Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Fall 2018

citizensmemorial.com 9 CMH Clinics Schedule your appointment today for a yearly checkup. Ash Grove Family Medical Center 500 N. Medical Dr., Ash Grove 417-751-2100 Bolivar Family Care Center 1240 N. Butterfield Road, Bolivar 417-326-6021 Butterfield Park Medical Center 1300 N. Oakland Ave., Bolivar 417-326-7676 Dade County Family Medical Center 105 N. Grand Ave., Suite 2, Greenfield 417-637-5133 Dallas County Family Medical Center &Walk-In Clinic 201 S. Ash St., Buffalo 417-345-6100 El Dorado Springs Medical Center &Walk-In Clinic 322 E. Hospital Road, El Dorado Springs 417-876-2118 Humansville Family Medical Center 201 S. Arthur St., Humansville 417-754-2223 Osceola Medical Center & Walk-In Clinic 855 Arduser Drive, Osceola 417-646-5075 Pleasant Hope Family Medical Center 209 S. Main St., Pleasant Hope 417-267-2001 Southside Medical Center 1120 S. Springfield Ave., Bolivar 417-326-7814 Stockton Family Medical Center 1521 S. Third St., Stockton 417-276-5131 Of the many questions women might have about menopause, the most basic may be this one: How do I know when I’ve reached it? By definition, you’ve reached menopause if you haven’t had a period for 12 months in a row. For many women, the natural process that leads to menopause, called perimenopause, occurs somewhere between the ages of 45 and 55, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. During this time, your ovaries slowly stop producing two hormones, estrogen and progesterone. As your hormone levels fall, your body starts going through changes. WHAT TO KNOW Every woman’s menopause experience is different, notes the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). But some of the more common changes include: » » Irregular periods. » » Hot flashes. » » Night sweats. » » Vaginal dryness. Night sweats can interrupt sleep, notes NAMS, which can also lead to mood swings, irritability and problems concentrating. EASINGTHE TRANSITION You might experience none, some or all of these changes. They can be mild or severe enough to disrupt your daily life. Changes in lifestyle, such as exercise or diet, can often help ease discomfort. Your doctor might suggest treatment options such as: » » Using vaginal moisturizers or lubricants. » » Tracking and avoiding things that trigger hot flashes. » » Changing your sleep environment. » » Taking hormone therapy. It’s best to discuss any treatment, especially hormone therapy, thoroughly with your doctor. POSTMENOPAUSAL CONCERNS Once you’ve reached menopause, the years beyond are called postmenopause. Although menopause itself is a completely normal process and not a disease, you should be aware of certain health concerns associated with it. The risk of heart disease rises in postmenopausal women, for example. To reduce your risk, control blood pressure and cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy weight. Estrogen helps keep bones strong, which means menopause can make you vulnerable for fractures and other symptoms of osteoporosis. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D can reduce your risk of fractures. Ask your doctor about your risks for these conditions and what you can do to reduce them. You may also want to ask about bone density tests or other screening exams. menopause? Is it Need to ease hot flashes or other menopausal discomforts?Talk to your doctor about what treatment is best for you. WOMEN’S HEALTH