What is Menopause?
Menopause is a normal condition that all women experience as they age and their levels of female sex hormones decrease. A woman’s ovaries will also eventually stop releasing eggs.
The transition into menopause usually lasts nearly seven years and begins between the ages of 45 & 55 – although it can occur earlier or later – depending on when you first started menstruating. You’re considered to be menopausal when it has been 12 months since your last menstrual cycle, which indicates that you can no longer become pregnant as well as not have your period.
What Changes Occur in Your Body During Menopause?
As your body enters the menopausal transition, your production of estrogen and progesterone – two hormones made by your ovaries will vary. You’ll become more vulnerable to fractures since your bones will become less dense, and you may gain weight more easily as your cells change and your body uses energy differently.
What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
Symptoms of menopause can vary from each person. You may have symptoms in the years leading up to menopause, which is known as perimenopause. The following are some of the most common symptoms:
- Hot Flashes – night sweats and flushing of the skin
- Sleep Issues – waking up in the middle of the night or having trouble falling asleep
- Stiff Joints & Muscles
- Mood Changes
- Weight Gain
- Thinning Hair
- Vaginal dryness
- Trouble Concentrating
In addition, menopause can sometimes cause complications that may include the following:
- Osteoporosis
- Urinary Incontinence – sudden, urgent need to urinate
- Gum Disease
- Heart or Blood Vessel Disease
- Cataracts
What Types of Treatments Can Be Used for Menopause Symptoms?
The following treatments may help alleviate menopause symptoms:
Hormone Therapy
Used for hot flashes and to prevent bone loss.
Vaginal Estrogen
Applied to relieve dryness, and help with some urinary issues.
Gabapentin
May help with hot flashes if you can’t use hormone therapy
Clonidine
A pill or a patch that might help with hot flashes.
Osteoporosis Medications
To reduce bone loss.
In addition, lifestyle and home remedies such as the following may also help reduce menopause symptoms:
- Avoid Hot Flash Triggers: such as caffeine, spicy foods, hot beverages, stress, and hot weather
- Learn Relaxation Techniques: such as deep breathing and guided imagery
- Perform Kegel Exercises: to help improve some kinds of urinary incontinence
- Eat a Healthy Diet
- Get Regular Exercise
If you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause, make an appointment today with Huey & Weprin Ob/Gyn in Englewood and Kettering, OH. We offer specialized, compassionate care combined with cutting-edge treatments in obstetrics and gynecology.
