Menopause Is Normal but That Does Not Mean It May Not Need Treatment
May 05, 2024Menopause is the time when a woman is no longer able to bear children. It is marked by the end of her menstrual periods. Menopause can occur at any age, but it is most common at the age of 50 and above. Menopause is a natural biological occurrence, but it can have physical and emotional symptoms that may last for months or even years and which, in some cases, may affect a woman’s ability to function and carry out normal activities. It can also have a negative impact on her relationships, professional life and sense of well-being.
The Three Stages of Menopause
Menopause does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process that takes years and it can be divided into three distinct stages.
- Perimenopause (Menopause Transition): This often starts to occur between 8 to 10 years before actual menopause as the ovaries begin to produce less of the hormone estrogen. In the early stages, there may be no significant symptoms and the menstrual cycles and ability to become pregnant may not be significantly impacted. In the last year or two of this stage, while the menstrual cycles continue, the symptoms of menopause begin to appear.
- Menopause: This is the stage when the menstrual periods completely stop. The ovaries no longer release eggs and the production of estrogen also ends. Because the menstrual cycle may be disrupted temporarily due to various physiological and psychological reasons, a doctor will normally diagnose menopause when menstrual periods are absent for 12 consecutive months.
- Post-Menopause: Once a woman has not had her menstrual periods for a full year and no other reasons have been found for this, she has entered the post-menopause phase. During this phase, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes may decrease, but in some cases, the symptoms may continue for some years. Because of the lower levels of estrogen, there is an elevated risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.
The Symptoms of Menopause
There are many symptoms associated with the onset of menopause. Among the common ones are:
- Hot flashes – a sudden sensation of warmth spreading over the body.
- Cold flashes – the reverse of hot flashes.
- Irregular periods.
- Periods that may be lighter or heavier than usual.
- Night sweats – waking from sleep covered with perspiration.
- An increased frequency of urination and at times, the sudden onset of the desire to urinate.
- Vaginal dryness that makes sexual intercourse uncomfortable.
- Dryness of the eyes, mouth and skin.
- Insomnia.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) becomes worse.
- Breast tenderness.
Other symptoms include:
- Bouts of heart palpitations.
- Joint and muscle pain.
- Headaches.
- Change in the sex drive (libido).
- Memory loss or difficulty in concentration.
- Hair loss.
- Weight gain.
Some women may have few or even no symptoms, while others may experience some or most of them in varying degrees of intensity.
Also Read: List of Common Urogynaecology Surgical Procedures
Diagnosing Menopause
In most cases, the overt symptoms of menopause are enough to confirm the onset of the condition. However, because irregular periods, hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause may have other causes, it is best to have the onset of menopause confirmed by a doctor. If there are any doubts, a blood test or other tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
Treating Menopause
Menopause is not a disease or sickness that requires medical treatment. However, this natural occurrence may cause symptoms and conditions that could affect quality of life and well-being. When the impact goes beyond the physical effects and impacts relationships and social and personal life, a doctor may prescribe various treatments to alleviate the symptoms. These may include:
- Hormone Therapy: Doses of estrogen may be prescribed to alleviate the impact of the body stopping its natural production of this hormone.
- Vaginal Estrogen: The direct application of an estrogen cream to the vagina can alleviate the problems of vaginal dryness and could also help with relieving the pain of urination.
- Antidepressants: If menopausal-related depression is severe, antidepressants may be prescribed to bring mental equilibrium.
- Other Specific Medications: Depending on the nature of each case, specific medications may be prescribed to control symptoms.
- Medications to Treat or Prevent Osteoporosis: Because osteoporosis is such a common post-menopausal problem, vitamin D and other supplements and medications for the condition may be prescribed.
In addition, there are various lifestyle and home remedies available. It is advisable to discuss these with a doctor before starting them.
- Keeping a record of when hot or cold flashes start will help pinpoint triggers so that they can be avoided. Specific foods, activities or social situations are common triggers.
- Using over-the-counter vaginal lubricants will help reduce discomfort.
- Getting enough sleep will strengthen the body’s energy to counter the symptoms.
- Meditation and relaxation techniques can help alleviate the stress and discomfort that come with menopause.
- Exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor will relieve the problems of urinary incontinence.
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet will help boost immunity levels and increase the body’s ability to mitigate the symptoms of menopause.
- Tobacco use (in any form), alcohol consumption and recreational drug use will weaken the metabolic system and may make the symptoms of menopause worse and hence should be avoided.
Also Read: Vaginal Discharge - When Should You See A Doctor
Although menopause is a natural process, the symptoms can often be severe and the effects of these could lead to other physical or mental problems. If a woman has been having regular gynecological checkups at a multispecialty hospital where the most modern examination, diagnostic and treatment options are available, along with the best gynecologists, her doctors will be able to anticipate the onset of menopause and will help her prepare for the changes that will come. If there is a doubt about the symptoms being those of menopause, it is best to go to the same type of multispecialty hospital to have access to the best doctors and medical technology to confirm the diagnosis and plan the course of treatment to minimize discomfort and side-effects.
Comments - 0
Share Your Thoughts
SEARCH
RECENT BLOGS
CATEGORIES
7 Proven Ways to Live a Heart Healthy Life
Common Heart Procedures An Overview
Common Tests To Diagnose Heart Disease
All You Need To Know About Coronary Artery Disease
How to Manage Stress at Work? | Heart Health
How Good Sleep Can Keep Your Heart Healthy
Angioplasty and Stent Placement - How Is It Done?
Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Ablation for Irregular Heartbeat
Causes of Hair Fall and Prevention
All You Need To Know About Abdominoplasty Or Tummy Tuck Surgery
All You Need to Know About PRP Treatment
What Is Cosmetic Surgery? What are the types of Cosmetic Surgery?
Staying Healthy During A Pandemic
Healthcare in the Post COVID-19 World
Emergency Response When Experiencing Difficulty in Breathing
First Aid for Seniors – Special Precautions and Needs
The Importance of Medical Care for Patients Who Have Only About 6 Months to Live
Vertigo - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Middle Ear Infection And Treatment
Sore Throats and Their Treatments
Can Diabetes be cured permanently?
The Importance of Health Packages in Staying Healthy
Whom to See First? General Physician or Specialist?
Knowing When to Go to the Hospital
How to Find the Right Hospital Near You?
Why Multispecialty Hospitals Are the Best
The Link Between Diabetes And Obesity
Pain in Sole of the Foot – Do Not Ignore It
The Dangers of Antibiotic Misuse
What causes excessive burping?
Acid Reflux Should Not Be Ignored
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The Importance Of Limiting Time On Tech Devices For Children
Sitting Too Much and Heart Health: The Link
Health Risks While Returning to Work after the Lockdown
A South Indian Diet Plan For Heart Patients
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Traumatic Brain Injury - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
5 Things to Know About Cerebral Palsy
Spotting Early Signs of Dementia
List of Common Urogynaecology Surgical Procedures
Tips for Successful Breast Feeding
The Importance of Regular Gynaecological Examinations
How To Find The Best Gynecologist
Vaginal Discharge - When Should You See A Doctor
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – What You Need To Know
Premenstrual Syndrome - Understanding and Dealing with It
What You Need to Know About Ovarian Cyst
Menopause Is Normal but That Does Not Mean It May Not Need Treatment
Uterine Fibroids May Be Common, but the Condition Should Not Be Ignored
What You Need to Know About Menstrual Pain and Cramps?
பெண்ணுறுப்பு புற்றுநோய்க்கான அபாயத்தைக் குறைக்கும் ஆரோக்கியமான பழக்க வழக்கங்கள்
மகப்பேற்றுக்குப் பின்பான பராமரிப்பு – சில ஆலோசனைகள்
Advancements in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Endometriosis: Surgical Options and Their Impact on Quality of Life
The Importance of Self Breast Examination
Understanding the Various Stages of Lung Cancer
Can Lung Cancer Be Diagnosed Without a Biopsy?
Healthy Habits That Can Help Deal with Lung Cancer
Understanding Cancer – The First Step In Dealing With It – Part 1
Understanding Cancer - The First Step In Dealing With It - Part 2
HPV Vaccination – Protection against Cervical and Other Cancers
கீல்வாத மூட்டுவலி என்பது என்ன?
Herniated Disk: When Is Surgery Needed?
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes and Treatment
Do Brittle Bones and Hormones Have a Connection?
Paediatric Care – Choosing the Right Hospital
Immunization Chart For The Ages Of 0 To 3 Years
Regular Health Checkups for Children Are Vital for Long-Term Good Health
Psychological Trauma after an accident
Sleep Disorders - Causes and Treatment
மாரடைப்பின் எச்சரிக்கை அறிகுறிகளை அறியுங்கள் – தாமதிக்காமல் செயல்படுங்கள்!
எண்டோகிரைன் கோளாறுகள் - வகைகள், காரணங்கள், அறிகுறிகள், நோய் கண்டறிதல் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை வகைகள்
இதய நோயாளிகளுக்கான உணவுமுறைத்திட்டம்
குழந்தை சாப்பிட வம்பு பண்ணும் பழக்கத்தை சரி செய்யும் வழிகள்
ஸ்ட்ரோக் - சிகிச்சையும் பாதுகாப்பும்
நுரையீரல் புற்றுநோய்க் காரணிகள்
குழந்தைகள் பொருட்களை விழுங்கிவிட்டால் என்ன செய்வது
வாழ்க்கை முறை மாற்றங்கள் மூலம் கொலஸ்ட்ரால் அளவைக் குறைப்பது எப்படி?
வைட்டமின் டி குறைபாட்டினை நிவர்த்தி செய்யும் வழிகள்
தோல் வியாதிகள் மற்றும் அவற்றைப் புறக்கணிப்பதால் ஏற்படும் அபாயங்கள்
இதய நோய்ச் சிகிச்சையில் தொழில்நுட்ப முன்னேற்றங்கள்
மனநல நோய்கள் குணப்படுத்தப் படக் கூடியவை, கவலை வேண்டாம்!
செர்விகல் ஸ்போண்டிலோசிஸ் – காரணங்கள் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை
கீழ் முதுகுவலி மீண்டும் வராமல் தடுக்க சில வாழ்க்கை முறை மாற்றங்கள்
வறண்ட தொண்டைப் புண் - காரணங்கள் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை
ஆஸ்துமாவுடன் வாழ்வது – நாம் தெரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டிய விஷயங்கள்
செவித்திறன் இழப்பு - காரணங்கள் மற்றும் தடுப்பு
உறைந்த தோள்பட்டையை (ஃப்ரோஸன் ஷோல்டர்) புறக்கணிக்காதீர்கள்!
நடைப்பயிற்சி ஒரு வரப்பிரசாதம்!
மகளிர்நல மருத்துவச் சிகிச்சைகள் மற்றும் அறுவைச் சிகிச்சைகளிலான முன்னேற்றங்கள்