Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they age. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is defined as occurring 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period.
The transition into menopause, known as perimenopause, usually begins between ages 45-55. During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels become irregular, causing various symptoms leading up to menopause. Once a woman has gone 12 straight months without a period, she has officially reached menopause.
Changes and Effects on the Body
Menopause affects every woman differently, but many experience bothersome symptoms related to hormone fluctuations. Common effects of menopause include:
- Hot flashes - Sudden sensations of heat in the upper body, sometimes accompanied by sweating and rapid heartbeat. These uncomfortable symptoms can disrupt sleep and daily activities.
- Vaginal dryness and atrophy - Declining estrogen causes thinning and inflammation of vaginal tissues. This can lead to irritation, painful intercourse, and urinary symptoms like urgency or infection.
- Mood changes - Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can cause symptoms like anxiety, irritability, depression and difficulty concentrating.
- Insomnia - Night sweats and hot flashes frequently disrupt sleep. Stress and hormonal shifts also play a role.
- Weight gain - Lower estrogen can lead to slower metabolism and fat accumulation in the abdominal area. Loss of muscle mass also contributes.
- Bone loss - With less estrogen, bones lose density faster leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- Changing cholesterol levels - Drops in estrogen may lead to higher LDL or "bad" cholesterol and lower HDL or "good" cholesterol. This increases risks for heart disease.
- Long-term health risks
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
- Certain cancers
Managing Symptoms and Risks
The good news is that women can take steps to manage menopausal symptoms and reduce associated health risks:
- Stay physically active with weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise
- Follow a healthy diet focusing on whole foods
- Consider hormone therapy temporarily to help treat symptoms
- Ask your doctor about medications or supplements for things like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss
- Make lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, dressing in layers, and keeping the bedroom cool
- Reduce stress through self-care, meditation, therapy, or joining a support group
- Get enough quality sleep
- Stay up-to-date on relevant health screenings
If you're struggling with menopausal symptoms,
don't hesitate to seek help. Speak to your healthcare provider about all your treatment options.
There are solutions available to help you manage this transition and still live a healthy, active life. Consider contacting
Renewal Hormone Clinic to learn about custom, cutting-edge hormone therapy programs to get your levels balanced and feel like yourself again.
I hope this overview on how menopause affects the body has been helpful. Remember, every woman's experience is unique - but you don't have to deal with these changes alone.
