Menopause: Age, Symptoms & Treatments
Menopause is that time in a woman's life when her menstruation stops, and she can no longer have children. It is not a disease or a condition, but a natural ageing process.
The usual onset of menopause is 49 to 51 years of age while some women might start experiencing symptoms earlier and some much later.
Perimenopause is the 3-5-year period before menopause when estrogen/female hormone levels begin to drop.
SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE
1. Irregular Periods
Changes in menstrual pattern is among the first few changes. Some women may experience a period every 2-3 weeks, while others will not have one for months at a time. Using Adira's comfy, yet LeakProof Panties will keep a woman stress-free from unpredictable period surprises. And Period Panties will help her stay stain-free during her periods. Read our article on why you need period panties here.
2. Vaginal Dryness
This may be accompanied by itching and/or discomfort. It tends to happen during the perimenopause. Some women may experience pain during sex. This is because of inflammation of the vagina as a result of the thinning and shrinking of the tissues, as well as decreased lubrication, caused by a lack of estrogen. This also lowers her chances of becoming pregnant.
3. Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
Hot flashes is a sudden feeling of heat in the body. The skin may redden and become patchy, and the woman typically starts to sweat. The heart rate may suddenly increase causing palpitations. If the hot flashes happen in bed, they are called night sweats. Usually hot flashes do not last more than a few minutes.
4. Urinary Problems
Women tend to be more susceptible to urinary tract infections and urinary frequency may increase as well. There are many women who experience urinary incontinence during this phase. Incontinence Panties that are special 3-layer panties will help women stay hygienic and embarrassment from urinary leaks.
5. Fat Deposits In The Abdomen
During menopause, a woman's muscle mass reduces and this is combined with lower metabolic rate owing to ageing. This causes increase in appearance of cellulite or commonly known as orange-peel skin. Here is more information on cellulite and how to manage it. Using anti-cellulite shapers will help keep cellulite in check.
TREATMENT FOR MENOPAUSE
1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment used to relieve symptoms of menopause. It replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach the menopause. The woman will usually be started off on a low dose, which can be increased at a later stage. It may take a few weeks to feel the effects of treatment and there may be some side effects at first. However there is also a risk of cancer associated with this treatment and hence one should take precaution opting for this.
2. Black Cohos
Black cohos is species of a flowering plant, a member of the buttercup family a plant native to North America. Black cohos has a long history of use. Native Americans used it, for example, to treat musculoskeletal pain, fever, cough, pneumonia, sluggish labor, and menstrual irregularities. Some studies have found evidence that black cohos helps with symptoms of hot flashes, sleep problems, palpitations and vaginal dryness.
Menopause might sound like an uphill battle that a woman has to deal with, but being positive, eating healthy and exercising regularly will keep her handle it with strength.