The advent of menopause and perimenopause raises significant concerns for women. Yet, the silence surrounding these two life stages is deafening. By using this article as a resource, we are taking an important step towards understanding menopause and perimenopause. And it is through understanding, I believe, that we gain a sense of control. This is essential because menopause and perimenopause are a natural part of the female life cycle. By discussing the issues we face, sharing information, and drawing on the experiences of other women, we have the potential to transform the way we view menopause and perimenopause. So what exactly are menopause and perimenopause? Well, before we can understand that, we need to start with a basic overview of the female reproductive system. Every woman is born with a certain number of eggs, which are stored in the ovaries. The ovaries are also responsible for producing two key hormones: estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and control ovulation. Menopause refers to the end of a woman’s menstrual periods. There are a number of symptoms associated with menopause, which will be discussed further in later sections of the article. By contrast, perimenopause refers to the transitional period leading up to menopause. This article will look at the symptoms associated with perimenopause in the final section. Well, that’s the end of the short introduction. We are now going to discuss what happens to a woman’s body during menopause and the various symptoms that can be experienced.
What is Menopause?
When women have not had their period for at least a year and are not pregnant or sick, they have reached menopause. It is a normal part of aging and marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. On average, most women are around 50 years of age when they first experience menopausal symptoms. However, women can experience the change in their late 30s or into their 60s. Menopause actually happens because the ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen controls the menstrual cycle. Progesterone works with estrogen to control the process of menstruation and helps to prepare the female body for pregnancy. When the ovaries’ output of these two hormones drops, menstruation becomes irregular and will eventually stop. Many women usually experience some physical and emotional changes as a result of the drop in estrogen during menopause. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings are common but not every woman will experience them. While experienced in different degrees of severity, these symptoms may disrupt normal activities and sleep. Without the protection of estrogen, women are at a greater risk for heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis during and after menopause. However, some symptoms such as vaginal dryness and urinary frequency can be treated. Consulting a doctor if concerned about these issues is important. Although menopause itself is not an illness that needs to be treated, it can be a good time to think about being as healthy as possible in the years ahead. This can mean talking to nurses and doctors about bone health, heart health, and sexual vitality for years after reaching menopause. The doctors and nurses can help to develop a personalized health care plan and also recommend understanding the symptoms of menopause and the ways symptoms can be managed. The next section of this article will describe what the transitional phase leading up to menopause is.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time before menopause when hormonal shifts begin to occur, causing a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. Perimenopause is a natural transition that occurs between childbearing years and menopause. In most women, perimenopause starts in the 40s, but it can start in the 30s or earlier as well. Perimenopause’s hallmark is the change in the menstrual cycle with periods coming closer together and lasting longer. This time of transition can last for months or years. The time takes for perimenopause to end and the woman to reach menopause is very different. Some women only have a few months or years of perimenopausal symptoms before menopause. The woman is officially in menopause and in the postmenopausal phase when they have not had a menstrual period for 12 months or more. However, some women may be in the perimenopausal phase for more than 10 years before menopause. There are a wide range of symptoms women experience during perimenopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, breast tenderness, worsening of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), decreased libido, fatigue, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, urine leakage in a small amount, and incontinence. The symptoms are caused by the varied changes in hormones produced by the ovaries: estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. Using information about family health history and symptoms experienced during the menstrual cycle, a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis of perimenopause. It is very important to consult a healthcare provider and take advice about treatment options if symptoms are severe enough to disrupt daily activities. A healthcare provider can decide what kind of treatment is best for the patient based on her health and helping to find the most suitable treatment to improve the quality of life.
Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause symptoms are the changes in the body that women experience as they reach menopause. The symptoms of menopause that women experience are primarily related to a lowered production of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. When estrogen levels are high, the hypothalamus (a small gland in the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst) responds to the heat by giving the signal to sweat. This is the body’s way to cool itself. However, when estrogen levels decrease in menopause, the hypothalamus overacts to small temperature changes and starts the sweating process. This then causes the hot flash women feel on their upper body, neck, and face. Hot flashes are typically brief and may last from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Night sweats are very much like hot flashes except they occur at night and can cause a woman’s sleep to be disturbed. Women may wake up with sheets and clothing that are wet from the sweat. For this reason, many menopausal women have trouble falling back asleep and they may feel tired during the day because of disrupted sleep. Night sweats usually lead to a day with hot flashes because sleep deprivation can lower the body’s tolerance to the triggers of a hot flash, i.e. stress, caffeine and warm beverages, alcohol, spicy foods, tight clothing, and heat. It is still not clear what causes night sweats, but some women say they experience mild hot flashes while others find night sweats to be very severe. The severity of the night sweats does not indicate the severity of the hot flashes a woman might experience.
Hot Flashes
Researchers are still investigating the exact cause of a hot flash, during which a mattress. Women tend to experience it as feeling, one minute, that they are abruptly overheated. Vasodilatation is a process that causes the body to lose heat, and it is characterised by the thermoregulatory system of the body that is controlled by the brain. In the context of hot flashes, it is believed that a weak and to a small extent that the entire body might be extremely sensitive to even such normal changes in the body such as an increase in body temperature. Whenever the thermoregulatory system believes that the body is reaching the crucial temperature over which damage of the heat to the body cells may occur, it instigates cooling-down remedies. Blood vessels in the skin still expand when this happens, maximising the heat leaking to the environment and therefore the temperature of the body. The widened blood vessels could be the cause of the face and neck of women turning red during a flash, as the direct blood going through these superficial areas of the body increases in flow and it only takes a small amount about 0.5 degree Celsius for the skin to appear visibly redder. And also, the heat that is lost from the skin serves to exacerbate the already detected temperature of the body. Cooling-down solutions initiated by the thermoregulatory system are extra activated due to the extra heat, and therefore a hot flash may last for extended periods if the body temperature has not been able to decrease. Although every human carries out vasodilatation in response to high temperature, a fluctuation with regards to sex hormones estrogen and progesterone were proposed to play a major role in identifying the trigger of a hot flash. This suggestion could be backed up due to the fact that a female has a higher likelihood of undergoing hot flashes than a male; also, most of the males who are about to have or had a hot flash are diagnosed with hypogonadism, a condition that signifies a large decrease in the sex hormones testosterone in their body. Up until recent time, the most believed theory for triggering a hot flash is the drop in estrogen over a quick span of time. It is known that the problem magnifies during menopause – a term to describe when the menstruation cycle of a women terminates. Ovaries which used to produce a large amount of estrogen reduce activity during menopause, and the concentration of estrogen starts to drop around the start of menopause where hot flashes experienced at this period are called early hot flash. This can continue several years into post-menopause until the body is able to adapt to a lower level of estrogen and no hot flash occurs anymore. Some patients use the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) in the hope of reducing the frequency of hot flashes. These are the kinds of antidepressant but they are seen to help some patients to moderate the conditions regarding hot flashes. Also, a low dosage of estrogen can be prescribed due to the regulation of estrogen density in the blood which in turn gives a decrease in how often a hot flash occurs. However, this might result in the body not being able to fully adapt to a lower concentration of estrogen.
Night Sweats
Speaking of heat, night sweats is also a big problem for women with menopause. During an episode of night sweats, women often experience a sensation of heat, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat. This symptom disrupts sleep, often causing discomfort and distress. Sleep hygiene is when one maintains a stable wake and sleep pattern, sleeping environment is comfortable and relaxing, and uses the bed for sleep. By following sleep hygiene, one’s quality of sleep can be improved and the chance of getting night sweats can be lowered. In addition, women can also try to use cotton bed linens, dress in layers so as to remove clothing quickly and easily, and have a handheld fan prepared next to the bed. Besides, avoid having big, heavy, and spicy meals, avoiding alcohol and caffeine consumption, giving up smoking can all reduce the likelihood of getting night sweats. When night sweats impact chronic sleep loss, some women may experience emotional and mental health problems such as irritability, poor concentration, and memory problem. In such cases, it may be helpful to speak to a doctor for the appropriate treatment. It is always good for women to know more about menopause, perimenopause and their symptoms so that they know how to take care of themselves when the time comes. So, let’s learn!
Mood Swings
If your mood swings are severe and affecting your day-to-day life, you might want to consider seeing your GP for advice. There are various treatment options available, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, which can help you manage your moods and emotions. Hormone Replacement Therapy is another option that can help balance your hormone levels and relieve the symptoms of menopause, including mood swings. However, it doesn’t suit everyone and there are some associated health risks. Your GP will talk through the options with you to help you decide which would be the most suitable for you.
For example, you might want to find some time to relax and try to reduce your stress levels. This could be through activities such as yoga or tai chi. Some women also find that making changes to their diet, such as reducing their intake of sugar and caffeine or eating more fruit and vegetables, can help to control their moods.
Many women say that they find it hard to deal with mood swings because they don’t feel like themselves and can’t always explain why they feel angry or upset. This can be particularly difficult if it affects your relationships with other people. However, once you recognize that mood swings are part of menopause, it might help you to understand what’s happening and find ways to deal with your changing moods.
Mood swings are one of the most common and emotionally draining symptoms of menopause. As with other menopausal symptoms, they can vary widely from woman to woman. You might feel irritable, depressed, or anxious – and these feelings can change rapidly. It seems that mood swings are often connected with other symptoms of menopause, such as sleep problems and fatigue, which can make them more difficult to cope with.
Irregular Periods
During perimenopause, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. This means that the number of days between each period may be longer or shorter, or the flow may be lighter or heavier. This stage can last from 2 to 10 years, but it usually takes about 4 years. The irregular cycle is due to the declining amount of estrogen as well as the inconsistency of the hormone levels. Estrogen stimulates the growth of the uterus lining, known as the endometrial lining, which thickens to prepare for a possible pregnancy each month. If there is no fertilization, the level of estrogen drops and the thickened lining cannot be sustained. As a result, the lining is shed through the vagina, which is a period. The falling levels of estrogen, also not mentioning the spiking of another hormone called luteinizing hormone, lead to a shorter luteal phase. The luteal phase is the second part of the menstrual cycle and it starts from the release of the egg until the first day of a period. This means that women may have frequent periods and irregular bleeding during perimenopause. Variations of cycle length of 21 days to 34 days may still be considered as normal in this stage. On the other hand, women may have heavier and prolonged periods due to the thicker lining. Sometimes, they may have two periods in a month with a very short time between them. Nevertheless, healthcare professionals may need to look into other potential causes for the irregular flow. For example, a blood test can be carried out to measure the level of follicle-stimulating hormone, which will be significantly higher in menopause. Sometimes, a pelvic ultrasound can be performed to make sure there are no abnormalities in the reproductive system, such as polyp or fibroid. By the way, fibroid is a benign and often asymptomatic tumor in the muscle tissue of the womb.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is another common symptom of menopause. Vaginal dryness is the result of decreasing levels of estrogen in a woman’s body, which causes the vaginal tissue to become thinner and less elastic. The vaginal walls can become inflamed, which can cause discomfort and pain, especially during sexual intercourse. Many women feel embarrassed or anxious about vaginal dryness, but it is important to discuss this with a doctor, as there are many treatment options available. For example, an over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer or lubricant can provide short-term relief, while long-term treatment often involves prescription estrogen in the form of a cream, tablet, or ring. It may take several weeks for estrogen treatment to have an effect, but it usually relieves symptoms quickly. Some women also recommend using natural vaginal lubricants, such as vitamin E oil, coconut oil, or plain yogurt, and trying out relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation. However, it is essential to discuss these treatments with a doctor as they may not be effective for everyone and some could have the potential to make symptoms worse.
Symptoms of Perimenopause
Changes in the menstrual cycle are usually the first sign that a woman is in perimenopause. The number of days between each period can also vary. The flow may be heavier or lighter, and the number of days that the period lasts is also different from the usual. These kinds of changes in the menstrual pattern can be exciting for those women who do not want to get pregnant. For many women, these changes are quite annoying. Another perimenopausal symptom is fatigue. Women at this stage may experience low energy and find it really difficult to do daily tasks. As a matter of fact, this symptom may affect the woman’s quality of life as well. Women who experience fatigue can also have difficulty in sleeping well. These sleep problems can be due to the other symptoms of perimenopause. However, women who have poor sleep generally have less energy and a reduced quality of life. All these symptoms of perimenopause can be distressing for women. It is very important for a woman to take better care of herself at this stage than ever. With young children to take care of, a job, and a busy life, a woman at this stage may find it hard to slow down. However, it is important to take steps to manage her symptoms of perimenopause well because this stage can last for 4 to 6 years.
