Time for Change
Embarrassment, a lack of public awareness, and miscommunication can mean that for many women, menopause is endured in silence, perhaps feeling hopeless, confused, or "crazy" and not seeking the support and resources available to them. Stigma surrounding menopause can not only impact a woman’s wellbeing and quality of life, but potentially it can put her long-term health at risk. It's time to make a change and have the talk because menopause is a normal, natural biological life event.
A person has reached menopause when they have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. On average, it usually occurs around age 51. However, changes and symptoms can start several years earlier, which is called perimenopause. Some common, normal menopause signs include irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and mood swings—all results of unevenly changing levels of ovarian hormones (estrogen) in the body.
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