MENOPAUSAL PANEL INFORMATION

MENOPAUSE PANEL ESTRADIOL PROGESTERONE CORTISOL FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE LUTENIZING HORMONE TESTOSTERONE DHEA

INFORMATION

With Access's Medical Labs Menopausal Panel you will be able to evaluate your hormonal levels which begin to decline as you enter pre-menopause, and determine if hormone replacement therapy is right for you.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is the transition period in a woman's life when the ovaries stop producing eggs. When the ovaries stop producing eggs, menstrual activity decreases and eventually ceases, and the body decreases the production of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone.

Menopause affects individual women differently. In some women, menstrual activity stops suddenly. In other women, menstrual activity tapers off until it completely stops. It may take up to 3 years for the menstrual cycle to completely stop. Menopause is a event.

Menopause is also called the change of life.

When does Menopause occur?

The occurrence of menopause is different for each woman. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 55. The age of when menopause occurs is affected by several factors, including:

• Nutrition. Women begin menopause about 4 years earlier than well-nourished women.
• Early onset of menstruation. Women who begin menstruation at an early age are more likely to begin menopause later.

What are the Symptoms of Menopause?

The most common symptoms of menopause are:

• missed periods
• sleep disturbances
• hot flashes
• vaginal dryness
• changes in mood
• lack of sex drive

Each of these symptoms are a result of . Hot flashes are caused by an increase of blood flow in the blood vessels of the face, neck, chest and back. Vaginal dryness is caused by thinning of the tissues of the vaginal wall, are the two side effects most frequently complained about. The mood changes and lack of sex drive may result partially from the hormone decrease, but may also result from having to deal with hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

What are the Symptoms of Menopause?

No. Menopause is a natural event that will occur to all women.

RESOURCES:

1. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/menopausal-hormones
2. Minkin, et al. (1997), What Every Woman Needs to Know about Menopause,Yale University Press, ISBN 0300072619
3. National Institute on Aging
4. Ringa, V. (2000). Menopause and treatments. Quality of life research 9(6): 695-707.