Menopause Symptoms and Beyond

I hadn’t realized the impact that menopause symptoms would have on my life, my family and my ability to reach my potential until it hit me like a sledgehammer. Entering my forties was a breeze: I was fit and healthy, and in better condition both physically and mentally — I felt awesome!

 

Then, approximately four years ago, when I started to feel strange. My state kept deteriorating until, later that evening, I realized that I couldn’t even get up from the sofa because the whole room was spinning, I was having a vertigo attack. This was followed by utter fatigue, nausea and vision problems.

In the end I decided to visit my doctor to see if he could work out what was happening. It was finally determined that hormones were the culprit. After specific bloodwork, my gynecologist confirmed that my estrogen levels had plummeted — I was entering perimenopause.

While, over time, my symptoms progressively changed, I still found the experience difficult to describe, and felt as if I was enduring a silent, invisible pain that no one else would understand.

 

What Is Menopause?

 

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman\’s reproductive years. It is typically diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Menopause is caused by a decline in the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones, which are responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. As a result, women can experience a range of menopause symptoms during menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido.

Menopause can also increase the risk of certain health conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. While menopause is a natural part of aging, it can be a challenging experience for some women. However, with the right information, support, and treatment options, women can manage the symptoms of menopause and continue to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

What is perimenopause?

There are three phases: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause and can start as early as a woman\’s mid-30s. During this phase, the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones starts to decline, and women may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood swings.

We can say Menopause is set in when a woman is missing her menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. During this phase, the ovaries stop releasing eggs, and the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones decreases significantly. Women may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.

Postmenopause is the period after menopause and can last for many years. During this phase, estrogen levels remain low, and women may experience long-term symptoms such as bone loss, vaginal dryness, and an increased risk of certain health conditions. While every woman\’s experience of menopause is different, understanding the phases of menopause can help women prepare for the changes that lie ahead and seek appropriate medical care to manage symptoms and reduce health risks.

 

The following are some of the menopause

symptoms

 

Irregular periods

Stress incontinence or urinary incontinence

Depression

Vaginal dryness

Hot flashes

Sleep problems (from insomnia to utter fatigue)

Mood changes

Weight gain and slowed metabolism

Thinning hair and dry skin

Loss of breast fullness

Short term memory loss

Night sweats

Migraines

Fatigue

Short term memory loss

The list goes on and on and on… in fact I keep could keep coming back to this article and adding items!

 

In conclusion, menopause is a natural and inevitable biological process that marks the end of a woman\’s reproductive years. While menopause can be a challenging experience for some women, with the right information, support, and treatment options, women can manage the symptoms of menopause and continue to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

 

References:

http://utswmed.org/conditions-treatments/menopause-and-beyond/

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-63540-8?page=2

FAQ

What is early menopause?