1.Menopause

Well this is no illness. In fact, it is a common biological process when your body stops producing female hormones. Menopause normally occurs between the ages of 45 to 55.

Although some women can reach an early menopause like at the age of 30 or 40 and some may reach a late menopause at 60.

Early Signs

Some of the most common signs of menopause include:

• Irregular periods
• Drop in fertility
• Hot flashes, which involve sweating and red patches on your skin that may last for around 30 seconds.
• Vaginal and uterine changes due to the thinning and drying of the tissue lining.
• Osteoporosis
• Mood swings
• Depression

The process of ageing also catches pace post menopause. Your skin starts sagging, wrinkles appear and there is increased pigmentation.

What to do

Apart from Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), there is no other treatment that can relieve you from menopausal symptoms.

It is a natural process of ageing. However, symptoms like mood swings, insomnia and osteoporosis can be avoided by following a healthy lifestyle.

You should consider an HRT only after consulting a gynaecologist and under medical consultation.

2.Post Menopausal Bleeding

As you reach menopause, your menstrual pattern will start to change. The durations will be shorter and the intervals in between your periods will increase.

Also Read: Bleeding After Menopause?

If you have not had your menses for about six months then you have reached menopause. Early Signs Post menopausal bleeding is usually caused by factors like polyps and fibroids, or infections like vaginitis, cervicitis.

It may also be caused due to ovarian, cervical, vaginal or endometrial cancer. The use of HRT can also lead to endometrial growth and bleeding.

What to do

If you start bleeding after menopause, you must go for a check-up to rule out any possibility of malignant tumour. You may have to undergo a pelvic ultrasound and biopsy to find the cause. The treatment will depend accordingly.

3.Breast Cancer

Remember, you can get breast cancer even if you have just reached puberty. However, menopausal women are at higher risk of getting it.

Also Read: All About Mammography

There is no identifiable risk factor for breast cancer. Late pregnancy, ovarian function, family history and Hormone Replacement Therapy can increase the risks of getting breast cancer.