// BEGIN editorial data
var i = 0;
var menopause_wb3 = new Array();
menopause_wb3.ID = "menopause_wb3";
menopause_wb3.ID_WB = 3371853;
menopause_wb3.sPubDate = "4/13/2004 10:58:04 PM GMT";
menopause_wb3.mainsectionID = "HEALTH"
menopause_wb3.navsectionID = "HEALTH"
menopause_wb3.appFmt = 2;
menopause_wb3.itemsPerPage = 1;
menopause_wb3.appWidth = 460;
menopause_wb3.appHeader = "Q & A|Menopause";
menopause_wb3.appFooter = "Source: AAFP, Mayo Clinic, NAMS
";
menopause_wb3.appNavStyle = 3;
menopause_wb3.appLayout = 3;
menopause_wb3.copyHeight = 173;
menopause_wb3.copyWidth = 300;
menopause_wb3.copyMargin = 9;
menopause_wb3[i++] = new Array("","What is menopause?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
menopause_wb3[i-1].body = "When women go through menopause, they no longer have menstrual periods and their ovaries stop releasing eggs and dramatically reduce their production of estrogen. Menopause can occur either naturally, between the ages of 41 and 59 years of age, or through medical intervention at an earlier age.";
menopause_wb3[i++] = new Array("","What is natural menopause?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
menopause_wb3[i-1].body = "Natural menopause simply means that the ovaries shut down on their own, not as a result of medical intervention. Women experience natural menopause at an average age of 51, but it can start earlier or later. Natural menopause occurs in three stages:
Perimenopause: During this stage, which begins 8 to 10 years before menopause, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. Although fertility is lower, women can still become pregnant.
Menopause: This is the point when a woman has her last menstrual period. Menopause is confirmed when a women has not had a period for 12 consecutive months.
Postmenopause: The years after menopause, during which time hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause may decrease.";
menopause_wb3[i++] = new Array("","What is induced menopause?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
menopause_wb3[i-1].body = "Induced menopause is an immediate reaction that occurs after the following medical interventions:
Surgical removal of both ovaries (often as part of a hysterectomy)
Cancer chemotherapy
Pelvic radiation therapy
Treatment with hormone-altering drugs
";
menopause_wb3[i++] = new Array("","What are the signs
and symptoms of menopause?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
menopause_wb3[i-1].body = "Women experience different symptoms as they move through menopause. Here are some of the most common ones: Changes in menstrual cycle
Hot flashes
Insomnia
Fatigue
Headaches
Emotional changes";
menopause_wb3[i++] = new Array("","What are hot flashes?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
menopause_wb3[i-1].body = "Hot flashes are a very common symptom of menopause and may start before any menstrual changes occur. During a hot flash, women may experience nausea, dizziness and sweating, they may feel warm between the chest and head, and their skin may turn reddish. Hot flashes can last from a few seconds to an hour, and are more common at night.";
menopause_wb3[i++] = new Array("","How can symptoms
be treated?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
menopause_wb3[i-1].body = "Though prolonged use of hormone replacement therapy may raise the risks of heart attack, stroke and breast cancer, doctors may prescribe hormones temporarily to women with severe symptoms. Some other options: Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Stop smoking
Dress in layers
Keep room temperatures cool
Wear fabrics that allow the body to “breathe” (e.g. cotton)
Use cotton or silk sheets
Drink cold water
Avoid spicy foods
Exercise to improve sleep, boost mood and reduce stress
If you are bothered by hot flashes or mood disturbances, talk with your doctor about whether antidepressants may help";
// END editorial data