Summary: When a woman hits menopause, she enters into a new phase of life. While it is not a health condition, the hormonal changes involved can cause severe discomfort.
Everything you need to know about Menopause: Symptoms and How to Deal with them
Menopause is a transitional phase in a woman’s life that she experiences when she reaches a certain age. It is not a health problem, but the changing hormones can make the experience unpleasant.
On average, women achieve menopause in their late 40s and early 50s. When it happens, you can experience uncomfortable symptoms like weight gain and hot flashes. In the majority of cases, medical intervention is not required. But some signs may need to be looked after to ensure that they can be managed comfortably.
Please note that each individual will experience menopause differently. And in some women, it can occur earlier due to some treatment or medical condition.
Whatever the case, you are advised to seek professional help once you start experiencing the symptoms. The health experts can assist with ways to manage menopause so you can carry on with your life.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is that stage of a woman’s life where she hasn’t had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. The average age for women to experience menopause is 51 years. But it usually starts between 48 and 58 years. If you are undergoing treatment or have medical conditions, there is a possibility that you may achieve early menopause. The most common instance of this is the removal of the ovaries.
Simply put, menopause is that phase in a woman’s life where she cannot bear children; that is, get pregnant. The ovaries control the development of female body characteristics, including regulating the menstrual cycle. With age, the ovaries become weak, failing to produce adequate progesterone and estrogen. This leads to missing periods; hence, menopause.
Physical symptoms are common around the time of menopause. The symptoms are the result of a decreased production of progesterone and estrogen in the ovaries, causing many bodily changes. The symptoms may include:
- Vagina dryness due to vaginal atrophy
- Weight gain
- Hot flashes
- Reduced sex drive
- Pain during intercourse
- Changes in mood
- Anxiety
- Night sweats
- Dry skin, mouth, or eyes
- Trouble sleeping
- Sore breasts
- Breast reduction
- Needing to pee more often
- Hair loss
- Joint and muscle pains and aches
- Headaches
- Racing heart
- Crankiness
- Fatigue
- Vaginal bleeding
- Trouble focusing
Please note that these symptoms start before menstruation ends. So, it can be difficult for you to tell whether it is menopause or signs of any other disease. This is why you should visit a Gold Coast Women’s Health Centre to be informed and make the right decisions to lead a healthy life.
Menopause is a natural phenomenon. The symptoms can be uncomfortable. So, instead of dealing with them alone, communicate it with your concerned doctor. He/she may help you get through this transition phase easily.