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MENOPAUSE DESCRIBES the stage of a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently, and she can no longer get pregnant. Menopause is not a disease or disorder, it is a normal part of ageing for women. The time leading up to menopause is called the menopausal transition, or perimenopause.
Some women have no or mild menopausal symptoms and may even feel relieved when they no longer need to worry about periods or getting pregnant. For other women, the menopausal transition can bring various symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, joint and muscle discomfort, pain during sex, moodiness and irritability, forgetfulness, difficultly concentrating, or a combination of these.
According to Dr Kiri-an Bridgewater-Lyon, cosmetic gynaecologist, women who are concerned by menopausal symptoms should talk with a doctor about lifestyle changes or medications that might help.
“The transition into menopause usually starts with changes in women’s menstrual cycle patterns, often accompanied by hot flashes or other symptoms. Most women begin the menopausal transition between ages 45 and 55, and the process may last for several years. You will only know that you have reached menopause when you have not had a period or spotting for a full year,” Dr Bridgewater-Lyon said.
During the menopausal transition, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, declines greatly. Changes in these hormones may explain the symptoms that some women experience during this time.
Symptoms related to menopause can last for between two and eight years, though the timing and symptoms are highly variable among women.
“These factors are likely influenced by a woman’s genetics as well as external factors, such as race and ethnicity, culture, lifestyle, and environment. For example, smoking is associated with an early onset of menopause and more severe menopausal symptoms,” Dr Bridgewater-Lyon said.
“In addition, during the menopausal transition, the body begins to use energy differently. The distribution of fat in the body changes, and women may gain weight more easily. They may also experience changes in their bone density, heart health, body shape and composition, or physical function,” she added.
It may be difficult for you and your doctor to tell whether you are in the menopausal transition. If you are having symptoms like hot flashes, irregular periods, or trouble sleeping, your doctor may ask questions about your age, symptoms, and family history to determine if the menopausal transition is a likely cause. In some cases, for example, if a woman’s periods stopped at an early age, a doctor may suggest a blood test to check hormone levels.
While the menopausal transition may commonly be referred to as menopause, true menopause cannot be confirmed until one year after a woman’s final menstrual period. For that reason, a woman who does not want to get pregnant should continue to use birth control for at least a full 12 months after her last period.
“How women experience the menopausal transition can vary. Many women have mild symptoms that can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine, dressing in layers, or carrying a portable fan. For other women, symptoms can be more severe and last for years. The severity of symptoms varies greatly around the world, by race and ethnicity, and among individual women,” Dr Bridgewater-Lyon said.
Dr Kiri-an Bridgewater-Lyon was a guest presenter at ‘Menopause Mondays Goes Live (On Saturday)’ at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel.
English (US) ·