adoption
Perimenopause
About 3 to 5 years before periods stop, hormone production often becomes erratic. At this time, the ovaries may actually produce too much estrogen. Sometimes, the estrogen production may be normal, but the other female hormone, progesterone, is produced minimally or not at all. Both situations result in an estrogen dominant state and can cause breast tenderness, heavy periods, bleeding between the periods and an increased risk of uterine or breast cancer.
Other times, the estrogen level may drop significantly and a woman may experience hot flashes, emotional liability, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, memory loss or other significant symptoms. This can have a profound effect on a woman"s sense of well being, and it also can carry medical risks such as an increased of loss of calcium from the bones (osteoporosis).
These symptoms of either estrogen dominance or estrogen deficiency are lumped together and collectively called perimenopause. Sometimes these symptoms are minor or nonexistent and no treatment is needed. Other times, the symptoms can be disturbing and medical treatment is helpful. A doctor often treats estrogen dominance by giving the patient progesterone or by using a low dose birth-control pill, which supplies both estrogen and progesterone.
Symptoms of a low estrogenic state can be treated with a low dose birth control pill or by using the same low dose estrogen and progesterone products that are used to treat full-blown menopausal symptoms. Some women elect no treatment or they turn to alternative remedies.
These symptoms can be complex and management should be coordinated with a physician. A woman should particularly keep in mind that symptoms of irregular and heavy bleeding could be associated with an increased risk of cancer and abnormal bleeding should be immediately reported to a physician. Management is usually straightforward and the risk can usually be eliminated with appropriate medication. If there are signs of estrogen deficiency, one has to realize that calcium can be lost from the bones and osteoporosis can result. Taking extra calcium is helpful, but usually additional management is needed and again it is very important to coordinate this with your physician.
Background Information
Agency Adoptions
When it is time to evaluate adoption agencies, consider these pros and cons.
Where Have All the Babies Gone?
The top reasons fewer babies are available to the growing number of couples who want to adopt.
Adopting on Your Own
This advice can help single parents who want to adopt children.
Causes and Characteristics of Attachment Disorder
For adoptive parents, attachment issues can be a huge concern.
Independent Adoption
These are the risks and rewards of adopting without the help of an agency.
Questions and Answers
Are adopted children more likely to be rebellious than children raised by biological parents?
Answer
How would you go about telling a child he or she is adopted, and when should that disclosure occur?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Reflections on Bonding With an Adopted Child
Bonding with an adopted child can take time — and great patience.
A Second Chance at Life
Two adopted children arrived from the most unlikely of sources.
Adoption as Grace
How does enlarging your family reflect God's love?
An Act of Grace
In the midst of ethical ambiguity, one infertility treatment is a welcome development.
Climbing the Hills
A father tells his story of adopting his daughter from Russia.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Where is God in the Midst of All My Troubles?
So many cry out to Him in times of need, but is God really listening? And, more important, does He care?
Related Topics
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-at-Home Moms
Relationships: Blended Families, Divorce, Parents and Adult Children, Caring for Elderly Parents
