Menopause: Age, Symptoms & Treatments
by Adira Editorial on Mar 03, 2022
Menopause is the 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 the menstrual pattern are 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.
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 are 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 a lower metabolic rate owing to ageing. This causes an increase in the 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.
Also read: Menopausal Weight Gain: 4 Tips To Prevent It
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 precautions opting for this.
2. Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is species of a flowering plant, a member of the buttercup family a plant native to North America. Black cohosh has a long history of use. Native Americans used it, for example, to treat musculoskeletal pain, fever, cough, pneumonia, sluggish labour, and menstrual irregularities. Some studies have found evidence that black cohosh helps with symptoms of hot flashes, sleep problems, palpitations and vaginal dryness.
3. Non-hormonal Medications:
Selected serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), an antidepressant, can help with hot flashes and mood swings. Gabapentin, a medication used to treat seizures and nerve pain, may also be helpful.
4. Lifestyle Changes:
Regular exercise, a healthy diet and stress reduction techniques such as meditation and yoga can help reduce symptoms and improve overall health.
5. Vaginal Moisturizers And Lubricants:
These products can help alleviate vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual activity.
6. Complementary Therapies:
Some women may find relief from menopausal symptoms through acupuncture, herbal remedies or other complementary therapies. However, it is important to discuss these options with a healthcare provider to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Also read: Menopause At Work: How To Manage Your Symptoms And Succeed In Your Career
Conclusion
Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life and can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes and mood swings.
However, there are many treatment options available including non-hormonal therapy, low-dose antidepressants and lifestyle changes.
It's important to talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment plan for you based on your individual symptoms and health history.
With the right care and support, women can successfully manage the symptoms of menopause and enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life.
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 handling it with strength.
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