Prairie Doc Perspective Week of September 22nd, 2024

Menopause is one of those things that, let's face it, will ultimately affect everyone with previously functional ovaries. Unfortunately we don't talk about it enough, which makes it a topic riddled with misinformation. So... what is menopause?

Menopause is defined by the permanent cessation of menstrual bleeding for 12 months. This occurs naturally when the ovaries stop reproductive activity and a marked decrease in ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) occurs. Symptoms of menopause are a result of these hormonal changes.

Most women enter menopause "naturally," or just due to aging. The...