Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. As a woman approaches menopause, her estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and decline, leading to various physical and emotional changes. Though symptoms vary for each woman, there are some common signs associated with menopause.
The most well-known symptom is hot flashes. These sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body can be mild to severe. Hot flashes are often accompanied by flushed skin, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. They can last from 30 seconds to several minutes. Though hot flashes are the hallmark of menopause, not all women experience them.
Other common physical symptoms include irregular periods. As the ovaries produce less estrogen, menstrual cycles become less predictable. Periods may be lighter or heavier, shorter or longer. Eventually periods stop completely after menopause. Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse are also associated with declining estrogen levels. The vaginal tissues become thinner and irritation can occur. Using lubricants can help ease discomfort.
Insomnia and night sweats frequently disrupt sleep in menopausal women. Racing heartbeats may also make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night. Exercising regularly during the day and avoiding stimulants in the evening may help prevent these sleep issues.
Many women in perimenopause and postmenopause experience urinary incontinence. When estrogen levels fall, tissues in the urethra and bladder can weaken, leading to involuntary urine leakage when laughing, coughing, sneezing or exercising. Doing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can help reduce incontinence episodes. Seeking treatment for atrophic vaginitis can also help reverse associated urinary symptoms.
Decreased sex drive is also common with fluctuating hormones. Lower estrogen levels may result in reduced blood flow to the vagina and decreased lubrication, making sex painful which also curbs libido. For some women, lower testosterone levels may also diminish sex drive. Consulting with a doctor about hormone therapy can possibly help reverse libido issues.
Mood changes like irritability, anxiety, sadness, and reduced motivation are frequently reported during the menopausal transition as well. Depression may be connected to declining estrogen. Managing stress through self-care practices, psychotherapy, or medication can help stabilize moods.
Fatigue and low energy are also linked to hormone fluctuations. The causes are not fully understood, but getting regular moderate exercise may help reduce mid-day slumps and boost stamina. Prioritizing restful sleep is also key. Adding more iron, vitamin D and B vitamins to one's diet can also help restore energy levels.
Weight gain and slowed metabolism are common frustrations during menopause as well. With aging, the ratio of fat to muscle mass increases. Loss of ovarian function also slows metabolic rate. Watching portion sizes, staying active, and doing strength training can help maintain a healthy weight through menopause. If weight gain becomes concerning, consulting a doctor about hormone or thyroid levels can help rule out underlying issues.
Some women develop thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism as they enter menopause. Symptoms like unexplained weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, and feeling cold can indicate that the thyroid is underactive. Getting levels tested and addressing any hormonal imbalances or disease is important.
In terms of appearance, thinning hair and skin changes also accompany menopause for many women. Estrogen stimulates hair follicles so decreasing levels lead to hair loss on the head but increased facial and body hair. Collagen and elastin levels also fall during menopause which can make skin drier, saggy, and wrinkled. Using moisturizers and eating collagen boosting foods helps improve skin's appearance and texture.
Bone loss accelerates during the first few years after menopause as well, since estrogen helps maintain bone density. This can lead to development of osteoporosis. Getting sufficient calcium and vitamin D, doing weight-bearing exercises, not smoking, and limiting alcohol are important for strengthening bones. Some women may be prescribed medication to prevent excessive bone loss.
The hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can also trigger headaches and joint pain. Lower estrogen exposes tissues to inflammation which may result in achy joints, muscles, and migraines. Over-the-counter analgesics, stress reduction, exercise, and fish oil supplements can alleviate these symptoms.
For severe symptoms, various treatment options are available. Systemic hormone therapy that delivers estrogen and progestin throughout the body can be very effective, especially when started early in menopause. But it does carry some health risks that need to be considered. Other options include localized vaginal estrogen, antidepressants, and non-hormonal medications as warranted. Discussing the benefits and potential risks of treatments with one's healthcare provider is advised.
While menopause heralds the end of fertility, it ushers in a new phase of life. With awareness of common symptoms and proactive self-care, women can minimize the discomforts of menopause. Regular exercise, nutritious eating, restful sleep, stress management, and social support all help with optimizing health and wellbeing during the menopausal transition. The healthcare professionals at Balance Hormone Clinic provide customized guidance to help patients navigate menopause gracefully. Contact us today to learn more about evidence-based hormone therapies and our holistic approach to menopause care.
