menopause and fertility

Menopausal symptoms are caused by the shutting down of the ovaries and the decrease and eventual cessation of the production of the hormone oestrogen. Symptoms are variable from minimal to severe and may precede changes in periods. Symptoms may include irregular bleeding, hot flushes, night sweats, skin changes and itching, vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, osteoporosis, loss of libido, breast tenderness, tiredness, weight changes, forgetfulness, depression and anxiety.

Menopause is not a permanent state, and post-menopausal women (those who have had no periods for two years) often report an increased vigour and enjoyment of life.

Fertility awareness, by daily charting of cycles and symptoms, helps women understand the changes, monitor their declining fertility and accurately predict menstruation. By taking advantage of increasing infertility women can avoid unnecessary use of contraceptives. Charting will tell if a woman is still producing eggs and reassure her that she is not pregnant.

With more understanding of what is happening, women and their partners can meet the challenge of the changes and reduce the stress and uncertainty.