Are you also a little over 40? Has your period become irregular? Do you suddenly feel hot? Do you get angry over even the smallest things? Many women experience things like this during this time. We call these premenopause symptoms. Don't worry, this is not a disease. It is a natural stage in every woman's life. Today, we will talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is menopause?
Menopause is the permanent cessation of your monthly periods. To be precise, if you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months , doctors consider you to have reached the stage called menopause. This condition usually occurs in Sri Lankan women between the ages of 48-52. This is a natural process. This happens when your ovaries stop producing hormones related to reproduction.
Sometimes menopause can be caused by surgery (for example, removal of the uterus and ovaries) or other medical treatment. We call this ``Induced Menopause''. These hormonal changes can cause physical and emotional discomfort. But there are treatments that can help, for example, hormone therapy, other medications, and lifestyle changes.
What are the three main stages of menopause?
Menopause is not something that happens suddenly. It is a gradual process. It has three main stages. It is very important for you to know this.
| Stage | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| 1. Perimenopause | This is the time of transition to menopause. It can begin about 8-10 years before menopause. It usually begins in the 40s. During this time, the production of the hormone estrogen from the ovaries gradually decreases. Symptoms such as irregular menstruation, hot flashes, and frequent irritability often begin during this time. |
| 2. Menopause | This is the exact moment when your period has stopped for 12 months. During this phase, the ovaries stop releasing eggs completely and the production of the hormone estrogen decreases significantly. This is not a phase that lasts for a long time, but a specific moment. |
| 3. Postmenopause | This is the stage of your life after menopause. Most symptoms will subside by this time, but some people may have mild symptoms for a few more years. Because estrogen levels are low, the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease is slightly higher during this time. |
Let's also learn about early menopause.
Menopause, which usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, is considered "natural." However, if it occurs before the age of 45, it is called ``Early Menopause.'' If it occurs before the age of 40, it is called ``Premature Menopause.'' If it occurs without any medical or surgical cause, the condition is also called ``Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.''
What are the symptoms of menopause?
You may experience one or more of these symptoms as you transition into menopause. Not everyone will experience all of them. Some people experience them very strongly, while others may not experience them at all.
| Common symptoms | Other symptoms that some people may experience |
|---|---|
| - Irregular menstruation (more or less bleeding than before) | - Rapid heartbeat |
| - Hot flashes - a sudden feeling of warmth spreading throughout the body | - Headache |
| - Night sweats | - Joint and muscle pain |
| - Vaginal dryness (difficulty during sexual intercourse) | - Change in sexual desire |
| - Frequent need to urinate | - Difficulty concentrating or memory loss |
| - Insomnia | - Body weight gain |
| - Mood changes (frequent anger, sadness) | - Hair loss or thinning |
| - Dry skin, eyes and mouth |
If these symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your life, don't be shy about talking to your doctor about it.
What are the treatments and how to control the symptoms?
Menopause is a natural process, so not everyone needs treatment. Treatment is about managing the symptoms that are interfering with your life. It's best to talk to your doctor to choose the treatment that's right for you.
1. Hormone Therapy
This is the main treatment that works for most people. It involves replacing the body's declining hormones (estrogen and progesterone) externally. This can provide significant relief from symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It can also help prevent osteoporosis.
- Estrogen Therapy (ET): Estrogen hormone alone is given. These come in various forms, such as pills, patches, creams, and gels. This method is usually given to women who have had their uterus removed.
- Estrogen and progestogen combination therapy (EPT): In women who have not had their uterus removed, a hormone similar to progesterone is given along with estrogen.
Most importantly: Hormone therapy can have some risks, so only your doctor can determine whether it's right for you based on your health history.
2. Non-hormonal Treatments
Hormone therapy is not suitable for everyone (for example, those with a history of breast cancer). For those people and those who do not like hormones, there are other options.
- Lifestyle changes:
- Diet: Reducing spicy foods and coffee can help control hot flashes. Include foods that contain phytoestrogens, such as soy, chickpeas, lentils, and flaxseed.
- Exercise: Daily exercise not only helps with mental health but also strengthens bones. Exercises like yoga can help with mental calmness.
- Avoiding causes of heatstroke: Keep your bedroom cool at night. Avoid smoking.
- Medicines prescribed by the doctor:
- Low doses of some antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs, SNRIs) can help control hot flashes and mood swings.
- Vaginal creams and lubricants can be used to treat vaginal dryness.
Any of these medications should only be taken under the advice of a doctor .
When should you see a doctor?
Although irregular periods are common during this time, some symptoms can be a sign of another health problem. So if you have any of the following, be sure to see a doctor for advice.
| Be careful of these symptoms! | |
|---|---|
| - Heavier bleeding than usual during menstruation. | |
| - Passage of large blood clots. | |
| - Menstruation lasting more than 7 days. | |
| - The interval between two menstrual periods is less than 21 days. | |
| - Bleeding during menstruation or after sexual intercourse. | |
Some other questions you may have
Is it possible to get pregnant during this time?
Yes. There is a small chance of getting pregnant for up to 12 months after your period has completely stopped. So, if you don't want children, it's important to use birth control until your doctor confirms that you are completely menopausal.
Does it affect sex life?
Yes, it can be affected. Due to the decrease in hormone levels, the vagina can become dry and sexual intercourse can be painful. Some people may also experience a decrease in sexual desire. However, some people are less afraid of pregnancy and can enjoy sex more freely during this time. Talk to your doctor about this. There are ways to help with this.
Do men also have menopause?
This is a question that many people ask. Men's testosterone levels gradually decrease as they age. This is called Andropause. However, unlike women's estrogen levels, this is not a sudden change. It happens so slowly that some men don't even notice it. Therefore, it cannot be compared to menopause in women.
Menopause is a natural and normal part of aging. Even though you know it's coming, living with its symptoms can sometimes be a challenge. But you don't have to go through it alone. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and how they're affecting your life. There are treatments that can help you feel better.
Take-Home Message
- Menopause is not a disease, but a natural event that occurs in every woman's life.
- The symptoms associated with it can be uncomfortable, but there are treatments that can help control them.
- Talk openly with a doctor about your symptoms so that you can find the best solution for you.
- Lifestyle changes like a good diet and exercise can provide great relief.
- Take special care of your bone and heart health after menopause.
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