If 12 consecutive months elapse without a woman having a single menstrual period, it indicates menopause. A natural process of ageing that typically happens around the age of 52, this heralds the end of a woman’s reproductive years. This happens when the ovaries no longer produce reproductive hormones. If the condition occurs following some medical treatment or surgery, it is considered to be ‘induced menopause’.
During menopause, women experience uncomfortable emotional and physical symptoms. Medications, hormone therapy or lifestyle modifications could assist in relieving these symptoms.
Comprehending Some Signs and Symptoms
There could be multiple signs/symptoms of menopause. These may include irregular, lighter or heavier than usual periods; vasomotor symptoms (common menopause signs like hot flashes, night sweats or cold flashes); discomfort during lovemaking due to vaginal dryness; urinary incontinence (urge to pass urine frequently); insomnia (difficulty in sleeping); emotional problems (mood swings, irritability or depression); dry skin/eyes/mouth; worsening PMS (premenstrual syndrome); and breast tenderness.
Some women could also undergo additional symptoms. These can comprise headaches; racing heart; joint and muscle aches/pains; changes in sex drive; memory lapses or trouble concentrating (usually temporary); hair thinning or loss; and weight gain.
Many symptoms may be triggered by changes in a woman’s hormone levels. As women transition into menopause, the symptoms could be mild or intense. These may continue for almost a decade before menopause actually begins. The symptoms could last for an average duration of around seven years. Symptoms may lessen or vanish completely after most women reach their post-menopause phase. If a woman is unsure whether her symptoms are because of menopause or some other issues, visiting the doctor will help.
Various Stages of the Condition
If cessation of menstruation has not been triggered by surgery or some medical treatment, the process usually happens in three gradual stages. The first is perimenopause. This happens around eight to 10 years before menopause gets underway. It’s the time when the ovaries slowly produce lower amounts of oestrogen, generally when a woman is in her forties. Women could remain in the perimenopause stage for several months or years. It is during this stage that many women start experiencing hot flashes, irregular menses and mood swings.
The second stage is menopause, the time when menstruation ceases. As stated earlier, 12 consecutive months without the menses mean menopause has already set in. At this point, the woman’s body does not produce much oestrogen while the ovaries won’t release any eggs. Since this is the defining period, women won’t stay in this stage.
The stage where women spend the remainder of their lives is the post-menopause phase. While menopause symptoms soon fade away, women could continue experiencing mild menopausal symptoms for some years in their post-menopausal phase. This is the time when oestrogen levels are low. As a result, women remain at a higher risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Besides the above, some may experience another stage – premature menopause. If menopause happens to women who are 40 years old or younger, it is deemed to be premature menopause. If no surgical or medical trigger for premature menopause exists, it is termed primary ovarian insufficiency.
Therapy Regimens to Manage Symptoms
If a woman finds her symptoms are troublesome, consult the doctor. In some cases, hormone therapy could help in managing systems effectively. For example, women having sleep disruptions, hot flashes or similar symptoms could benefit from hormone therapy. Since this treatment has side effects, it may not be prescribed for every woman, including those diagnosed with breast cancer.
In such situations, the gynaecologist may recommend lifestyle changes to relieve some temporary symptoms. Following a regular exercise routine can be helpful since healthier people may have fewer symptoms and the burden of vasomotor symptoms could be curbed. Additionally, massage and deep-breathing exercises practised in yoga could help relieve stress, thereby lowering symptoms.
Evidence shows that vasomotor symptoms severity could increase with weight gain. Therefore, it may help to maintain a healthy body weight. As cognitive behaviour therapy is useful in improving well-being, it may help in lowering the overall effect of menopause symptoms. In some instances, even if exercise and other treatment regimens do not directly improve symptoms, enhanced well-being could help women tolerate their symptoms better.
Avoidance of vasomotor triggers can also be useful in managing the symptoms. Smoking, alcohol and the consumption of spicy foods could act as potential triggers. Hot flashes may be induced in some females due to alcohol consumption. Accordingly, avoiding the triggers or reducing their usage or intake is advisable. Leveraging lifestyle changes in conjunction with other therapies could also facilitate better management of menopausal symptoms.
How to Enjoy a Better Quality of Life
Since every woman experiences menopause differently, a one-size-fits-all approach will not be recommended. Consultations with one’s doctor can help in deciding the best course of action for each woman. This is important because menopause raises the risk of certain medical conditions such as brittle bones and heart ailments. If required, the doctor could prescribe some treatment regimen to prevent these issues.
However, it is imperative to note that menopause remains a normal, natural process of ageing. Yet, there is no reason for women to let it affect their quality of life. Awareness of how to deal with it can help in mitigating the symptoms and leading a normal, happy life, just like before.