All you need to know about Menopause

by Indira IVF Indira IVF - Largest Fertility Chain In India

All you need to know about Menopause

Menopause is that point when your menstrual cycle permanently stops because of the natural end of the ovarian oocytes because of aging. The diagnose is done retrospectively once the woman has skipped menses for 12 continuous months. It suggests permanent end of fertility and the average age of menopause is suggested to be 51 years

The Menopause symptoms and signs

Though menopause is no disease, however it does bring some profound changes in the body. A menopause diagnosis is done when a woman has experienced her menstrual period for over a year. However, the menopause symptoms usually after before the one-year period ends.

Irregular periods: You may experience change in your menstrual pattern. Some women may get their period in just 2-3 weeks while others may not experience menses for over a month.

Low fertility: Perimenopause is the 3 to 5-year time before the actual menopause occurs. In this period, the estrogen level of a woman falls drastically and lowers her chances of getting pregnant.

Vaginal dryness: itchiness, dryness in the vagina happens during menopause. Often women may experience pain during sexual intercourse. You may have low estrogen level which may lead to vaginal atrophy. It is the vaginal inflammation which occurs because of shrinking and thinning of the tissues and fall in lubrication.

Some of the early signs of perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause are:

1. Low frequent menstruation

2. Lighter period

3. Night sweats and flushing

Some other menopause symptoms include weight gain, anxiety and depression, memory issues, insomnia, problem in concentrating, lower desire for sex, rapid urination, headache and faster heartbeat, UTI, pain in joints and reduced muscle mass. You may also experience lower breast size and hair thinning.

Why does menopause happen?

Menopause is a natural procedure which happens with the aging of ovaries and production of lower reproduction hormones. The hormones include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone).

One of the noticeable change is the active ovarian follicle loss. A lot of women notice that their frequency of menstrual cycle gets less consistent and flow gets thicker and longer. It may happen at some point during your 40’s.

Some of the menopause causes include:

1. Pelvic radiation

2. Pelvic injuries

3. Shut down of ovary functions because of surgery, hormonal therapy

4. Surgical removal of the ovaries.

Treatments

You may need menopause treatment if your symptoms affect your life. Hormonal therapy can help women below the age of 60. It helps you to lower or manage flushing, night sweats, vagina atrophy, hot flashes, osteoporosis.

Some of the medications also help you to treat vaginal dryness and hair loss.

1. Topical minoxidil 5% is used to treat hair loss and thinning.

2. Anti-dandruff shampoo with ketoconazole can help to treat hair loss.

3. Eflornithine hydrochloride cream to treat unwanted hair growth.

4. Serotonin pills such as paroxetine to treat anxiety, depression and hot flashes.

5. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants

6. Sleeping medication for insomnia

7. Antibiotics to treat utis

Lifestyle changes and home remedies

There are a lot of ways to lower the moderate and minor menopause symptoms via home remedies, alternative medications and life style changes. Here are some of them:

Keep yourself cool and comfortable

Dress loose and layered, especially at the night during warm weather. It helps you to tackle hot flashes. Keep your bedroom cool and do not use heavy blankets to avoid night sweats. Keep an air conditioner on or use a portable fan to keep yourself cool when feeling flushed.

Manage your weight by exercising

Reduce your daily calorie consumption by 400 to 500 calories to tackle your weight issues. It is important to exercise normally for at least 20 to 30 minutes daily. It will help you in increasing energy, getting a better sleep at night, improvise your mood and enhance your well-being.

Express your needs

You should get in touch with a therapist or psychologist about your feelings and depression, your insomnia and sadness. You can also speak to someone in your family, your friend or loved one about your mood swings and anxiety issues, so that they may help you.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet

It is very important to include Vitamin D, calcium and magnesium supplement in your diet to lower the chances of osteoporosis and get better sleep. It will also help in enhancing your energy levels. You should talk to your doctors first about consuming the supplements and take as per your health needs and body requirements.

Use relaxation techniques

Yoga, box breathing as well as medication as some of the relaxation techniques which can help in managing the back effects of menopause.