Menopause: 7 Facts Every Woman Needs to Know

Typically, between 45 – 55, women experience hormonal changes that make their monthly menstruation stop completely, marking the end of fertility. Symptoms such as irregular menstruation, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, weight gain, mood changes, urinary incontinence, vaginal discomfort, and so on, may start years before the onset of menopause. This period is tagged perimenopause and starts when the ovaries reduce the usual amount of estrogen and progesterone produced significantly, limiting the number of times ovulation takes place. A whole year without periods marks the postmenopause stage.

Though menopausal symptoms vary from woman to woman and may be a difficult period, knowing what to expect during this natural phase fosters managing the symptoms better and having a more pleasant experience. Find 7 facts every woman should know…

1. Your hot flashes. This symptom, characterized by excessive internal heat, is one symptom majority of menopausal women complain about. Wearing outfits that allow your skin breathe, minimizing or avoiding stress, hot and spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol may help.

2. Sleepless nights. Disturbed sleep is said to affect about 60% of menopausal women, owing to the decline of the hormone progesterone which aids quality sleep. Having a soothing bedtime routine, including a warm bath, a massage with essential oils as well as turning off the TV few hours before bedtime usually helps. Talk to your doctor for other appropriate remedies, including medications.

3. Foggy brain. Menopausal women may find they have become very forgetful. They may also find it difficult to concentrate or focus. Experts say excessive exhaustion owing to the constant sleepless night is a huge contributing factor and needed relief may come if quality of sleep is improved.

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4. Hormone therapy. In some cases, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, may be very severe and require medical intervention. Your doctor may recommend taking progesterone and estrogen pills to manage these symptoms. Note however that taking hormonal pills for too long may increase the risk of breast cancer, stroke, blood clots and heart attack. Preferably, discuss other available treatment options with your doctor. Some low-dose antidepressants and other medications may help reduce hot flashes.

5. Your sex life. While some women feel relieved menstruation has ceased, don’t feel less attractive and may find sex more enjoyable after menopause, in others lower levels of hormones may adversely affect usual sex drive. The skin in and around the vagina may also become drier and thinner, resulting in painful sex.

Your doctor may recommend medication for your vaginal dryness. Meanwhile, over-the-counter vaginal lubricants and moisturizers may help.

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6. Increased risk of certain health conditions. Menopausal changes may increase your risk of certain health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis; becoming more prone to fractured or broken bones due to loss of bone density, and urinary tract infections. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, discussing any changes or symptoms you experience with your doctor and getting thorough medical evaluations regularly is crucial and may help you beat the risks.

7. Early menopause. Due to genes or some medical conditions including thyroid and ovarian disorders, some women experience menopause before 40. If you are below 45 and already experiencing menopausal symptoms, it’s best to see your doctor to detect any underlying cause(s) and get prompt help.

 

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