This document summarizes menopause and perimenopause, including common symptoms, hormone replacement therapy options, lifestyle changes, and alternative treatments. It defines menopause as when a woman's ovaries stop producing eggs and menstruation stops. Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause, when periods become irregular. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, and mood changes. Hormone replacement therapy can help relieve symptoms but also has risks if used long term or in large amounts. Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and stress reduction are recommended to help reduce symptoms without hormones.

1. MENOPAUSE! By: Sedona & Brie (aka-The Gangstas) S ...and Perimenopause :)

2. Transition period in a woman's life Ovaries stop producing eggs Produce less estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone Menstruation becomes less frequent the years leading up to menopause — anywhere from 2 to 8 years — plus the first year after final period (starting as early as mid-thirties) Menstruation eventually stops altogether What is Menopause? B Perimenopause: Menopause:

3. Common Symptoms... Heart pounding or racing Hot flashes S Night sweats Skin flushing Sleeping problems (insomnia)

4. ...Other Symptoms May Include Forgetfulness (in some women) Irregular menstrual periods Mood swings including irritability, depression, and anxiety Spotting of blood in between periods S

5. ...Other Symptoms May Include Decreased interest in sex, possibly decreased response to sexual stimulation Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse Vaginal infections Urine leakage B

6. Prevention... Menopause is a natural and expected part of a woman's development and cannot be prevented . However, there are ways to reduce or eliminate some of the symptoms of menopause. S

7. Hormone Replacement Therapy... Some women take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), also known as Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT), to relieve symptoms. May also protect against osteoporosis Types: Bio-identical and Synthetic Both types can be taken orally (pills), vaginally (creams, rings) or through the skin (patch, gel, injection) B

8. http://www.oprah.com/media/20090114_tows_history History of Hormone Replacement Therapy with Dr. Northrup

9. Synthetic hormones are from natural resource (horse urine) Many Bioidentical hormones are made from soybeans and wild yams (contain unique compounds that are processed chemically and made into identical replicas of hormones the body produces, since the human body can't use plants' hormones) ...Types of Hormones B

10. ...Hormone Replacement Therapy: Risks HRT may be started in women who have recently entered menopause. HRT should not be used in women who have started menopause many years ago. Should not be used for longer than 5 to 7 years. Either can increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer and uterine cancer if taken in large amounts (no scientific proof one is better than another) S

11. Lifestyle Changes... Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods Do NOT Smoke. Cigarette use can cause early menopause. Dress lightly and in layers Eat a low-fat diet Eat soy foods Exercise (Resistance exercises strengthen bones and improve balance) Good news! Take steps to reduce symptoms without taking hormones: S

12. ...Lifestyle Changes Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease. Practice slow, deep breathing whenever a hot flash starts to come on (try taking six breaths per minute) Remain sexually active See an acupuncture specialist Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi, or meditation Use water-based lubricants during sexual intercourse Perform Kegel exercises daily to strengthen the muscles of your vagina and pelvis B

13. Alternative Medications Antidepressants: paroxetine (Paxil), venlafaxine (Effexor), bupropion (Wellbutrin), and fluoxetine (Prozac), low clonidine (normally used to control high blood pressure)- S

14. Call Your Healthcare Provider If... You are spotting blood between periods You have had 12 consecutive months with no period and suddenly vaginal bleeding begins again If you show early signs of bone loss, talk to your doctor about medications that can help stop further weakening. Postmenopausal bleeding may occur. This bleeding is often nothing to worry about. Your health care provider should always check any postmenopausal bleeding. It may also be an early sign of other problems, including cancer. S

15. Works Cited! "Menopause." 2009. GOOGLE health. Web.4 Sep 2009. https://www.google.com/health/ref/Menopause http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hormonereplacementtherapy.html http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/perimenopause/DS00554 http://www.oprah.com/media/20090114_tows_history