The menopause period can be quite a daunting time. Every woman has fears and worries about this time. By definition, menopause is a period in every woman's life characterized by a decrease in female sex hormone production. Usually, menopause begins in women of 40 years to 51 years. A reduction in these hormones leads to sexual, emotional, and physical changes to the female body. In some cases, these menopausal symptoms may present themselves at a much earlier age. This condition is known as premature menopause. The etiology of premature menopause could be genetic, premature ovarian insufficiency because of damage to the ovaries due to radiation or chemotherapy, and a hysterectomy. Symptoms of menopause present themselves as:
- Weight gain
- Hot flushes, especially at night
- Irregular menstruation and vaginal dryness
- Insomnia, anxiety, and depression
- Reduced bone and muscle
- Thinning of hair
- Difficulty in concentrating and memory problems
Facts About Menopause
Typically, women who are between the age of 40-45 years start experiencing menopausal symptoms. When one is in their late 30s, they are in a period known as the Perimenopausal period. During this period, the early signs of menopause start manifesting. These include occasional periods of hot flashes and irregular menstruation. However, recently scientists have discovered that in about 5% of women, menopause may set in earlier than expected. Also, some women experience severe menopausal symptoms than others.
Sometimes, people can develop other diseases due to menopause. It’s true that some women develop heart diseases, especially during the age gap where menopause is at its peak. This is because of the role that hormones play in lipid production. Additionally, the sudden increase in weight during the menopause period may predispose an individual to cardiovascular diseases like hypertension. Therefore, it is crucial to contact a physician and monitor one's lipid levels and heart function. Eating healthy, exercising, and a lifestyle change are vital steps in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Many concerns have been raised concerning menopause and sex. A larger percentage of menopausal females will experience difficulties when engaging in sexual practices with their partners. This may be due to reduced libido and physical changes in one's body that may make one feel less attractive or vaginal dryness.
It is important to note that menopause is characterized by a reduction in female sex hormone production. That does not mean that ovulation does not take place, it does, and that is why sometimes one may experience menstruation. Therefore, it comes as no surprise when a woman in their late 40s is pregnant.
Tips For Handling Menopause
In some women, the severity of menopausal symptoms are unbearable. Treatment options available are classified into hormonal and non-hormonal techniques.Since menopausal symptoms arise due reduced hormone production, then oral replacement of these hormones may aid in eradicating or reducing the severity of menopausal symptoms. There are several drugs available in the market. Consult a physician first before getting a prescription for HRT as there are various risks associated with taking a hormonal replacement therapy regimen.
Non hormonal therapy can help as well. This type of therapy entails making lifestyle changes, avoiding the aggravating factors, and symptomatic management. Menopausal women are encouraged to eat foods that are rich in phytoestrogens like flax seeds, soya beans, sesame seeds, peaches, berries, and cruciferous vegetables. These foods release phytoestrogens into the bloodstream. Phytoestrogens are chemical compounds with a similar chemical structure to the lost hormones. They, therefore, mitigate menopausal symptoms by acting in a similar manner.
Lifestyle changes will aid in curbing menopausal symptoms. It involves eating healthier, exercising regularly, avoiding aggravating factors like heat, and certain foods that worsen the condition. Drinking at least two liters of water every day will aid in reducing the body's core temperature. Some physicians may prescribe some bone supplements to reduce the bone resorption problems associated with menopause.