Menopause Symptoms
Symptoms of Menopause
Women & men both face a variety of health conditions as they age. However, there are specific illnesses & disorders that can only affect women for biological reasons. A woman's body responds to aging dramatically with menopause while a man's body responds more gradually.
Menopause is a point in time - 12 months after a woman's last period. The years leading up to that point, when a woman may have changes in her monthly cycles, hot flashes or other symptoms, is called the menopausal transition or Perimenopause. The perimenopause most often begins between ages 45 & 55. It usually lasts about 7 years but can last as long as 14 years. During the perimenopause, body's production of estrogen & progesterone (ovarian hormones) varies greatly.
Bones become less dense, making the woman more vulnerable to fractures. During this period, the body begins to use energy differently; fat cells change & a woman may gain weight more easily. After menopause, the woman enters post-menopause. A post-menopausal woman is more vulnerable to heart disease & osteoporosis. At this time, it is important for her to eat a healthy diet & make sure she gets all the appropriate nutrients.
- Perimenopause: Perimenopause is the phase before menopause; when ovarian hormone production is declining & fluctuating thereby causing host of symptoms.
- Menopause: Menopause is defined as the permanent end of menstruation & fertility. (Ovaries stop producing estrogen)
- Surgical Menopause: Surgical Menopause is when the ovaries are removed prior to natural menopause. This causes a sudden & permanent drop of ovarian hormones. In surgical menopause, the symptoms may commence very quickly & often they are intense.
Perimenopausal Symptoms:
- Hot flushes, day & night sweats
- Skin atrophy
- Vaginal dryness, recurrent urinary tract infections
- Urinary incontinence
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Forgetfulness
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Mood swings
Post-Menopausal Risk:
- Osteopenia
- Osteoporosis
- Coronary Heart Disease
- Cognitive Impairment