As women age, they go through a transitional phase where the body stops producing eggs, and less estrogen and progesterone are produced. During this time, menstruation becomes less frequent, and it eventually stops all together. This transitional phase is known as menopause, and it typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. During this time, women may experience a number of symptoms and may require medical treatment to manage them.
Menopause occurs as the result of changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. In time, the ovaries begin to make less of these essential hormones. When estrogen levels drop gradually, most women experience mild to moderate symptoms including hot flashes and sweats. In cases where the levels drop quickly, however, the symptoms may be severe. The presence and severity of symptoms varies greatly among women.
Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause often lasts for up to five years, and during this time women may experience a number of symptoms. Some of the most common include hot flashes, night sweats, racing heart, flushing of the skin, and sleep disturbances. Some women may experience other symptoms including forgetfulness, headaches, irregular menstrual periods, urine leakage, mood swings, decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness or infections, joint aches, pain, or irregular heartbeat. When such symptoms are present, doctors may perform tests to accurately determine if the patient is going through menopause. This can be detected through blood tests or pelvic exams.
Treating Menopause
Hormone therapy is one of the most common methods of managing the symptoms of menopause. It can successfully treat severe hot flashes, mood swings, and other side effects that are interfering with one’s life. There are, however, risks of stroke, heart disease, blood clots, or breast cancer when taking hormones. Alternatives to hormone therapy may include prescription antidepressants and medications to control high blood pressure. Many women are also able to manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine or spicy foods, getting plenty of exercise, and eating soy foods. Supplements including calcium and vitamin D are also helpful.
The changes associated with menopause can cause some complications. Postmenopausal bleeding may occur, but in most cases it is not a sign of a serious problem. It should, however, be checked by a doctor because in rare cases it can be a sign of cancer. Other problems in postmenopausal women include bone loss, changes in cholesterol levels, and increased risk of heart disease.