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Menopause begins when the menstrual cycle has gone on for 12 consecutive years. Treatment can help alleviate the symptoms and maintain the quality of life.
It is natural and usually begins when the periods stop. Diagnosed for 12 months without a menstrual period, vaginal bleeding or spotting, occurring in the age of 40s to 50s.
However physical symptoms such as hot flashes, and emotional symptoms may disrupt sleep, low energy or affect mood.
Symptoms of Menopause
It happens over time, leading up to menopause, which is called perimenopause or the menopausal transition. However, during the transition, the amount of hormones the ovaries make varies. But, perimenopause can last for 2 to 8 years, which is about four years.
The most common symptoms such as;
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes.
- Night sweats.
- Sleep problems.
- Mood changes.
- Trouble finding words and remembering, often called brain fog.
But, different people have different menopause symptoms. Skipped periods during perimenopause are common and expected.
Sometimes, your periods might skip a month and then come back. Or they might stop for a few months and then return to a regular monthly cycle for a while.
In the early stages of perimenopause, periods often become closer together. As menopause approaches, they may become more spaced out, with months in between, before stopping completely.
During this time, it’s still possible to get pregnant. If you’ve missed a period and aren’t sure if it’s due to menopause, consider taking a pregnancy test.
What are the stages?
Menopause is a gradual process taking 7 years, from beginning to end but lasts up to 14 years.
- Perimenopause usually begins in the mid 40s, leading to menopause.
- The hormone levels tend to change, causing more irregular periods. It can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
- Menopause happens when you’ve gone 12 or more months without a period. While many people go through menopause in their early 50s, it can happen sooner.
- Early menopause occurs between ages 40 and 45, and premature menopause happens before age 40.
What are the symptoms?
Menopause is different for everyone. Some people experience a wide range of severe symptoms, while others may hardly notice any changes.
Here are some common physical symptoms:
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Dry eyes
- Flushing
- Hair loss
- Headaches
- Hot flashes
- Increased facial or body hair (hirsutism)
- Increased heart rate (palpitations)
- Frequent urination
- Insomnia
- Itching
- Muscle or joint pain
- Night sweats
- Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
- Sore or tender breasts
- Vaginal dryness (vulvovaginal atrophy)
- Weight gain
And common mental and emotional symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Decreased sexual desire (libido)
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating (brain fog)
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Unpredictable mood swings
What is the reason for menopause?
It is a natural process that happens as the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones change with age.
These hormonal changes are connected to the loss of active ovarian follicles, which are responsible for producing and releasing eggs from the ovary.
Sometimes, menopause can start early due to factors like:
- Chemotherapy
- Gender-affirming hormone therapy
- Pelvic injury
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
How can we treat menopause symptoms?
If the symptoms are causing you distress or interfering with your quality of life, consider making an appointment with a healthcare professional.
Certain lifestyle changes can help improve your overall well-being and aid in symptom management.
- Personal care
- Diet and nutrition
- Exercise and any other physical activity
- Positive energy
If menopause symptoms are causing discomfort, it’s important to consult with a doctor at Lotus Hospital. They can discuss various treatment options, including lifestyle changes and medications, to help manage the symptoms effectively.
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