Change of Life |
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DESCRIPTION
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Menopause (MEN-o-paws) is the time in your life when menstrual periods stop. It is also called the ""change of life'' or ""the change.'' It begins around age 50, but it can happen from age 35 to 59. Going through menopause usually takes 1 to 2 years.
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CAUSES
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During menopause your ovaries slowly stop making hormones. The main hormones are called estrogen (ES-troh-jen) and progesterone (pro-JES-ter-own). These hormones play a large part in your monthly periods. Many of the changes during menopause are due to loss of estrogen and progesterone.
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SYMPTOMS
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Your periods will become irregular and then stop. You may have hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and bone changes. You could also feel nervous, moody, tired, or depressed. These signs vary from woman to woman.
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