HEY FABULAFRICANA WOMAN,HOW ABOUT WE UNDERSTAND A BIT MORE THIS STAGE THAT WE WON'T BE ABLE TO AVOID, MENOPAUSE!!

That stage called Menopause

We all have 2 go through it:(

Chiken Soup always present great stories of women's strength so I'm pretty sure that this will be no exception

Some of you reading this may not be too worried as of yet about menopause because we may think that we are far away from it..in our late twenties, early thirties..but I figured we might as well get educate ourselves about this inescapable upcoming stage of our life..

The usual symptoms are:

-hot flashes

-vaginal dryness

-emotional imbalance

-low sex drive (sorry hubbies , boyfriends ect)

-hair loss

-weight problem

-night sweats

-state of being forgetful

-bladder problems that may cause leaking

**Attention did you know that you could go through menopause before the age of 40 and that all these symptoms I just talked about are 1 bit more severe in those cases..Oh Lord.Also those of you who may have 1 surgery to remove the ovaries, may be at risk as welll (good 2 know non)We also have 2 be aware of premature menopause because one could develop osteoporosis , a condtion that weaken our bones...(Lord have mercy.)

The prevention and treatment question?

There 's a controversy about hormonal treatment ,it could risk heart disease among other things

But here are some basic prevention ideas:

- Of course see 1 doctor first

-Try 2 stay active by working out

-Eat healthy

-Try to allocate some "me time " during your day

-Use vaginal lubricant for your vaginal dryness

-try to stay in cool places, wear layers..ect...

Bref there's so much more 2 know about menopause and it's different stages, if interested here are some interesting links:

http://www.menopause-online.com/

http://www.womenshealthcareforum.com/menopause.cfm#I1

www.medicinenet.com/menopause/article.htm

Here's 1 online clip featuring a doctor explaining the risks associated w/hormonal therapy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZsFcazkKSo

Djaa we Fabulafricana Women have 2 stay on top of our health:)

Eyeee Wayee:)