Menopause is a life transition that can affect women physically and emotionally. Many of them feel unattractive going through so many uninvited changes and some suffer from exhaustion, depression and moodiness which renders them with the feelings of isolation and confusion.

Most women are clueless and often confused when talking about Menopause. From expecting erratic menstrual cycles to experiencing utterly weird mood swings, women really go through a lot. Which is why, a better insight to what Menopause is actually about, is important –

What is Menopause?

Menopause is a time in a woman’s life where her monthly periods come to an end, while putting a full stop to her fertility or reproductive life. It is not something new, but has been experienced by women since ages. During Menopause, the function of the ovaries ceases, the follicles in the ovaries deplete and the production of estrogen and progesterone comes to a halt – This process does not take place overnight, but rather gradually.

What causes Menopause?

A standout amongst the most compelling reason for menopause is age. With age, the ovaries gradually begin to decline and ovulate to propelling age.

What are the two different periods of transition in Menopause?

• Perimenopause

Envision being in your 40s and awakening amidst night with hot flashes, extreme sweat, and heavy menstrual bleeding: Well, this actually happens to the women during the phase of Perimenopause.

Many women experience an array of symptoms as their hormones shift during the months or years paving the way to menopause – that is, the natural end of feminine cycle. Menopause is a point in time, yet perimenopause (peri, Greek for “around” or “near” + menopause) is a broadened transitional state. It’s likewise now and then alluded to as the menopausal progress, albeit in fact, the change closes a year sooner than perimenopause.

Perimenopause has been differently characterized, however specialists by and large concur that it starts with unpredictable menstrual cycles – affability of declining ovarian functions – and closes a year after the last menstrual period. It varies greatly from women to women and their medical history too. The average duration is three to four years, although it can last just a few months or extend as long as a decade.

• Post menopause

When women do not have their periods for an entire year, they enter the transition period of Post menopause. Their FSH levels dramatically rise as the ovaries begin to shut down; these levels are easily checked through one blood test – FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain).

What is the average age of Menopause?

The average age of menopause is 51 years however there is no real way to anticipate when a woman will have her menopause. It totally depends from woman to woman and their medical history; But on the counterpart, it is believed that women have a tendency to experience menopause at an age like that of their mothers.

Premature Menopause: The early menopause may occur at the age of 30s or 40s. This may happen due to some medical treatment previously like chemotherapy for cancer, and radiation therapy to the pelvis.

Post menopause: This takes place after the age of 55 years and usually comes with an increased risk of breast cancer and uterine problems.

What are the factors that affect the age of Menopause?

• Current and past history of cigarette smoking. Smoking makes menopause earlier by 2 years
• Family history of early menopause
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Loss of breast fullness
• Malnourishment in women
• Extreme use of oral contraceptives
• The number of pregnancies experienced
• Body Mass Index (BMI)

What are the symptoms of Menopause?

• Hot flashes and night sweats

A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat all over the body, especially around face and neck. It can cause flushing or make your skin red particularly in the territories like chest, arms, or back. There is no particular time of enduring an individual can be fine inside 30 seconds additionally or can take a few minutes moreover. Hot flashes are probably going to happen because of a mix of hormonal and biochemical changes expedited by declining estrogen levels.

How to avoid these: Hot flash can be reduce by dressing in light layers, working out daily, using a fan, managing stress, and avoiding spicy foods.

• Vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse

The decline in the production of estrogen and progesterone which decreases the blood supply to the vagina, causes vaginal dryness. Most common problems that occur due to vaginal dryness are itching around the vulva and stinging or burning. Vaginal dryness can make intercourse painful and may cause you to feel like you need to urinate frequently.

• Insomnia

Doctors recommend an average of 8 hours of sleep to all individuals but during menopause it is hard to fall asleep, as night sweats, hot flashes occur during the night.

But you can try easing out the situation by:

• Try relaxation and breathing techniques.
• It is important for you to exercise daily and stay busy, so that you feel exhausted and it become easier for you to sleep.
• Sleep in a confined room which doesn’t have sleep-disturbing elements.
• Reading and listening music can help you to feel relax.
• Wear lightweight clothes like pajamas

 

• Urinary dysfunction

This is on account of amid menopause, the tissues in your vagina and urethra lose their elasticity and the lining thins, while debilitating the surrounding pelvic muscles.

• Depression and mood swings

During menopause, women deal with mood swings and depression. They turn out to be more sensitive than they were previously and this all happens due to changes in hormones. It’s important to remember that these hormone fluctuations affect their brains and that “feeling blue” is not unnatural.

• Decreased libido

Women feel less interested in sex during menopause and its normal due to the physical changes or hormonal changes which take place during it. These changes can include a delayed clitoral reaction time, slow or absent orgasmic response, and vaginal dryness.

Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life cycle and should be managed properly. Which is why, it is important to have regular discussions and health checkups with your health experts. With WEMA Life you find all the care, health and wellbeing services you need as we connect you with vetted and trusted service providers and guide you through a simple search and booking process where you can even pay online.