Menopause. The big "M." Many women dread the very thought of entering this new stage of life, with all the changes and sometimes uncomfortable symptoms it brings. But menopause does not necessarily deserve the bad rap it gets. True, it can take adjustment and new solutions as your body begins to change, but your quality of life does not have to diminish in the least bit. As the average life span continues to increase, you no longer have to think of menopause as the "beginning of the end." In fact, as you enter this second stage of life, you are wiser and more experienced brings new opportunity, new creativity and new discoveries around every bend.
Menopause basics
Menopause is a normal, natural event in life caused by diminishing hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It is not a quick change from menstruating regularly to the sudden cessation of your cycle. Instead, it is a slow process, an uneven playing field, that can cause some pretty uneven symptoms. Hormones are the 'feel good' messenger in our bodies, and hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and the inability to sleep can all be signs that you are no longer producing the same level of hormones as you were previously. Lets take a look at the three stages of menopause to begin to learn more.
Stage one: Perimenopause
Perimenopause, the first stage of menopause, can be the most confusing and difficult stage. At this stage your periods may come sporadically, and the typical symptoms of moodiness, vaginal dryness, decreased sex drive, and lack of energy begin to kick in. Hormone levels are all over the charts, sometimes shooting up even higher then they where in your most reproductive years, and at times crashing down drastically. Although women can begin this stage as early as their 30's or as late as their 60's, the most common age for experiencing perimenopause is 50.
Stage two: Menopause
Menopause is defined as when the menstrual cycle has completely stopped for 12 months. At this point, is can be clarified that a women is actually in menopause, and is no longer ovulating and able to become pregnant. For many women this clarity brings relief, and many of the uncomfortable symptoms of uneven hormone levels begin to abate, but may still stick around for a few more years.
Stage three: Post menopause
Post Menopause is the final, permanent stage of life where your hormone levels are even, but at a much lower level then they were during your reproductive years. But don't worry, with a few readjustments, there is no need to miss out on any of the adventures life still has to offer.
Managing vaginal dryness
Menopause is a reality for every single women in the world as she transitions between stages of life, and one of the most common side effects is uncomfortable vaginal dryness. Your vagina produces the perfect amount of moisture to keep you comfortable during every day activities, and during sex, but the hormonal changes associated with menopause can cause an imbalance in that moisture. Products like Yes moisturizing lubricants and Permeno vaginal ovals do what a cold cup of water would do for your parched throat. Keep you comfortable and happy, and ready for action.
Yes moisturizing lubricants, made of are 100% natural ingredients, are helpful in re-hydrating the vagina to keep you at your best in every day life and in the bedroom. The purity of ingredients means you can use the product as often as you'd like, without worrying about exposing your skin to chemicals and irritants.
Similarly, Premeno Duo vaginal ovals are also a great solution to vaginal dryness. The ovals are inserted cleanly and discreetly providing long lasting moister and relief. In fact, for many, one oval rebalances the vagina and provides moister lasting as long as three days!
Are the symptoms I'm experiencing really menopause?
If you are starting to experience unclear symptoms of menopause, perhaps you are just not feeling the same spark you used to, or you missed a period, it can be comforting to use a menopause home testing kit. The kit test for the FSH hormone, an indicator of menopause, and includes two testing sticks to be used a week apart to allow for natural hormonal variations. Many women say the simple knowledge of where they are and what their bodies is invaluably reassuring.
