Menopause

Every woman goes through several changes in her body functions, which marks different stages in her life. With puberty, starts the menstrual cycle, where certain hormones control the monthly release of the egg and preparation for pregnancy. The termination of menstruation and fertility of women is known as menopause and occurs 12 months after your last menstrual period when you are in your forties or fifties. Some women can experience menopause before their forties, and the condition is known as premature menopause.

Symptoms

Menopause can be characterized by physical and emotional changes. Approaching the time of your menopause (perimenopause), you may experience:

• Irregular menses
• Dryness of the vagina
• Sagging of the breasts
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Slow metabolism
• Weight gain
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Problems with sleeping
• Mood changes

Causes

Menopause is a natural process that takes place in every woman as she reaches her early forties or fifties. The production of the hormones by your ovaries to regulate your menstrual cycle, namely estrogen and progesterone, start to decrease. Eventually, your ovaries will stop producing eggs. This will make you experience changes in your menstrual pattern and bring an end to your periods.

There are some factors that can induce menopause. These include:

• Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy (treatment with chemical agents) and radiotherapy (treatment by exposure to radiation) can cause menopause symptoms and a temporary or permanent stop to your menstruation.
• Failure of ovaries: Autoimmune diseases or genetic factors can cause your ovaries to produce less than normal amounts of reproductive hormones. This is known as primary ovarian insufficiency and can lead to premature menopause.
• Surgeries: Surgeries such as total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy that involve the removal of your uterus and both ovaries will immediately stop menstruation.

Complications

Some of the possible complications associated with menopause include:

• Increased risk for heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) diseases due to decreased estrogen production.
• Decreased bone density leading to osteoporosis, making bones brittle and prone to fractures.
• Loss of elasticity in vaginal and urethral tissues, leading to urinary incontinence and increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections.
• Loss of moisture and elasticity in the vagina, causing discomfort during intercourse and affecting libido.
• Slower metabolism leading to weight gain.

Diagnosis

Your provider can identify your transition to menopause based on your signs and symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may order blood tests to check your levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen (estradiol), as a decrease in these hormone levels can indicate menopause.

Treatment

Menopause itself needs no treatment, but treatment may be required to control its signs and symptoms. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits and may recommend any of the following depending on your condition:

• Hormone replacement therapy: Treatment with estrogen and/or progesterone to relieve hot flashes and bone loss, and possibly prevent cardiovascular problems if started within five years of menopause.
• Vaginal estrogen: Small doses of estrogen in the form of cream, pills, or rings to manage vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, and discomfort during intercourse.
• Antidepressants: Low-dose antidepressants to help manage hot flashes and improve mood when hormone replacement therapy is not advisable.
• Medication treatment: Prescription medications to reduce bone loss and lower the risk of fractures.

Lifestyle Remedies

Some lifestyle remedies can help reduce or prevent the symptoms of menopause:

• Cool off hot flashes by drinking cold water or staying in a cool room. Avoid triggers like hot beverages, alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.
• Use water-based vaginal lubricants to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort.
• Reduce stress, get adequate sleep, eat healthy, stay active, and avoid smoking.
• Exercise regularly. Kegel exercises can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve urinary incontinence.

Conclusion

Menopause is an unavoidable phase in every woman’s life. Its signs and symptoms can often be disturbing, but it is important to understand your body and learn ways to cope with the difficulties. Various options are available to successfully manage your distress, and your doctor will be the right person to guide you.