The early signs of menopause usually begin to occur around the age of forty. Many women report first noticing hot flashes and vaginal dryness; these two symptoms are cardinal early signs of menopause. Other women may notice an increase in irritability or edginess, in addition to emotional swings that come and go as frequently as hot flashes. Other early signs of menopause are monthly cycles becoming irregular or having less flow than usual. Not one woman I know would complain about their period lightening up or stopping completely. That’s one nice thing about being pregnant, you don’t have to deal with it for nine months! A hysterectomy can take care of it too, for good!

Women who begin to experience early signs of menopause before the age of forty experience the same symptoms as older women, however, they are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and fractures, and ovarian cancer. These woman may be experiencing early signs of menopause because they underwent chemotherapy or radiation, or had a hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). The hormones that regulate ovulation and menstruation are no longer stimulated to be produced because of interference by the cancer treatment, or because of physical removal of the ovaries.

There are many treatment options available to help alleviate some of the symptoms and early signs of menopause, such as estrogen or hormone replacement therapy, soy consumption, and other herbal supplements and therapies. Strategies proven to help minimize early signs of menopause include a low fat diet, regular aerobic exercise, stress reduction, such as meditation or yoga, and increased consumption of soy based products. Tofu, soy milk and cheese, miso, and meat substitutes all are rich in phytoestrogens which are just as effective as traditional hormone replacement therapies in treating early signs of menopause.

Menopause is a time to look forward, to not having to plan around that ‘time of the month’, whether it comes naturally, or it is induced by other means. It is a part of life many women enjoy because they are released in some way, they can be more spontaneous in a sense, and not burdened by always thinking about protection from either getting pregnant or from spotting through on your clothes. I don’t know any women who would miss that either. Check the many online sites that have information readily available on the early signs of menopause, and just about anything else you need to know regarding your reproductive health. Here’s to you!