Menopause Defined: Part of Aging, a disease or am I just overthinking?

Although natural, going through every day with the symptoms of menopause can be a battle. How? Find out in this feature on menopause, its immediate effects on the body and in the long run, along with some suggestions on how to deal with its symptoms.

What is Menopause

Usually occurring sometime between the age range of 48 – 50, menopause is marked by when a woman’s monthly period permanently stops for a duration of at least 12 months. During perimenopause or the transition leading to menopause, the production of hormones estrogen and progesterone in the ovaries varies. This fluctuation in hormones results in the occurrence of the symptoms associated with menopause. These symptoms include:

Changes in the period cycle: periods may be shorter, longer, lighter or heavier
Occasional hot flashes and/or night sweats
Trouble with sleep
Vaginal dryness
Mood swings
Trouble focusing
Joint pains
Changes in weight

Menopause may Affect Your Everyday Life

It’s important to understand that menopause is not a health problem. But the effects brought about by the hormonal changes can be a pain, and may even get in the way of your every day. Take these for example.

You may need to sit down when having hot flashes

How do you know when you’re having a hot flash? The body temperature rises for a moment, before instantly dropping. This quick shift in temperature is noticeable on the top half of the body. Skin on some parts of the face may turn red or appear blotchy. Hot flashes could also lead to sweating, heart palpitations and dizziness.

Bone problems may limit movement

The amount of estrogen in the body affects calcium levels in your bones. In menopause when there is a decline in estrogen production, bone density can be a problem. One can be more susceptible to hip, spine and bone fractures.

Watch out for heart problems

Also with the decrease in estrogen levels, arteries may become less flexible too which affect blood flow and increase the risk for heart conditions.

Mood swings can challenge relationships

Frequent changes in mood can put a strain on the relationships that you hold dear. Small misunderstandings may blow up, and friends and family may tag you too sensitive for certain topics.

On top of the mood swings, hormonal changes may lead to anxiety and lethargy.

Menopause in the Long Run

Long-term, the reduced production of estrogen and progesterone raise your risk for certain health problems post-menopause. Some examples include:

Stroke and Heart disease. With less estrogen, cholesterol may start building up on artery walls.
Osteoporosis. Less estrogen hastens the reduction of bone mass which can lead to osteoporosis.
Urinary incontinence. Lowered estrogen levels weakens the urethra making it difficult to hold urine in.

Can You Put a Pause on Menopause?

The short answer is ‘No’. But the good news is that there are ways to manage its symptoms, even in a trying time such as now with COVID-19 looming around. Consider a few healthy tweaks to your lifestyle such as the following:

Keep a healthy weight, and the body active with regular exercise.
Maintain a good and balanced diet rich in essential nutrients for keeping the body functioning well
- Calcium and vitamin D in dairy, eggs and green leafy vegetables for bone loss
- Phytoestrogens in soybeans and soy products are studied to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body
- Protein in foods such as salmon and lean meat may prevent the weakening of muscles, and help regulate mood and sleep.
- Be mindful of foods that may aggravate the symptoms. Spicy food or drinking alcohol, for example, may trigger hot flashes.
- Taking supplements to compensate for possible deficiencies such as calcium and vitamin D.
Manage stress with exercises for mindfulness and breathing.

Prescription medications and menopausal hormone therapies are also available to help manage the menopausal vasomotor symptoms and prevent post-menopausal osteoporosis.

For the best possible care during and after menopause, regularly check in with your doctor or obstetrician.

Sources:

https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/menopause/

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651#menopause

https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/menopause-facts

https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-and-your-health