Health Headlines - October 16

Health Tip: Having a Baby After Age 35

While many women have successful pregnancies after age 35, certain complications can occur more frequently in women of that age group.

If you're 35 or older, before you try to conceive, consider this information provided by the American Pregnancy Association:

• Make an appointment with your doctor to address your questions and concerns.
• Don't get discouraged if you don't get pregnant right away. On average, it takes women 35 and older one to two years to conceive.
• Get yourself in good physical, emotional and mental health. Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine.
• Learn when you are most fertile. Watch for signs that you are ovulating.
• Take an at-home fertility test that screens for fertility elements in both men and women.
• If you haven't been able to conceive after six months of trying, talk to your doctor about the possibility of fertility testing.

Health Tip: Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is the normal time in a woman's life when the monthly menstrual cycle stops, usually between ages 45 and 55.

Here are common symptoms of menopause, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• No menstrual period for the last 12 months, without surgical or other biological cause.
• Differences in the pattern of your period -- shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, more or less frequent.
• Hot flashes or night sweats.
• Vaginal dryness.
• Moodiness, irritability or crying frequently.
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing, or confusion.
• Thinning hair, or the appearance of more facial hair.