Don’t sweat!
menopause It is a natural process that affects all women. It occurs when the ovaries reduce the hormones estrogen and progesterone and completely stop egg release.
It’s officially diagnosis After 12 consecutive months without menstruation, symptoms often last longer before and after this period.
Menopause is a universal phenomenon, but there are many misconceptions about it, from symptoms to treatment.
These are some of the common myths and are more unusual signs.
When does menopause occur?
Women in North America tend to experience menopause between the ages of 51 and 52, but the global average is close to 48.
If it occurs before the age of 45, it is called early menopause. Smoking, hysterectomy, and family history of early menopause are risk factors.
The period of menopause that occurs after the age of 55 is considered to be late menopause.
The time it takes to reach menopause is called menopause. It usually starts in your late 40s and can last for several years.
Menopause varies in all women. The duration may be longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, or skipped entirely. Symptoms of menopause are common during this period.
What are the major symptoms of menopause?
Some women can have a variety of symptoms, while others have nothing.
Symptoms are categorized in three ways – physical, psychological and urogenital organs.
Physical symptoms include hot flashes and night sweats, classic signs of menopause.
This group also has a disrupted sleep and heart flapping.
Brain fog and mood, like anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger, are one of the psychological symptoms.
Women with premenstrual syndrome, unpleasant premenstrual disorders, postpartum depression, or difficult adolescents may be susceptible to mental health struggles during menopause.
The final category covers vaginal dryness and changes in urination habits.
Estrogen, the major female sex hormone, drops significantly during menopause. A decrease in estrogen is responsible for thinning and drying of tissues in the urogenital organs, including the vagina and vulva. That’s why sex might hurt.
What are some new symptoms?
Some signs are more subtle, like itchy skin and joint pain.
Estrogen is the key to maintaining skin moisture and elasticity, so the skin becomes thinner and more likely to dry out during menopause.
A decrease in estrogen can also contribute to increased joint pain and stiffness, as it plays a role in keeping the joints healthy.
How long does the symptoms last?
I believed that menopause symptoms lasted only a year. It’s a myth.
In fact, these symptoms can remain between four and ten years.
And I noticed a cultural difference in the duration of symptoms.
Black women usually have more severe symptoms that last longer, such as up to 10 years, but Hispanic women often experience them for around eight years.
Symptoms in Caucasian women usually last for 7 years, but Asian women generally have symptoms for 4-6 years.
Why do women in menopause gain weight?
That’s a million dollar question and the number one complaint.
Women in menopause usually spend 6-8 pounds on their belly.
Weight gain is caused by changes in hormones and lifestyle, as well as natural loss of lean muscles.
Women tend to store fat in their hips and thighs. A decrease in estrogen during menopause can cause a shift in fat distribution, leading to abdominal weight gain.
Due to the excess belly fat, their shape changes from pear to apple.
Women in menopause often do not exercise much, which affects their weight. Plus, they’ve lost lean muscle since their 30s. This is a process that accelerates with age and metabolism changes.
So if their pants suddenly don’t fit without doing anything wrong or doing anything differently, it can be a real nuisance.
Should women in menopause take hormone therapy?
Most women can take estrogen and progesterone to treat menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, flapping of the heart, and even sleep disruptions. Sometimes they relieve joint pain.
hormone medicine It also has protective benefits. We know that they can help reduce the risk of fractures over time.
osteoporosis This is a major problem with women aging. Hormonal therapy supports the bones. It also provides cardiovascular protection.
Hormones are safest when given near menopause. The farther away you are from menopause, the higher the risks of the hormones than beneficial.
Are there any natural ways to reduce menopause symptoms?
Changes in lifestyle I can help.
Sleep, healthy diet, exercise, stress management, and social connection are important to navigate the transition during menopause.
Do you only need treatment for severe menopause symptoms?
One of the menopause myths is that some symptoms are not worth treating.
We know women will feel better in the long term Address symptoms Through hormone therapy, non-hormonal therapy or lifestyle changes.
It is important to remember that all women have their own experiences. Regardless of your situation – you adapt and you thrive.
Dr. Samantha Dunham is co-director of Nyu Langone Middle-aged health and menopause centers. She is also a clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology.
