The menopause, sometimes referred to as the “change of life”, is the end of menstruation. It was once a taboo topic, but recently more women are more comfortable talking about this topic and seek professional help when needed.
What is menopause?
Menopause is defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period and marks the end of menstrual cycles. In most countries including Anguilla, 51 is the average age for a woman to reach the menopause, although some women experience the menopause in their 30s or 40s.
If you experience the menopause before the age of 40, it’s known as a premature menopause.
Menopause is a natural biological process. Although it also ends fertility, you can stay healthy, vital and sexual. Menopause affects every woman differently; in fact, 50% of women never suffer symptoms such as hot flashes.
Some of the physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, and emotional symptoms of menopause may disrupt your sleep, lower your energy or — for some women — trigger anxiety or feelings of sadness and loss.
Do not hesitate to seek treatment for symptoms that bother you. Many effective treatments are available including lifestyle adjustments.
What are some symptoms associated with menopause?
In the months or years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), you might experience these signs and symptoms:
• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Weight gain and slowed metabolism
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Loss of breast fullness
It is possible, but very unusual, to menstruate every month right up to your last period. More likely, you will experience some irregularity in your periods.
Skipping periods during perimenopause is common and expected. Often, menstrual periods will occur every two to four months during perimenopause, especially one to two years before menopause. Despite irregular periods, pregnancy is possible. If you have skipped a period but are not sure you have started the menopausal transition, you may want to determine whether you are pregnant. You should use a reliable method of contraception during this period.
When to see your gynaecologist?
Starting at perimenopause there schedule should be regular visits with your doctor for preventive health care and any medical concerns. You should continue getting these appointments during and after menopause.
Your doctor might recommend various screening tests if suggested by your history, and breast and pelvic exams. After menopause, your risk of certain medical conditions increases.
Always seek medical advice if you have bleeding from your vagina after menopause.
Diagnosis
Signs and symptoms of menopause are usually enough to tell most women that they have started the menopausal transition. If you have concerns about irregular periods or hot flashes, talk with your doctor. In some cases, further evaluation may be recommended.
Tests typically are not needed to diagnose menopause. But under certain circumstances, your doctor may recommend blood tests to check your level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen (estradiol), because your FSH levels increase and estradiol levels decrease as menopause occurs.
Treatment
Menopause requires no medical treatment. Instead, treatments focus on relieving your signs and symptoms and preventing or managing chronic conditions that may occur with aging. Talk to your doctor on ways to relieve some of your symptoms.
Fortunately, many of the signs and symptoms associated with menopause are temporary. Certain lifestyle changes can also help reduce symptoms.
Conclusion
Menopause is a normal condition that all women experience as they age. The term “menopause” can describe any of the changes a woman goes through either just before or after she stops menstruating, marking the end of her reproductive period. The symptoms and signs related to menopause vary from one woman to the other. If symptoms affect your life you should seek medical attention.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
