Around the age of 50, women will generally experience natural menopause, unless surgical menopause already occurred. Consult your physician to discuss how the transition will affect your life.Natural menopause requires no treatment. Doctors sometimes suggest estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) for women to replace the estrogen their bodies no longer produce. ERT can help prevent osteoporosis, decrease vaginal drying, and reduce the symptoms of menopause. ERT is particularly recommended for women who undergo surgical menopause. However, recent data suggests that hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of certain types of cancers.
Overall, menopause in a natural part of life, and most women experience it with mild side effects. If you are uncertain about some of the side effects, or if you feel they hamper your daily life, consult your doctor to decide if ERT is right for you.