Changes in Menstrual Cycle
During the transition to menopause, estrogen levels start to fluctuate and perimenopause starts. Perimenopause is different for every woman. During perimenopause, your period becomes irregular. Do not panic if your period seems a bit out of control. This is typical, particularly in the years leading up to menopause. Irregular periods are normal during perimenopause. This happens because of the hormonal flux that is a feature of the perimenopause years. Women in perimenopause may have cycles that are longer or shorter than usual. They may have heavier or lighter flows, or may have a time period between cycles that is longer than usual. These changes are normal. However, this irregularity can make part of the perimenopause transition quite difficult as predicting when the period will start or end, when the period will be heavy or light, can be a problem for women over that time.
Fatigue
Fatigue is generally defined as a feeling of lack of energy and motivation that can be physical, mental or a combination of both. Fatigue is different from drowsiness. In general, drowsiness is the feeling of needing to sleep, while fatigue is a feeling of needing to rest or sleep. Drowsiness and apathy (a feeling of indifference or not caring about what happens) can be symptoms of fatigue. Fatigue can be a normal and important response to physical activity, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep. However, it can also be a nonspecific sign of a more serious psychological or physical disorder. When fatigue is not relieved by enough sleep, good nutrition, or a low-stress environment, it should be evaluated by your doctor. He or she may make a careful evaluation of your fatigue by obtaining a thorough medical history, including your sleep habits, sleep environment, use of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, work schedule and stress factors, history of emotional problems, and any factors that may be causing the fatigue. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may request laboratory tests, including a sleep study or a special X-ray, CAT scan or MRI. Treatment for fatigue will depend on the underlying cause discovered during the evaluation by your doctor. While chronic fatigue syndrome is the most severe fatigue a patient can feel, there is no specific explanation for the cause of chronic fatigue. Some studies have shown that patients suffering from chronic fatigue have weakened immune systems; however, no data has directly linked chronic fatigue to a specific cause. Medical professionals have not reached a consensus about what actually causes chronic fatigue, although there is ongoing research about the causes and possible links to illnesses.
Sleep Problems
Sleep problems are one of the more common symptoms during perimenopause. Perimenopausal women may have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep – in other words, sleep onset insomnia and sleep maintenance insomnia. Sleep onset insomnia can be a result of hot flashes and night sweats, especially if they occur at night. Furthermore, physical signs such as hot flashes can wake you up and make it difficult to fall back asleep. On the other hand, sleep maintenance insomnia may involve waking up too early and being unable to fall back asleep. This can be caused by hormonal changes which can affect the body’s ability to regulate and maintain sleep. Women who have never had underlying sleep disorders may begin to experience insomnia during perimenopause. However, women who have a history of any sleep disorders may find that the symptoms of the disorder worsen during this time. All the symptoms mentioned is continuously reducing the sleep hours and affecting sleep quality. As a result, perimenopausal women may also suffer from fatigue and tiredness – and this is very alarming as it can have negative impacts on daily life, leading to mood changes, lack of concentration and other health problems. It is important to manage any sleep problems you may encounter during this period. There are measures that can be taken to deal with sleep problems and they are manageable. Such measures include: – Relaxation techniques, including things such as yoga, deep breathing, and massage – Comfortable environment; keeping the room cool and having suitable bedclothes can reduce the impact of night sweats – Good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding stimulants like caffeine and ensuring a consistent sleep schedule – Avoiding naps during the day so that you are more likely to sleep through the night – It is crucial for any treatment and/or therapy to be stipulated by a medical professional.
In summary, menopause can be a challenging time for many women and their partners. Up to 80% of women will experience some unpleasant symptoms that can feel overwhelming – and last much longer than you would expect. This is why understanding your symptoms and ensuring you get the correct medical diagnosis and any treatments can be key to a healthy and happy menopause. There has been much talk in the press about bio-identical hormones and hormone replacement therapy lately. These treatments are becoming increasingly popular, with many doctors regarding bio-identical hormones as a style of natural hormone replacement therapy and a solution to managing the symptoms of the menopause. However, the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) has stated that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that these treatments are any safer or more effective than those normally prescribed for the management of menopausal symptoms. At the end of the day, it is important to seek advice from a specialist menopause healthcare professional who can help you navigate the many and varied treatments out there. And don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion if you are not happy with the diagnosis that has been given. It’s your body!
