas, PhD. et al, Celestial Arts Press, 1995

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