Menopause is a natural period in women’s lives and can have various effects on health. Hormonal changes can affect heart health, bone density and overall health. Therefore, it is important for women to take care of their health during menopause. Emotional and physical changes may also occur during this period.
What is menopause?
We can answer the question of what it means to enter menopause as follows:
Menopause is an inevitable period in every woman’s life. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but some women may experience this process earlier or later. Menopause is characterized by the decrease in the hormonal activity of women’s ovaries and the end of their menstrual cycles.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Menopause symptoms may differ in each woman and vary in severity, but some symptoms are generally common. Menopause symptoms are as follows:
- It may manifest itself with symptoms such as sudden temperature changes, hot flashes and night sweats.
- As menopause approaches, the menstrual cycle may become irregular and the amount of menstrual bleeding may decrease.
- Due to hormonal changes, drying of vaginal tissues and mucosa is a common symptom of menopause.
- Hormonal fluctuations can cause insomnia and general fatigue.
- Emotional fluctuations may occur.
- During menopause, the metabolic rate often slows down and the tendency to gain weight may increase.
- While skin dryness, acne or signs of aging may increase, hair thinning or loss may occur.
- Some women may experience memory problems or cognitive problems during menopause.
What are the first symptoms of menopause?
The period before menopause is called premenopause, and many changes can occur during this period. The first symptoms of menopause can be different for each woman, but the most common symptoms are:
- menstrual irregularities
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- vaginal dryness
- mood swings
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Difficulty gaining or losing weight
- loss of libido
- joint pains
- Hair loss
- Dryness and thinning of the skin
What is menopause like in women?
Menopause is when a woman stops menstruating and her ovaries no longer produce estrogen and progesterone. This occurs on average between the ages of 45-55. Menopause is triggered by a decrease in the number of follicles in the ovaries and the end of estrogen production. This is a natural process and every woman will experience it. We can give the following answer to the question of what changes occur in women who enter menopause:
- Menstrual irregularities occur and menstruation stops.
- Hot flashes and night sweats occur.
- Vaginal dryness is experienced.
- Susceptibility to urinary tract infections increases.
- Emotional fluctuations such as irritability, sadness and anxiety may be experienced.
- There may be an increased risk of depression.
- Sleep problems occur.
- There may be a decrease in sexual desire.
- Social isolation may occur.
- There may be a lack of self-confidence.
- Weight gain is observed.
- There is a decrease in bone density.
- Difficulty in memory and concentration may occur
- Dryness, thinning and wrinkles may occur on the skin.
- Hair may begin to thin and fall out.
How is menopause treated?
Menopause treatment is a process customized to each woman’s needs. Treatment options vary depending on what stage of menopause you are in, your overall health, and your personal preferences. The following methods are generally used in the treatment of menopause:
- hormone replacement therapy
- Antidepressant use
- anticonvulsants
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Acupuncture
- yoga and meditation