What You Need to Know About Menopause
Menopause is an inevitable and natural life transition for people who menstruate. Although so many people go through it, not many have a good idea of what to expect when it happens to them. Read on to learn what you need to know about menopause.
When Will it Happen?
Most women reach menopause in their early to mid-50’s, although it can come earlier or later. One way to estimate when menopause might happen to you is to look at when it happened to your mother. There’s a good chance it will take place around the same time for you.
Premature menopause (before age 40) can occur for a number of reasons. Surgical removal of your ovaries, chemotherapy, and radiation are some causes. If you smoke you might start menopause earlier than non-smokers, and if you are underweight you are also at increased risk of premature menopause.
How Will I Know I’m in Menopause?
The transitional time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause, and during that time your periods will become irregular and further apart. You will know you are officially in menopause when you haven’t had a menstrual period for one full year.
You can also have your doctor check your hormone levels for confirmation. When you are in menopause, your estrogen levels will be low and your follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels will be high.
What Are Some Symptoms of Menopause?
The decreasing estrogen and fluctuating hormone levels leading to menopause can cause some unique and not altogether pleasant symptoms.
- Hot Flashes
- Night Sweats
- Moodiness
- Dry Skin
- Decreased Sex Drive
- Vaginal Dryness
- Weight Gain
- Sleep Problems
Most of these symptoms can be seen as annoyances, but there are also some more serious effects associated with menopause. The low estrogen levels of menopause can increase your cholesterol levels and risk for cardiovascular disease and can cause loss of bone density.
What Can I Do About My Symptoms?
Luckily, we live in a time with many options for management of menopause symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might be the answer for you. HRT can virtually eliminate many of the symptoms of menopause and increase your quality of life. Not everyone is a candidate for HRT, so discuss the possibility with your doctor and see if it might be a good choice for you.
Regular exercise can help maintain your bone density, keep off extra weight, and improve your sleep and mood. Experts have found that exercise has a positive effect on hot flashes and other vasomotor symptoms of menopause, as well.
Vaginal dryness and discomfort with sex can be alleviated with vaginal estrogen creams or rings. Unmedicated, water-based lubricants can also be a great help.
If you are experiencing depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor about anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication. HRT may also help with mood disorders exacerbated by the hormone changes of menopause.
Nutrition can also play a large role in how you feel during menopause. Researchers have found that eating a healthy, low-fat diet and getting enough vitamin D, magnesium, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals can help preserve bone density and minimize cardiovascular risk and weight gain.
In Conclusion
Menopause may be inevitable, but you are not powerless against it. Armed with the knowledge of what to expect, you will be prepared to make informed decisions about how you want to manage any symptoms you experience and create the life you want to live.