THE TIME HAS COME

Menopause is a natural process and women should not feel embarrassed to talk with others about their condition. Some women, however, go into a period of denial. They are reluctant to admit that their child-bearing years are over. Instead of seeing it as the next phase of their lives, some view it only as the end of their youth.

Research has shown that once a woman gets over the denial period (if it exists) she can focus on what is really taking place. The body is experiencing hormonal changes. The method of dealing with these changes is a personal matter between woman and doctor. While some may opt for hormonal replacement therapy, others prefer to "tough it out" and let nature take its course.

Gretchen Fee of Cape Girardeau began to experience the symptoms associated with menopause when she was about 48.

"I had hot flashes but no mood swings," she said. Today Fee is taking hormone replacement therapy but is concerned about recent findings.

"I've read that the risk of breast cancer goes up 8 percent each year you are taking hormones," she said. Right now she intends to stay on the therapy to help ward off osteoporosis and alzheimers.

"I'd like to reconsider periodically though," she added.

Charolyn Robison didn't think she was being bothered by menopause and its associated symptoms.

"I thought I was doing just fine, but my husband said I wasn't," she said. The mood swings and hot flashes subsided, but she too has a concern about side effects.

Robinson likes to investigate and talk to people in the know. As new studies are introduced she plans to re-evaluate her situation.

During meno-pause there is a decline in the ovarian function until the stage is reached where the ovaries cease to function altogether. The ovaries produce the hormone estrogen. It is the decline in this hormone that brings the onset of menopausal symptoms.

Estrogen is also essential in helping to prevent osteoporosis, the loss of bone density. This loss in density means bones can be broken more easily. As a woman ages, the risk of developing osteoporosis increases.

Not every woman will experience the symptoms associated with menopause. A lucky few will have an abrupt halt to their menses and may never experience hot flashes or mood swings. Others will enter into the stage early, some because of autoimmune disorders in which your body mistakenly attacks itself and destroys the reproductive system.

Women who have undergone a total hysterectomy may find their menopausal symptoms are more severe. The abrupt removal of the ovaries often causes the estrogen and progesterone levels to plunge causing the premature menopause.

With hormone replacements, as with any drug, there are certain risk factors to consider. Some studies indicate an increased risk of developing breast cancer when taking hormone replacements.

All women will go through this midlife "crisis." For many the period becomes a time of awakening when they suddenly become aware of just how they are living. They begin to seriously consider their own care, their eating habits and exercise routines.

Some women view menopause as a "wake-up" call telling them now is the time to start on a healthy routine if they want to enliven the second half of life.