All human beings act and look different, they may be tall, short, fat or skinny. So why should women going through menopause all be the same. They are not.

Menopause is the last period they have, ending a woman’s child bearing years. It can be a very trying time. This will normally occur in most women anywhere between the ages of 45 to 55, although some women may start as early as 40.

It may begin gradually and take up to ten years before their last period occurs. During which time the period may ebb and flow until it stops completely.

During this time many women may suffer from depression, headaches, stomach aches and pains. While others sweat or have hot flushes, frequent urination, vaginal dryness and loss of sex drive.

Some may suffer from serious symptoms, while others have none at all.

Actually the ovaries slow down the production of oestrogen, causing your hormone levels to change. You could notice a variety of monthly changes from irregular spotting to lighter bleeding.

If you suffer from a continual heavy loss or continual flooding of blood then seek medical advice at once. This could lead to anaemia.

Causes of early menopause

Some women may have to have their ovaries removed for various reasons: excessive bleeding or from cancer treatment. While other woman’s ovaries stop working without any notable problems at all.

It is advisable to continue taking your birth control after your last period to prevent unwanted pregnancies to be on the safe side. Be guided by your doctor for advice ont the correct length of time for you personally.

I personally believe that every woman over the age of 20 should have regular breast screening (mammograms). Breast cancer is being found in younger women all the time these days.

Pap Smears checks

Even if you have only had sex once be safe and go and have a pap smear. You can never be too careful. Prevention is always better than a cure.

All women go through this it’s a normal part of becoming a woman, preparing you for having children. Often called the period or menstruation it’s a normal blood loss women experience every month. This blood loss comes from the uterus and fows out of the vagina.

All women experience individual menstruation cycles

Most women or young girls start between 11-15 years of age. Although, I know of a girl who started at seven, and another girl started after her seventeenth birthday. Personally I would prefer to be the seventeen year old, although she was quite upset that nothing had happened.

Some girls appear to mature earlier than others. It is a stressful time for teenagers, worrying because they feel different to there other friends. If you are concerned for any reason it is better to check with your local doctor, as there could be a medical problem causing the late start of a period.

Women can lose blood from 1 day to as much as 10 days, although most women normally lose from 3-7 days. All women are different so make sure to have a medical check if you think something could be wrong. Most cycles start every three to four weeks or once a month.

Most women do not have any problems during this, while others suffer from mood swings, irritability and often stomach pain.

Pregnancy

Missing a period is normally a sign of becoming pregnant. Although, there are often other reasons such as stress. This can cause the same symptoms and for some reason many women continue to have a period right through their pregnancy.

They could be playing sport, unaware of this until a month before giving birth. And still be wearing their normal clothes without putting on a lot more weight.

Mother and daughter talks

This is an essential part of parenting. Create a good understanding with your daughter from an early age. Do not wait until she is ten years old and decide to talk about the birds and the bees. She will have learnt about most of this from school.

Start earlier: encourage her to come to you and talk openly about the changes that her body will eventually go through. Assure her not to be scared. Tell her that it is part of being a female. Explain the way her body will change as she grows and how she will have periods every month. By talking to your daughter openly, it will create trust between you both. Encourage her to come and tell you about her concerns and problems not matter how complicated they seem. Be there to support her at all times.

Medical Advice

If you are unsure of anything regarding this and how it affects your body, then seek medical advice from your local doctor.