Menopause – symptoms and ways of overcoming the discomfort

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, but that doesn’t mean she needs to resign herself to the unpleasant symptoms and discomfort that are associated with it. Recognizing the signs of menopause is important so that a consultation with a doctor can be scheduled in order to take steps towards alleviating the condition, suppressing unpleasant symptoms, and improving the quality of life during menopause.

What is menopause?

Menopause is a process during which menstruation stops as a result of the ovaries’ reduced hormonal function. This usually happens around the time a woman turns 50, although a number of diseases and heredity can lead to early menopause – before turning 30 – 40. A woman is considered to have reached menopause when she has not had a period for a year. This does not happen suddenly, women go through a period of perimenopause, during which the symptoms of the onset of the climacteric appear and intensify.

Hormonal changes during menopause

The most significant changes are observed in the levels of the primary female hormone – estrogen. At the beginning of perimenopause, its levels can rise and fall unevenly. Some months, ovulation may not occur – no eggs are released. Pregnancy is still possible. When true menopause occurs, estrogen levels are permanently decreased and those of the luteinizing hormone, produced by the pituitary gland and related to the proper functioning of the ovaries, are increased.

Symptoms of perimenopause

During perimenopause, which has a different duration for each woman, women may complain of various ailments and changes in body and self-esteem. Symptoms include one, several, or all of the following:

• Irregular and inconsistent menstruation. It may be shorter or longer than usual, the flow may be heavier or lighter. Some months there could be no menstruation at all. Menstruation once every few months is observed in late perimenopause. Soon after, menopause occurs;
• Hot flashes, night sweats, flushing and sweating of the face;
• Increased risk of urogenital infections. It is due to low estrogen levels;
• Decreased bone density and bone mass loss;
• Lack of desire for intimacy or painful sensations during intercourse;
• Weight gain and fluid retention;
• Change in the woman’s emotional state – increased nervous tension, irritability, tendency to cry, depressive states;
• Changes in the hair and skin – hair loss, loss of volume and density of hair, drier skin with more visible fine lines, cellulite, skin imperfections;
• Increased levels of bad cholesterol in the blood;
• Palpitations and nausea, vertigo, migraine;
• Chest pain;
• Bleeding gums.
• Many women also experience other symptoms associated with approaching menopause. They all disrupt the quality of life and cause anxiety in women.

Overcoming the discomfort of perimenopause

Menopause is a natural process associated with many unpleasant symptoms, most of which can be controlled and relieved. Your gynecologist can help you get through this stage of your life more easily. You will also feel relief when you adapt your lifestyle to menopause. Useful for relieving menopausal symptoms are:

• Healthy and nutritious diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, calcium and fiber products, lean meats, fish;
• Intake of vitamin D, useful for bone health;
• Sports and active exercise;
• Quitting harmful habits – smoking, alcohol consumption;
• Increased intake of vitamins and minerals;
• Regular checkups to monitor the overall health condition;
• Regular gynecological consultations and taking medications to alleviate the condition;
• A good rest and ensuring quality sleep;
• Yoga, meditation, taking soothing herbs;
• Reducing caffeine consumption.

A good-quality, happy life without discomfort is possible during both perimenopause and menopause. Your gynecologist can help you. Don’t put off your consultation.