Understanding Menopause: Symptoms, Treatments & Relief

As women journey through the labyrinth of life, they encounter a transformative phase called menopause. This enigmatic milestone brings many physical and emotional changes that can devastate a woman’s life.

From hot flashes to mood swings, navigating the twists and turns of menopause requires understanding its signs, deciphering its symptoms, and uncovering effective treatments.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the depths of menopause, shedding light on its intricacies and equipping you with the knowledge to confidently embrace this transformative chapter.

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Menopause

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Menopause

Women’s health

About the Writer

What are the Stages of Menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological process that every woman goes through as she gets older. It marks the cessation of ovarian functions and the end of the reproductive years. It brings about various changes in the body.

To better understand menopause symptoms, it’s important to know the different stages of menopause [1] and how age factors into this transition.

1. Perimenopause

This is the stage leading up to menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate irregularly. It typically starts in a woman’s 40s but can begin earlier for some individuals. During perimenopause, menstrual cycles may become irregular, and women may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

2. Menopause

Menopause is when ovaries stop producing eggs and menstruation ceases permanently. It is defined as having gone 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age for menopausal onset is around 45 to 55 years old, but it can happen earlier or later depending on various factors like genetics, lifestyle choices, and certain medical conditions.

3. Postmenopause

Once menopause has been reached, the postmenopausal stage begins. At this point, most menopausal symptoms start to subside or lessen in intensity. However, women will continue to experience long-term effects related to hormonal deficiencies such as heart attack, stroke, and loss of bone density.

What are the Factors Affecting the Age of Onset of Menopause?

The age of menopause onset among Malaysian women is usually between 45 and 55 years old. It’s also important to note that the timing of menopause can vary individually. The ovaries lose their function gradually therefore, it’s difficult to determine the exact age at which menopause will start.

Several factors can influence the age of menopause onset.

Genetic Factors

Family history plays a role in determining the age at which a woman may experience menopause. Women whose mothers experienced earlier menopause are likely to have a similar pattern.

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle choices and habits can affect the timing of menopause. Smoking, heavy physical activity, malnourishment, and underweighting have been associated with earlier menopause onset.

While moderate alcohol consumption, light physical activity, and overweight have been associated with late menopause onset. High consumption of fruits, vegetables, and protein are associated with late onset of menopause.

Medical Factors

Underlying medical conditions and surgical interventions can influence menopause onset. For instance, women who are exposed to heavy metals exposure enter menopause earlier than those who do not. Surgical removal of one of the ovaries, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy can accelerate menopause.

Reproductive & Menstrual Factors

Generally, women who start menstruating at a younger age tend to experience menopause earlier. Women who have more children enter menopause later than those who have fewer or no children. The use of oral contraceptives has been related to late menopause onset.

These factors can influence the timing of menopause, nevertheless, they do not determine it with absolute certainty. Each woman’s experience with menopause is unique, and individually vary to each other.

If you have concerns about menopause or are experiencing related symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and guidance.

What are the Common Signs, Symptoms and
Side Effects of Menopause?

If you start noticing any or all of the symptoms listed below, it could indicate that you are entering the perimenopausal phase [2]. Check for these common signs and symptoms to understand this natural phase of life better.

Hot Flashes

One of the most common symptoms experienced by women going through menopause is hot flashes [3]. These sudden feelings of intense heat can cause sweating, flushed skin, and a rapid heartbeat.

They can occur at any time, leaving women feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious. Hot flashes vary in frequency and intensity from person to person, but they are a hallmark sign of menopausal transition.

Night Sweats

Alongside hot flashes, many women also experience night sweats during menopause. These episodes involve excessive sweating during sleep, often leading to damp sheets and disrupted rest. Waking up drenched in sweat can be distressing and contribute to overall fatigue during the day.

Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort

Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort. The decrease in estrogen levels affects the moisture-producing glands in the vaginal walls, resulting in dryness, itching, and irritation. This can make intercourse painful or uncomfortable for some women, impacting their sexual well-being.

Mood Swings

Menopause is known for causing mood swings that range from irritability to sudden bouts of sadness or anger. Fluctuating hormone levels can disrupt neurotransmitters responsible for regulating emotions, leading to unpredictable mood shifts.

Women experiencing these mood swings may feel overwhelmed or struggle with anxiety.

Fatigue

Fatigue is another prevalent symptom associated with the menopausal transition. Hormonal fluctuations disrupt sleep patterns, making it challenging for women to get a good night’s rest. Constantly waking up due to hot flashes or night sweats contributes to daytime tiredness and lack of energy.

Memory Problems

Many women going through menopause report experiencing memory problems or “brain fog.” Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and trouble recalling information are common complaints during this stage of life.

While not all women experience significant cognitive changes during menopause, memory issues can be frustrating and impact daily functioning.

While the symptoms mentioned above are common, it’s important to remember that each individual’s experience may vary. If you’re experiencing severe or persistent symptoms, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

Remember, menopause is a unique journey for every woman. Understanding the signs and side effects can help women navigate this stage of life with more knowledge and confidence.

Sleep Disturbance

Fluctuating hormone levels, particularly estrogen, progesterone, and melatonin, can contribute to this symptom. The hormonal changes affect the regulation of sleep patterns, leading to difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep.

Common menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes can jolt you awake in the middle of the night, leaving you feeling all hot and bothered. Nervousness and mood changes due to menopause can also negatively impact sleep.

Irregular Menstruation

Irregular menstruation is indeed one of the classic signs of menopause. During the menopausal transition, known as perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations can cause changes in the menstrual cycle.

