Menopause is a natural and significant phase in a woman’s life that marks the end of her reproductive years. It’s a transition that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier or later for some women.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is defined as the point in time when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It signifies the end of ovulation and menstrual cycles, primarily due to a decline in ovarian hormone production, particularly estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal shift leads to various physical and emotional changes.
Stages of Menopause
- Perimenopause: This is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It can start several years before menopause, often in a woman’s 40s, though it can begin in her 30s. During perimenopause, menstrual cycles become irregular, and symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings may arise.
- Menopause: This is the stage when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months. It is a natural part of aging and marks the end of fertility.
- Post-menopause: This phase starts after a woman has gone through menopause. Symptoms of menopause may continue, but for many women, they become less intense over time. It’s important to continue monitoring health during this phase, as the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases may increase.
Common Symptoms
Menopause affects each woman differently, but common symptoms include:
- Hot Flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat.
- Night Sweats: Hot flashes that occur during sleep, leading to night-time awakenings.
- Vaginal Dryness: Decreased estrogen levels can cause dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
- Mood Changes: Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
- Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Memory Issues: Some women report difficulty concentrating or memory lapses.
- Changes in Menstrual Patterns: Irregular periods or skipped cycles leading up to menopause.
Managing Menopause Symptoms
There are various strategies for managing menopause symptoms, including:
Lifestyle Changes
Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and adequate sleep can help alleviate symptoms. Staying hydrated and avoiding triggers like caffeine and alcohol may also be beneficial.
Non-Hormonal Medications
Certain medications can help manage symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings, for those who are unable to take MHT or prefer not to take MHT. Options include antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and anti-seizure drugs.
Menopausal hormone therapy [MHT]
Formally known has Hormone Replacement Therapy [HRT], is used to help women manage menopausal symptoms caused by the decreasing levels of hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and sometimes testosterone. It can be effective in reducing common symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness by increasing
Types of MHT:
Oestrogen and Progesterone Therapy: Oestrogen is the main hormone commonly used to relieve menopausal symptoms, though a combination of oestrogen and progesterone can also be used.
At McKenzies Compounding, we can make MRT into different formulations such as: topical creams / ointments, capsules and troches at varying doses, depending on your needs and responses to the treatment. You may need to try different dosages or methods to find the right combination. Your doctor must supervise this process.
Alternative Therapies:
Some women find relief with alternative treatments such as acupuncture, herbal supplements and relaxation techniques.
Long-Term Health Considerations
Menopause is also a time to pay attention to long-term health issues:
Bone Health:
Estrogen helps maintain bone density, so the risk of osteoporosis increases after menopause. Weight-bearing exercises, calcium, vitamin D supplements and MHT can help maintain bone strength and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Cardiovascular Health:
The risk of heart disease increases after menopause. A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels are important.
Regular Health Screenings:
Routine check-ups and screenings, including mammograms, pelvic exams, and bone density tests, are crucial for maintaining overall health
Conclusion
Menopause is a significant life transition with a range of physical and emotional effects. Understanding the stages and symptoms of menopause, along with effective management strategies, can help women navigate this period with greater ease and confidence. Remember, menopause is a natural process, and while it brings changes, it also opens the door to new phases of life. If symptoms become overwhelming or impact daily life, consulting a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.
For more information about menopause, we have listed some websites below for your convenience:
https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/what-is-menopause
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menopause