Menopause is a natural process. It is the time in a woman’s life when hormone levels begin to decline and menstrual periods end. Menopause itself is defined as going 12 consecutive months without a period. In the years leading up to menopause, a stage known as perimenopause occurs. During perimenopause, the body produces less estrogen, and as a result, the menstrual cycle changes. It becomes irregular and eventually stops.
Every woman’s experience of perimenopause and menopause will be different. While some women go through these phases with few challenges and relative ease, others may struggle with severe or unrelenting symptoms that impact their quality of life. Whatever the case, it is important to remember that your doctor or OBGYN can provide help, support, and guidance around any issues relating to menopause.
Stages of Menopause
Menopause can be viewed as a process that unfolds over three phases. These are:
Perimenopause
The 8-10 years that precedes menopause. During this time, it is not uncommon for women to start experiencing perimenopausal symptoms.
Menopause
The time when periods no longer occur. The average age of menopause for women in the United States is 51 years old. That means most women will experience menopause around this time.
Post-menopause
Following the onset of menopause, post-menopause will start. In this phase, menopausal symptoms start to decline, and more symptom-stability is usually reached.
Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause and perimenopause are associated with several symptoms that include
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Sleep disruption
- Changes in mood
- Changes in libido
- Vaginal and urinary problems
- Joint and muscle pain
- Weight fluctuations
Women may experience one or more of these symptoms throughout menopause. Symptoms do not always occur with regularity. While some symptoms may come and go quickly, others linger around for longer stretches of time. However, regardless of the severity of your symptoms, if they interfere with your day-to-day activities or negatively impact your quality of life, make an appointment to see your doctor. This is also true for symptoms that are not just physical. For example, symptoms that affect your emotional or mental health should also be addressed and discussed with your doctor.
Diagnosis
While no official diagnostic test needs to be carried out to determine if you are in menopause, your doctor may consider doing a hormone test to confirm hormone levels in your blood.
Management of Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is a natural biological process. Therefore, treatment for menopause itself is not needed. However, symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness can be managed.
In general, there are many options that women can turn to to manage specific symptoms. When making any management recommendations, your doctor will consider your medical history, the symptoms you are experiencing, and your personal preference. They may recommend one or more of the following.
Targeted Management Options
- Vaginal Dryness – Vaginal creams
- Mood Changes – Relaxation and stress-reduction techniques
- Menopausal Hot Flashes – Low-dose antidepressants and certain antidepressants may decrease hot flashes
- Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) – A pill or patch typically used to treat high blood pressure. It may provide some relief from hot flashes.
General Management Options
- Lifestyle Changes – Diet, exercise, or stopping smoking are some options that should always be discussed. These minor lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in limiting symptoms.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – HRT is an effective treatment for relieving menopausal hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. HRT is available as pills, patches, creams, or injections. Although many women can benefit from HRT, it can only be prescribed based on your personal medical history.
Outlook
As with any major life change, going through menopause can leave some women feeling a little unbalanced and unsure about what to expect. The symptoms of menopause are unpredictable and can last from a few months to years. Wherever you are in the process, it is always helpful to seek advice. Your doctor can assist with guidance and management options to help you navigate the trickier aspects of health concerning menopause.
References
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause
