WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?

Menopause is a natural phase in the life of every woman, yet it can prove challenging for some. Explore further to grasp the impacts of hormonal shifts and discover strategies to alleviate the associated symptoms during this transitional period.

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?

Menopause is a natural physiological process that signifies the conclusion of fertility in women. It unfolds gradually due to a decline in the production of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menopause is officially recognized when menstruation ceases for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.

Typically occurring between the ages of 40 and 60, natural menopause onset can be influenced by various factors. Women who have had children or used oral contraceptives often experience menopause at a later age, while smoking is associated with an earlier onset. Additionally, there tends to be a familial pattern, with women often undergoing menopause around the same age as their mothers.

MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

The hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause can lead to a diverse array of symptoms, and the severity of these symptoms varies among women. While some may find this life stage challenging, others may hardly notice the transition. Approximately 10% to 15% of women experience menopause without notable symptoms aside from irregular periods.

Common menopausal symptoms include:

Vasomotor:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia

Urinary and Genital:

  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Vaginal infections
  • Mild incontinence

Psychological:

  • Anxiety
  • Sadness
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Decreased sexual desire and sensations
  • Memory and concentration problems
  • Depression

Skin and Hair:

  • Dry skin
  • Hair loss
  • Growth of facial hair
  • Tingling in the hands and feet

Muscles and Joints:

  • Back pain
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain

General:

  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Irregular periods

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for maintaining an optimal quality of life during this phase.

HOT FLASHES

Undoubtedly, hot flashes stand out as one of the most prevalent and inconvenient symptoms experienced by women during menopause. Often accompanied by palpitations, headaches, and dizziness, these flashes can disrupt sleep (manifesting as night sweats). Remarkably, hot flashes may commence before menopause and persist for up to a decade afterward, sometimes even preceding changes in menstrual patterns. Effectively managing hot flashes and their associated symptoms, particularly if they significantly impact daily life, can enhance both mood and sleep quality.

Here are some tips to alleviate hot flashes:

  • Maintain a cool and comfortable room temperature, especially in your bedroom.
  • Dress in layers, enabling you to remove clothing when feeling overheated.
  • Opt for cotton or natural fiber clothing and bed linens to facilitate better breathability.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking water or a cold beverage when a hot flash occurs.
  • Use a fan to enhance air circulation.
  • Practice slow and deep breathing techniques.
  • Engage in regular exercise (at least 30 minutes, five times a week).
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.
  • Quit smoking.

GENITAL AND URINARY TRACT PROBLEMS

Some women may also contend with frequent genital and urinary tract issues during menopause, such as vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, mild urinary incontinence, or an increased occurrence of urinary tract or vaginal infections.

Here are tips to alleviate genital and urinary tract symptoms:

  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine, both of which have diuretic effects.
  • Steer clear of overly air-conditioned areas with low humidity.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking water, and respond promptly to the urge to urinate.
  • Choose underwear made of natural fibers, such as cotton.
  • Avoid excessively tight pants.
  • Maintain an active sex life.
  • Utilize a vaginal lubricant, available over the counter at a pharmacy. There are two types: one with a short-acting effect requiring daily use or application during sex, and the other with a more long-term effect necessitating use 2 to 3 times a week.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

Menopause is accompanied by psychological symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and occasional depressive symptoms. While the exact impact of menopause on mood and emotions remains unclear, issues related to other menopausal symptoms may contribute. For instance, disrupted sleep due to night sweats can lead to irritability, concentration or memory problems, fatigue, and, over the long term, changes in mood.

Here are tips to alleviate psychological symptoms:

  • Address other menopausal symptoms, such as insomnia and hot flashes, which may be triggering psychological symptoms.
  • Engage in regular physical activity, as exercise has a positive effect on mood and can aid in improving sleep.
  • Learn effective stress management techniques.
  • Practice relaxation techniques.
  • Consider psychotherapy to navigate the emotional challenges and changes associated with this stage of life (e.g., children leaving home, parents’ loss of independence, retirement).
  • Dedicate time to yourself and engage in activities you enjoy.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

If menopause symptoms significantly impact your quality of life, your doctor may consider prescribing medication. Hormone replacement therapy involves the use of natural or synthetic hormones to elevate hormone levels in the blood and alleviate menopausal symptoms. This therapy is available in various forms, including tablets, gels, creams, patches, topical vaginal treatments, and vaginal rings.

The decision to undergo hormone replacement therapy should be made collaboratively between a woman and her doctor, taking into account:

  • Her overall health.
  • The severity of symptoms and their impact on her quality of life.
  • Contraindications or risk factors (such as a history of blood clots, unexplained vaginal bleeding, acute hepatitis, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease).

Doctors may conduct a blood test to assess estrogen and progesterone levels, although this isn’t always necessary. Regular evaluations are typically recommended once hormone replacement therapy begins.

While some studies suggest a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke with prolonged use of hormone replacement therapy (beyond 5 years), hormones also offer benefits such as improved bone density, reduced cholesterol levels, and enhanced carbohydrate metabolism. The decision to take hormones should consider the individual’s specific situation, weighing the risks and benefits.

In cases where a woman undergoes a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), she may still experience menopausal symptoms. However, if hormone replacement therapy is pursued, progesterone may not be required, unlike women who haven’t undergone this surgery.

NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS

Some natural health products can help decrease menopause symptoms. They contain substances that are chemically similar to estrogen and that stabilize hormone levels. Black cohosh, evening primrose oil and isoflavones may be effective in some women. However, you should talk to your pharmacist before taking natural health products to make sure they’re safe and compatible with your health condition and any medications that you’re already taking.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Health care professionals are available to answer your questions and advise you. Remember that menopause is a normal process and that positive changes in your lifestyle can have a significant impact on your quality of life and health. Don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with your pharmacist, who takes your health and well-being to heart.