Women often begin to experience the symptoms of menopause around age 40. No matter how women feel about entering this new phase of their lives, Schneck Medical Center is here to guide them through the transition.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a normal and natural part of aging for women. The term "menopause" refers specifically to the period twelve months after a women's last period. The symptomatic years leading up to this time are the menopausal transition, or perimenopause.
During perimenopause, the ovaries begin to slow the production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help regulate a woman's menstrual cycle, so women often experience irregular periods in the perimenopausal period.
Women's ovaries also stop producing eggs in menopause. As a result, menopausal and postmenopausal women can no longer become pregnant. However, women who do not wish to become pregnant should continue using birth control for twelve months after their last period.
After menopause, women are postmenopausal. During this time, women are more susceptible to both heart disease and osteoporosis. It's important to eat a healthy diet, consume plenty of calcium and continue exercising in the postmenopausal years.
Signs of Menopause
Estrogen affects many parts of the body. As estrogen levels decrease during perimenopause, many women often experience numerous symptoms that range in frequency and severity.
Menstrual changes
one of the first signs of menopause that women report is a change in their period. In the years leading up to menopause, women may notice:
Change in flow
Changes in frequency
More or less pain associated with their period
Greater symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Unpredictable and irregular periods
These changes are all typical signs of menopause, but women should still consult their primary care provider if these symptoms become difficult to manage.
Women should also visit their provider if they have periods that occur very close together. Other reasons to consult a professional include heavy, unmanageable bleeding, frequent spotting and periods that last more than one week.
Changes in sexual health
Along with changes in your period, you may also experience changes in your vaginal and sexual health during menopause.
Vaginal dryness
Pain and discomfort during intercourse
Changes in sex drive
Loss of bladder control
Some women experience incontinence, or a loss of bladder control, during and after menopause. Many women notice urine leaks while exercising, laughing, or sneezing. Visit your primary care provider is these symptoms occur.
Hot Flashes
One of the most common signs of perimenopause and menopause is hot flashes. A hot flash is a sudden feeling of intense heat that spreads throughout the body, often more intensely in the upper body. The face and neck may feel flushed, red blotches may appear, and women may even sweat profusely. these symptoms are often followed by cold shivers. When hot flashes occur in the evening, they're know as night sweats.
Other changes
other symptoms include mood changes, changes in body composition, and other aches and pains. You can always contact your care team at Schneck to find the right tools for your unique situation and learn more about treatment options.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your primary care provider may diagnose you with menopause 12 months after your last period, but remember: Menopause is not an illness or disease. It is a natural part of aging for women.
Treatments for menopause focus on symptomatic relief. Treatments may include hormone supplements, vaginal creams, over-the-counter pain medications, or anti-depressants.
Hormone supplements can be used to treat hot flashes and prevent bone loss, but long-term use may increase your risk of heart disease and breast cancer. You can always discuss these risks with your primary care provider.
Vaginal creams help relieve vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. Over-the-counter pain medications can alleviate aches, headaches, and body pains associated with menopause. Antidepressants can help with the mental stressors of menopause and may even help reduce hot flashes. Talk to your primary care provider before starting any of these treatments.
Women's Health at Schneck
The Women's Health team at Schneck Medical Center understands the complex feelings and symptoms women may experience during the menopausal transition. We know each women has unique needs and strive to offer compassionate, personalized care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, reach out to the Women's Health team today.
Dr. Justin Rasner is an obstetrician and gynecologist with special training in high risk pregnancy care, minimally invasive surgery, and infertility.
Related Blog Posts
When seeking support, rely on your nearby professionals at Schneck. We provide assistance to empower you in taking control of your well-being at all life stages. Explore valuable expertise in connected blogs.
