From Perimenopause to Post-Menopause: What to Expect and How to Cope
Menopause
is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive
years. It's a significant transition, often accompanied by various physical and
emotional changes. Understanding what menopause is and the available treatment
options can empower women to manage this phase of life comfortably.
What is
Menopause?
Menopause is
officially diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a
menstrual period. This typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the
average age being 51 in the United States.
The journey to
menopause, known as perimenopause,
can begin several years earlier. During this time, the ovaries gradually
produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to irregular periods and other
symptoms.
Some women have no or mild menopausal symptoms and may even
feel relieved when they no longer need to worry about periods or getting
pregnant. For other women, the menopausal transition can bring various
symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping,
joint and muscle discomfort, pain during sex, low
sex drive, moodiness and irritability, forgetfulness, difficultly
concentrating, or a combination of these.
Women who are concerned by menopausal symptoms should talk
with a doctor about lifestyle changes. There are treatments available to
help with symptoms of menopause, like hormone therapy, medication or
lifestyle adjustments.
Common Symptoms
of Menopause
The decrease in
hormone levels during perimenopause
and menopause can cause a range of symptoms, varying in intensity and duration
from woman to woman. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Changes in menstruation: This is often the first noticeable
sign, with periods becoming irregular, heavier or lighter, or shorter or
longer.
- Hot flashes: These sudden feelings of warmth, often
accompanied by sweating and flushing, can disrupt daily life and sleep.
- Night
sweats: Hot
flashes occurring at night can lead to excessive sweating and sleep
disturbances.
- Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep or staying
asleep is common due to hormonal fluctuations and night sweats.
- Vaginal dryness: Reduced estrogen levels can cause
vaginal dryness, leading to discomfort during intercourse.
- Mood changes: Some women experience mood swings,
irritability, anxiety, or depression during this time.
- Other physical changes: These may include weight gain, changes
in skin elasticity, and increased risk of urinary tract infections.
How to Treat
Menopause Symptoms
While menopause is
a natural process, its symptoms can significantly impact a woman's quality of
life. Fortunately, several treatment
options are available to help manage these symptoms:
Hormone therapy
(HT): This involves
replacing the hormones estrogen and sometimes progesterone to alleviate
symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep problems. HT is a
personalized treatment with potential risks and benefits that should be
discussed with a healthcare provider.
Types of Hormone
Therapy
Hormone
therapy for women is available in a few primary forms:
- Estrogen Therapy (ET): This treatment involves taking estrogen
alone, typically in a low dose. It is available in various forms,
including patches, pills, creams, vaginal rings, gels, and sprays.
However, estrogen alone is only recommended for individuals who have had a
hysterectomy, as using it without a progestogen increases the risk of
uterine complications.
- Estrogen-Progestogen Therapy (EPT): Also known as combination therapy,
this treatment includes both estrogen and a progestogen,
which can be either natural progesterone or a synthetic progestin. This
therapy is necessary for individuals who still have their uterus to help
protect against uterine lining complications.
- Testosterone Therapy: Testosterone
for women is sometimes included in hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
to address symptoms of low testosterone, which naturally declines with age
or due to medical conditions. While estrogen and progesterone are the
primary hormones in female HRT, testosterone supplementation can help
improve energy levels, libido, mood, and muscle mass. It is often
prescribed in low doses through creams, gels, or injections. However,
therapy must be carefully monitored to avoid side effects such as acne,
hair growth, or voice changes.
Hormone therapy
carries potential risks, so it's essential to consult your healthcare provider
to determine if it's a suitable option based on your health history, age, and
individual needs.
Medications: Certain medications can help manage
specific symptoms, such as antidepressants for mood changes or medications to
improve sleep.
Lifestyle
adjustments: Making healthy
lifestyle choices can significantly ease menopause symptoms. This includes:
Maintaining a
healthy diet: Focus on
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Foods to try include
beans, soybeans, lentils, chickpeas to name a few.
Regular
exercise: Engage in regular
physical activity to improve overall health and reduce symptoms.
Stress
management: Practice
relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Getting enough
sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of
quality sleep per night.
Avoiding
triggers: Identify and
avoid triggers that worsen hot flashes, such as spicy foods, alcohol, or
caffeine.
There are several nonhormonal
prescription options available from your healthcare provider which may be able
to help manage some of the symptoms of menopause. These may include:
- Birth control pills to regulate hormone levels.
- Antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) to help with mood swings and hot
flashes.
- Gabapentin (a seizure medication) or fezolinetant
to alleviate hot flashes.
- Oxybutynin, typically used for overactive
bladder, can also reduce hot flashes.
- Vaginal creams and lubricants to relieve vaginal dryness.
Consult your healthcare provider first to determine if nonhormonal medications are suitable for your symptoms based on your medical history and unique needs.
Health Risks
Associated with Menopause
Following
menopause, the likelihood of developing conditions such as osteoporosis and
cardiovascular disease rises due to declining estrogen levels. Your healthcare
provider may monitor your health closely to assess potential risks and
recommend appropriate treatments if necessary.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
occurs when bone density decreases, making bones more fragile and prone to
fractures. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone strength by
signaling bone cells to slow down breakdown. On average, individuals lose about
25% of their bone mass from menopause to age 60. Healthcare providers may
recommend bone density testing (bone densitometry) to assess calcium levels and
bone health over time.
Cardiovascular
Disease
The risk of cardiovascular
disease increases post-menopause due to factors such as:
- Reduced estrogen levels.
- Elevated blood pressure.
- Lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol
consumption, and poor diet.
- Decreased physical activity, which may
contribute to high cholesterol and other health concerns.
Maintaining a
healthy lifestyle and seeking regular medical evaluations can help mitigate
these risks.
Seeking
Professional Guidance
It's crucial for
women experiencing menopause symptoms to consult with a healthcare provider experienced in HRT
for women. They can assess individual needs, discuss treatment options, and
help create a personalized plan to manage symptoms effectively.
Remember: Every woman's experience with menopause is unique. By understanding the process, recognizing the symptoms, and exploring available treatments, women can navigate this transition with confidence and maintain a healthy, fulfilling life. To schedule a free initial consultation call or text us at 561-277-8260 or email us at info@novagenix.org
