Menopause

Menopause is a point in time when women stop having menstrual periods for at least 12 months. This is caused by ovaries stopping hormone production when you're around 50 years of age. Menopause is a significant point in your lives where you experience changes both physically and emotionally. This article will help you on what to expect of menopause and how to deal with it.

The stages of menopause

Menopause is divided into 3 stages:

1. Perimenopause

   This can happen as early as in your 40s, you may experience partial menopause-like signs, such as irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, and mood swings due to decreased hormone production from the ovaries. This will gradually increase in frequency.

2. Menopause

   Menopause itself is a crossing point, when perimenopause becomes consistent enough that it reaches the medically accepted threshold of not having menstrual periods for 12 months consecutively.

3. Postmenopause

   This stage happens immediately after menopause and continues for the rest of your life. Perimenopause symptoms typically decrease at this point, but there's always a chance of occasional flare-ups. You are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis (weakened bones) due to the lack of hormones.

Menopause can occur prematurely from ovaries removal surgeries, or from an uncommon condition called primary ovarian insufficiency (POI).

Signs of menopause

These symptoms are caused by change in hormone levels, which can vary by person.

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes - a sudden feeling of warmth, may include sweating at night.
• Vaginal dryness and dry skin
• Mood swings and lower sex drive
• Hair thinning
• Frequent urination

Treatment

Menopause is a natural part of aging. Generally, natural menopause does not need treatment. However, if you find the symptoms to be too irritating, or you experienced premature menopause, there are options to alleviate or treat them.

1. Hormonal therapy

   Your doctor will prescribe estrogen, or both estrogen and progesterone to make up for absent hormones. The therapy will reduce menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

2. Nonhormonal therapy

   While effective, hormonal therapy also poses a risk of breast cancer. Nonhormonal therapy is more focused on lifestyle changes which include:

   • Diet: Some food contains phytoestrogens, which have similar properties to estrogen. The major examples are soybeans and flaxseeds.
   • Avoiding hot flashes: Make sure your body is properly ventilated.
   • Exercise: Regular exercise helps with your mood.

Summary

Just like puberty, everyone goes through a hormonal change like menopause differently. The best thing you can do about it is learn to accept it, as it is natural after all, or join support groups to get help with your emotions and specific problems you might have.