These symptoms may start before menstruation ends, and they can last for several years. The impact on a person’s quality of life can range from mild to severe. However, there are ways of managing these symptoms.
Maintaining a healthful diet and getting regular exercise can help a person feel better and boost their overall health in the long term. For those who experience menopause symptoms, treatments and support are available.
In this article, find out more about what to expect during menopause.
Around menopause, various physical and mental
changes can occur, causing symptoms. Some of these
start before menopause, and some continue after it.
The changes involved in perimenopause and menopause include:
Lower fertility
As a female approaches the end of the reproductive stage, but before menopause begins,
estrogen levels start to fall. This reduces the chances of becoming pregnant.
Irregular menstruation
The first sign that menopause is approaching is usually periods occurring less regularly. They may come more or less frequently than usual, and they may be heavier or lighter.
Anyone who has concerns about menstrual changes should see a doctor, as these changes can also indicate pregnancy or some health issues.
Vaginal dryness and discomfort
Vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort may start during perimenopause and continue into menopause. A person with any of these symptoms may experience chafing and discomfort during vaginal sex. Also, if the skin breaks, this can increase the risk of infection.
Various moisturizers, lubricants, and medications can relieve vaginal dryness and associated issues.
Learn more about atrophic vaginitis
here.
Hot flashes
Hot flashes are common around the time of menopause. They cause a person to feel a sudden sensation of heat in the upper body. The sensation may start in the face, neck, or chest and progress upward or downward.
A hot flash can also cause:
- sweating
- red patches to form on the skin
Some people experience night sweats and cold flashes, or chills, in addition to or instead of hot flashes.
Hot flashes usually occur in the first year after menstruation ends, but they can continue for up to 14 years after menopause.
What does a hot flash feel like? Find out
here.
Sleep disturbances
Sleep problems can arise during menopause, and they may stem from:
- anxiety
- night sweats
- an increased need to urinate
Getting plenty of exercise and avoiding heavy meals before bedtime can help with managing these issues, but if they persist, contact a healthcare provider.
Emotional changes
Depression, anxiety, and low mood are common during menopause. It is not unusual to experience times of irritability and crying spells.
Hormonal changes and sleep disturbances can contribute to these issues. Also, a person’s feelings about menopause may come into play. For example, distress about low libido or the end of fertility can contribute to depression during menopause.
While feelings of sadness, irritability, and
tiredness are common during menopause, they do not necessarily indicate depression. However, anyone who experiences a low mood for
2 weeks or longer should see a doctor, who will be able to advise about the best course of action.
Anyone who has concerns about sleep or any changes related to menopause should contact a healthcare provider.
An
article published in 2018 suggests that there may, in some cases, be a link between menopause and suicide. Anyone who is thinking about suicide should seek help from a counselor or health professional. There are also anonymous hotlines available.
Suicide prevention
- If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Call 911 or the local emergency number.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.
Trouble focusing and learning
In the lead-up to menopause
two-thirds of women may have difficulty with concentration and memory.
Keeping physically and mentally active, following a healthful diet, and maintaining an active social life can help with these issues. For example, some people benefit from finding a new hobby or joining a club or a local activity.
Physical changes
Various physical changes can develop around the time of menopause.
- a buildup of fat around the abdomen
- weight gain
- changes in hair color, texture, and volume
- breast reduction and tenderness
- urinary incontinence
However, the link between these changes and menopause is
not always clear. Some may occur independently at the same time as the transition, and
age and lifestyle can also play a role.
Increased risk of some health conditions
After menopause, the risk of certain health issues appears to increase. Menopause does not cause these conditions, but the hormonal changes involved may play some role.
Osteoporosis: This is a long-term condition in which bone strength and density decrease. A doctor may recommend taking
vitamin D supplements and eating more calcium-rich foods to maintain bone strength.
Cardiovascular disease: The
American Heart Association (AHA) note that, while a decline in estrogen due to menopause may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, taking hormone therapy will not reduce this risk.
Breast cancer: Some types of
breast cancer are more likely to develop after menopause. Menopause
does not cause breast cancer, but hormonal changes involved appear to increase the risk.
Skin changes can also occur around the time of menopause.
Find out more.
Most information about menopause describes the experiences of cisgender, heterosexual women. However, menopause
can affect anyone who is born with ovaries.
A person who transitions to male but who retains their ovaries may experience menopause when their ovaries stop producing eggs.
If a person starts taking supplementary
testosterone as part of their transition, they may experience menopause symptoms then. Also, menopause symptoms can develop when a person undergoes surgery to remove their ovaries.
When transitioning involves any of these experiences, the symptoms of menopause will be the same as those of cisgender women.
However, transgender people can face additional difficulties, depending on the attitude of their medical team. It is essential that transgender people have access to healthcare providers who understand their needs and can address them effectively.
0 Comments