What is menopause?
Menopause is officially defined as the point when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. This means the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and producing most of their estrogen, the hormone responsible for regulating the reproductive cycle. Menopause can happen in your 40's or 50's but the average age is 51. If you experience symptoms when you are under 40, it is considered premature menopause and this can occur for many reasons-it may be due to surgery / chemotherapy / radiotherapy / other medical or genetic conditions and often for no reason at all.
Menopause symptoms vary widely from woman to woman, but they can include:
• Hot flashes: Sudden feeling of heat, often accompanied by sweating.
• Night sweats: Hot flashes that occur during sleep, causing discomfort and insomnia.
• Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often due to night sweats.
• Mood changes: Irritability, anxiety, or mild depression.
• Vaginal dryness: Decreased moisture can lead to discomfort during intercourse.
• Weight gain: Changes in metabolism can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdomen.
• Thinning hair and dry skin: Lower estrogen levels can affect skin elasticity and hair
Treatments include :
• Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Involves supplementing estrogen (and sometimes progesterone) to reduce symptoms like hot flashes and protect bone health.
• Non-hormonal medications: Such as antidepressants for mood swings or medications to reduce hot flashes.
• Complementary therapies: Cognitive behaviour therapy(CBT), acupuncture, or relaxation techniques may help some women.
• Vaginal estrogen: Low-dose estrogen applied directly to the vaginal area can help with dryness and discomfort.
Long-term Health Considerations Post-Menopause:
• Bone Health: Lower estrogen levels increase the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium, Vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise can help.
• Heart Health: Postmenopausal women have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking are crucial.
• Mental Well-being: Keeping mentally active, socializing, and managing stress are important for emotional health.
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Dr. Marina Curran today.
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