In the years leading up to menopause, you may notice that your periods become irregular. This means your menstrual cycle may be shorter or longer than usual, and the time between periods may vary. Some months, you might experience heavier or lighter flow, while others may be skipped altogether.

These changes occur as your ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to irregular ovulation. This hormonal rollercoaster can result in the irregular menstrual pattern many women experience during perimenopause.

It’s important to note that irregular menstruation can be a sign of other health issues as well, so if you’re unsure whether it’s due to menopause or something else, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help assess your symptoms and provide appropriate guidance and support during this transition.

Dianogsis Menopause: Understanding the Process

The diagnosis of menopause is usually based on symptoms. Women usually experience a series of symptoms before menopause.

Some women may experience inconsistent symptoms, so doctors may conduct a few tests to diagnose menopause. Doctors may perform a few other tests to assess health issues related to menopause.

1. Diagnosis Based on Symptoms

Diagnosis of menopause is usually made after menstruation has ceased for 12 consecutive months in a woman in age between 45 and 55 years old without other obvious causes.

Menopause is usually preceded by a series of menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, and night sweats.

2. Diagnosis Based on Laboratory Testing

Some women might experience inconsistent symptoms during perimenopause. The periods can be irregular and the symptoms can be non-classical, raising women’s concerns.

In these cases, a doctor may conduct a few laboratory testing to check the levels of:

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH). These two hormones are raised in menopause.
Estradiol. Estradiol is decreased as menopause occurs.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and Prolactin. Thyroid hormone and prolactin can affect menstrual regularity.
Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). AMH can be used to assess ovarian reserve and predict the time to menopause.

3. Expert Consultation

It’s important to remember that each woman’s experience is unique. Seeking professional advice can provide personalized guidance and support throughout this natural transition. During a consultation, the expert could:

Explain to woman the symptoms and stage of menopause.
Recommend a few tests to check on hormone levels.
Assess other long-term health issues related to menopause
Provide individualized treatment for women to regain their quality of life.
Provide guidance and support throughout the menopausal journey.

Can Menopause Be Treated?

Menopausal symptoms can often be devastating to a woman’s life. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause can have various physical, emotional, and psychological effects, which can negatively impact a woman’s self-confidence and self-image.

These detrimental symptoms can be alleviated with professional medical treatment and self-care.

After menopause, women are also at increased risk of certain medical conditions, including heart attack, stroke, low-impact fractures, and dementia. Proper medical advice and periodic health screening can prevent these severe diseases.

When Should I Seek Medical Attention?

Menopause involves significant physiological changes in women. Seeking professional help allows women to receive accurate information about these changes and their potential impact on their health. Doctors can address individual concerns and questions, provide personalized advice, and discuss treatment options.

Several strategies and options are available to help you navigate menopause turbulence. The aim of medical treatment is to alleviate symptoms, improve overall quality of life, and prevent menopause-related diseases.

Here are some useful guides for determining whether you should seek medical help if you encounter menopausal symptoms.

1. Severe or Persistent Symptoms

Menopause can bring about a range of symptoms that vary in intensity and duration. While some women may experience mild discomfort, others may find their symptoms significantly impacting their daily lives.

If you’re dealing with severe or persistent menopausal symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare professional or consider consulting with a hormone therapist, such as Functional Healing.

Taking proactive steps to address these symptoms can significantly affect your well-being. Seeking medical attention will allow you to explore various treatment options, including hormone therapy if appropriate, and find relief from the discomfort caused by menopause.

Remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence–help is available to support you on your journey toward better health and well-being.

2. Unusual Changes in Menstrual Bleeding

During perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause, changes in menstrual bleeding patterns are expected.

However, sudden or unexplained alterations should not be ignored. If you notice any irregularities like heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, spotting between cycles, or periods occurring closer together or further apart than usual, it’s crucial to seek medical attention.

These changes could be signs of underlying health issues that need evaluation and treatment. Your healthcare provider can assess your situation and determine the appropriate course of action to address these abnormal bleeding patterns effectively.

3. Sleep Troubles or Mental Well-being Affected

Sleep disturbances are common during menopause due to hormonal fluctuations and other factors. If you find yourself tossing and turning at night or waking up feeling exhausted despite adequate rest, it’s time to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

If your mental well-being is being negatively impacted by menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, irritability, or feelings of sadness or depression–don’t hesitate! Open communication with your healthcare provider can lead to strategies for managing these emotional challenges effectively.

Furthermore, sexual function may also be affected by menopause. If you’re experiencing decreased libido, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, or other sexual difficulties, seeking medical advice is essential. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance and potential treatments to help you maintain a satisfying and enjoyable sex life.

4. Regular Check-ups for Monitoring and Management

Menopause is a significant phase in a woman’s life that requires appropriate monitoring and management. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are crucial during this time to ensure any emerging concerns are addressed promptly.

By maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can discuss any new or ongoing symptoms, receive necessary screenings or tests, and explore treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

These regular check-ups will help you navigate the menopausal journey more smoothly and make informed decisions about your health.

What Are the Treatment Options for Menopause?

Since menopause can be treated, we’ll now discuss the treatment options.

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) [4] is a treatment option that can effectively manage the symptoms associated with menopause and improve the overall quality of life and self-confidence.

During menopause, many women experience a decline in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Hormone replacement therapy works by replacing the hormone the body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts. It effectively reduces vasomotor, urinary, and mood symptoms, and prevents menopause-related diseases.

Studies have shown that HRT effectively reduces hot flashes, night sweating, flushing, and urinary symptoms. It has been shown to improve mood, sleep, skin texture, and sexual function. It can also prevent osteoporosis, fracture, and colorectal cancer.