Menopause Facts and Information

Typically, menopause begins between the ages of 45 and 55, the average age being 51. During this time, hormone production (especially estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) drops, which may cause medical problems.

The medical problems associated with menopause include, but are not limited to:

• Fractures
• Hot Flashes
• Backaches
• Lower Abdominal Pain
• Sleep Disturbances
• Depression
• Low Energy
• Alzheimer’s
• Dsyparunia
• Vaginitis
• Vaginal Prolapse
• Macular Degeneration

The following steps are recommended to limit the symptoms and associated medical problems of menopause:

• Take calcium starting at age 30 or sooner
• Keep physically and mentally active
• Do weight bearing exercises
• Maintain a diet low in fat, especially saturated fat and starch
• Maintain a diet high in fruit, vegetables, protein and calcium
• Have your routine annual exams and proper tests done, such as mammogram, blood sugar (for diabetes) and lipid profile (for cholesterol)
• Take colonoscopy and gastroscopy exams when needed and when recommended by your physician
• Start Hormone Replacement Therapy when you reach menopause
• Have a mammogram at age 35 and 40, then every other year up to age 50, followed by an annual mammogram each year thereafter

Things to Avoid:

• Excessive consumption of coffee and alcohol
• Smoking

If you have any questions, please call Dr. Hai Solomon, Ob/Gyn, at (708) 450-5090.