How to deal with Menopause?

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How to deal with Menopause?

Menopause is when a woman stops having her period cycle and cannot get pregnant naturally. Period usually get a little low and less frequent for a few months before they stop completely. Sometimes they can abruptly stop.

Menopause is a natural aging action which happens to women between 45 to 55 years of ages because of the fall in oestrogen levels in their body. Basically the average age of a woman to experience menopause is 51. But there may be 1 in 100 woman, who may get her menopause at the age of 40 which is called premature menopause

Symptoms of menopause

Most women get menopause symptoms. They could be mild or quite severe and have a big impact on your life. Some of the common menopause symptoms are mentioned below:

1. Low sex drive

2. low mood

3. Anxiety

4. Difficulty in sleeping

5. problem during intercourse

6. Vaginal dryness

7. Hot flushes

8. Night sweats

9. Problem in concentration

Menopause symptoms can start anywhere between the year before your period stop and continue for at least 4 years.

When should you see a doctor

You should talk to your doctor if you get menopause symptoms before the age of 45. You doctor will confirm your menopause depending your blood reports which showcase your hormone level.

Treatment for menopause

Your GP will provide necessary menopause treatment and recommend lifestyle changes if you have symptoms which interfere in your daily life:

Menopause doesn’t need any treatment. But treatment largely works on relieving the symptoms and signs and avoiding any chronic problem which may happen with aging. Treatment comprises of:

Hormone therapy: Estrogen therapy is suggested to relieve hot flashes. As per your personal and family medical history, you are provided with estrogen doze and in the shortest time, you will get relief from it. If you have a uterus, then you need progestin along with estrogen. Estrgen will also secure your bones. However, long term use of these therapy may lead to the risk of developing cardiovascular issues and breast cancer. However, it is advisable to discuss the risk and benefits of hormone therapy with your doctor.

Vaginal estrogen: In order to get rid of vaginal dryness, estrogen can be served in the vagina via a vaginal cream. The treatment releases small quantity of estrogen which gets absorbed by the vaginal tissues.

Low dosage of antidepressants: Some antidepressants related serotonin reuptake inhibitors may lower hot flashes. It can also help to restore mood disorder in women.

Medicines to prevent osteoporosis: Depending on your needs, your doctor will write medication for you to treat osteoporosis. It will help in lowering bone loss and risk of fractures. You can also consume Vitamin D supplements to strengthen your bones.

Before choosing your treatment method, it is important to talk to your doctor and discuss the risks and benefits involved. Check all the available options as per your needs and requirement.

What causes menopause?

Some of the menopause causes are given below:

Natural fall of reproduction hormones: As you reach your late 30s, your ovaries make less progesterone and oestrogen – the hormones responsible to regulate menstruation. And, hence by the 40s, your fertility declines and menstrual cycle starts getting lighter and shorter and less frequent. By 51, your ovaries stop the production of eggs.

Hysterectomy: The removal uterus but not ovaries doesn’t result in immediate menopause. Though you may not have your periods, but the ovaries will still release eggs and produce progesterone and estrogen. However, if you get the uterus and ovaries removed together, then it may cause instant menopause. You may then have symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and abnormal hormones for several years.

Chemotherapy and radiations: The cancer therapy can lead to menopause which may cause hot flashes during the treatment. The stop in the bleeding cycle isn’t permanent at the time of chemotherapy, so birth control measures may be taken.

Primary ovarian insufficiency: Around 1% of the women get their menopause before they reach the age of 40 i.e. premature menopauses. Menopause may occur from primary ovarian insufficiency when the ovaries do not produce the natural amount of reproductive hormones. It may occur from genetic factors or autoimmune diseases. For some women hormone therapy may be suggested till the time they naturally reach the stage of menopause to protect their heart, brain and body.

Menopause is a critical time in the life of a woman as it ends her fertility forever. So, one should be able to take necessary steps to make the end good.