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Menopause or the "change of life" affects each woman in a different way. Just like puberty, menopause is a normal part of life. It is really the end of a long, slow process. When you are in your mid-30’s, your ovaries begin to change how much estrogen and progesterone, two female hormones, they make. These are both important for normal menstrual cycles and successful pregnancy. Estrogen helps to keep bones healthy. It may also have an effect on cholesterol levels in your blood, help keep skin and arteries more elastic, and possibly help memory.
Although very rare before the age of 40, menopause can happen anytime from your 30’s to your mid-50’s or even later. Smokers often begin menopause earlier than non-smokers. If you have both ovaries removed (bilateral oophorectomy) during a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), you may have the symptoms of menopause right away, no matter your age. Once your uterus is removed, your periods will stop.
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