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Menopause is not a disease but a natural transition that occurs in women as they age, simply signalling the end of their reproductive ability. Despite being a normal and inevitable part of a woman's life, menopause is often surrounded by misconceptions and taboos.

Below we will clarify some things with the aim of enabling you to take control of your health during this important phase of your life.

When does menopause occur?

Officially, a woman is in menopause when she has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 – 55 with an average age of 51, but it can start at any age, either earlier or later.

Early menopause is said to occur in a woman when it comes before the age of 45 and in most cases is physiological.

However, if menopause occurs before the age of 40, then we are talking about premature ovarian insufficiency, for which the causes need to be investigated. These may include autoimmune diseases, cancer treatments, hereditary diseases, infections, or other menstrual disorders.

What is perimenopause?

The term perimenopause or climacteric is used to describe the period preceding menopause and can last from a few months to several years before the final onset of menopause. It is a period during which changes in menstruation begin that are related to frequency and duration.

Symptoms of Menopause

One of the most common and annoying symptoms of menopause is hot flashes, which are characterized by the sudden onset of an annoying feeling of heat that floods the torso and face. Night sweats during sleep are also quite common.

Other common symptoms of menopause include:

  • Difficulty sleeping, due to night sweats or insomnia
  • Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
  • Palpitations
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Weight gain
  • Urinary incontinence
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Menopause and Mental Health

Menopause can also impact mental health, with many women experiencing intense mood swings, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness exercises (meditation) and relaxation, can be helpful in managing mood changes and anxiety.

Menopause and Sexual Health

Menopause plays a significant role and affects a woman's sexual desire, with many women experiencing a decrease in libido. This may be due to hormonal changes such as reduced estrogen and androgens, vaginal dryness, and body image changes. Treatment with topical estrogens and lubricants can help manage these changes, while open and honest communication with a partner can also be beneficial.

Menopause and Long-term Health Effects

Receiving the necessary medical care during menopause is crucial for your health, not only in the present but also in the future, and has a significant impact on your quality of life. The drop in ovarian estrogen levels can increase a woman's risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. For this reason, we recommend periodic preventive checks:

  • with Pap smear tests for cervical cancer
  • with mammography and palpation for breast examination
  • with bone density measurement (BMD) for checking bone mass and preventing osteoporosis

Treatments and Management Strategies. How Can We Help You?

If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to menopause, it is important to visit us so that we can record them and perform the necessary tests, ruling out other possible causes that sometimes mimic menopause symptoms.

There are many therapeutic options for treating and relieving menopause symptoms or even delaying menopause in cases of early onset. Treatments, depending on your symptoms, may include lifestyle changes (weight loss, exercise, healthy diet, reduced caffeine and alcohol intake, smoking cessation), hormone replacement therapy for managing hot flashes, vitamin supplements for maintaining bone density, pharmaceutical products for vaginal dryness and improving sexual life, etc.

Also, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy aimed at changing negative thought and behaviour patterns. It can be useful in managing mood changes and other emotional symptoms of menopause.

Vaginal estrogens: for women experiencing vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex, low-dose vaginal creams or estrogen tablets may be an option. These products can help restore moisture and elasticity to vaginal tissues.

Lifestyle changes: Making simple changes to your daily life, such as striving for a balanced healthy diet, hydration, and regular exercise, can help manage menopause symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Menopause is a significant transition both biologically and socially, and its symptoms have an emotional and psychological impact on all aspects of women's lives. However, it does not have to be a period of despair or anxiety. On the contrary, it is an opportunity for women to take control of their lives and their health. With the right approach, menopause can be an empowering and positive experience. There are measures that can be taken to make the transition to menopause easier: consult us and we will help you on this journey.