Menopause Explained: Navigating the Main Event

If you’ve weathered the storm of perimenopause and find yourself wondering what comes next, you’re likely entering menopause proper. This pivotal stage in a woman’s life marks the end of her reproductive years and brings its own set of changes and challenges. Let’s demystify menopause and provide you with the knowledge and reassurance you need to navigate this significant life transition with confidence.

The Stages of Menopause: Where Does Menopause Fit In?

Menopause is part of a broader transition that unfolds over several years. Understanding its place in this journey can help you make sense of the changes you’re experiencing:

1. Perimenopause: The transitional phase leading up to menopause

2. Menopause: The point at which you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period

3. Postmenopause: The years following menopause

This article focuses on menopause itself – the main event that marks the end of your reproductive years.

What is Menopause? The Medical Definition

Menopause is officially defined as the point when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, provided this absence isn’t due to other causes such as pregnancy, illness, or certain medications. This typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 [1].

During menopause, your ovaries significantly reduce their production of oestrogen and progesterone, leading to the end of your fertile years. It’s important to note that menopause is a natural biological process, not a medical condition, though it can have wide-ranging effects on your body and overall health.

Common Symptoms and Health Challenges

While every woman’s experience of menopause is unique, there are some common symptoms and health challenges that many women face during this time:

1. Hot Flushes and Night Sweats: These sudden feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and rapid heartbeat, are perhaps the most well-known symptoms of menopause.

2. Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort: Decreased oestrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort during intercourse.

3. Mood Changes: Many women experience mood swings, irritability, or feelings of anxiety and depression.

4. Sleep Disturbances: Decreased Progesterone levels can lead to poor sleep quality and sleep maintenance. Night sweats and other factors can also significantly disrupt sleep patterns.

5. Changes in Libido: Hormonal shifts can affect sex drive and sexual response.

6. Weight Gain and Slowed Metabolism: You might notice changes in your body composition and find it harder to maintain your weight.

7. Bone Loss: The decrease in oestrogen can lead to loss of bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

8. Cardiovascular Health: Post-menopausal women have an increased risk of heart disease, partially due to the loss of oestrogen’s protective effects [2].

9. Urinary Issues: Some women experience increased urinary frequency or incontinence.

10. Skin and Hair Changes: Your skin may become drier and less elastic, and you might notice changes in your hair texture or thickness.

It’s worth noting that while these symptoms are common, their severity and duration can vary greatly from woman to woman. Some may experience only mild discomfort, while others might find their symptoms significantly impact their quality of life.

Managing Menopause: Common Approaches

While menopause is a natural transition, there are several ways to manage its symptoms and maintain your health and well-being:

1. Menopause Hormone Therapy: For many women, MHT can be an effective way to manage menopausal symptoms. It involves taking oestrogen and, if you still have your uterus, progesterone. While MHT has been associated with certain risks, for many women, the benefits outweigh the potential risks [3].

2. Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and stress reduction techniques can all help manage symptoms and promote overall health.

3. Non-Hormonal Medications: For women who can’t or choose not to use MHT, there are other medications that can help with specific symptoms, such as low-dose antidepressants for hot flushes.

4. Vaginal Oestrogen: For women primarily experiencing vaginal dryness and discomfort, local oestrogen treatments can be effective.

5. Alternative Therapies: Some women find relief through complementary therapies such as acupuncture or herbal remedies, although scientific evidence for their effectiveness is often limited.

6. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This can be particularly helpful for managing mood changes and sleep issues associated with menopause [4].

7. Regular Health Check-ups: As your health risks change post-menopause, it’s important to stay on top of regular screenings for issues like osteoporosis and heart disease.

Navigating Menopause with Confidence

While menopause can bring challenges, it’s important to remember that it’s a natural part of life that every woman experiences. Here are some tips to help you through this transition:

• Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Understanding what’s happening in your body can help alleviate fears and uncertainties.
• Communicate: Talk to your partner, friends, and healthcare provider about what you’re experiencing. Support is crucial during this time.
• Prioritise Self-Care: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-reduction techniques can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
• Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with menopausal symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider. There are many treatment options available.
• Embrace the Change: Remember, menopause is not just an ending, but also a beginning. Many women report feeling more confident and self-assured post-menopause.

Menopause is a significant transition, but it doesn’t have to be a negative one. By understanding what’s happening in your body and taking proactive steps to manage your health, you can navigate this stage with grace and confidence.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. If you’re struggling with menopausal symptoms or have concerns about your health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider. 

Contact the Emsee team here. 

References

1. Takahashi, T. A., & Johnson, K. M. (2015). Menopause. Medical Clinics of North America, 99(3), 521-534.

2. El Khoudary, S. R., et al. (2020). Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Implications for Timing of Early Prevention: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation, 142(25), e506-e532.

3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2015). Menopause: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline [NG23].

4. Green, S. M., Haber, E., McCabe, R. E., & Soares, C. N. (2013). Cognitive-behavioral group treatment for menopausal symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 16(4), 336-346.