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Menopause marks the end of women's reproductive years. It's a natural process that involves hormonal and physiological changes. However, everyone experiences it differently. For many, this can be a challenging time, especially if hormonal changes lead to those infamous hot flashes. Others experience it as a time of liberation, as they no longer need to think about their periods and birth control. But no matter how one experiences menopause, knowing what to expect can make the transition easier.
Click on for essential menopause facts that will help you understand the process better.
Menopause doesn't happen suddenly for most women. It's a process, and not a distinct point in time.
The average age for the onset of menopause is 51. The majority of women stop having periods somewhere between the ages of 45 to 55.
Perimenopause is the period of time right before menopause begins. During this time, the hormone production from your ovaries begin to decline. Once you completely stop having a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months, then you've entered menopause.
Perimenopause can start as early as in your thirties. It can last for four to eight years before you officially enter menopause.
Menopause isn't an illness, but the hormonal changes that occur can trigger symptoms. These can range from mild to severe, sometimes leading to discomfort and distress.
About 75% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. Some women may also experience muscle and joint pain, known as arthralgia, or mood swings.
Symptoms of menopause usually continue for around four years after your last period. However, some women’s symptoms continue for much longer.
During a hot flash, you'll likely feel your temperature rise in the top half of your body. Your skin may even turn red. This rush of heat could lead to sweating, heart palpitations, and feelings of dizziness. You may feel cold when it's over.
Some triggers to avoid include consuming alcohol, caffeine, and spicy food, feeling stressed, and being somewhere hot. Being overweight and/or a smoker may also worsen hot flashes.
To help with hot flashes, dress in layers so you can remove them as you start to heat up. You can also use a fan in your home or work. Breathing exercises during a hot flash may help minimize it.
There are several conditions that you could be at a higher risk of after menopause. But they all depend on factors like your family history, your health before menopause, and your lifestyle. Two common conditions that affect your health after menopause are osteoporosis and coronary artery disease.
The decline in estrogen production can affect the amount of calcium in your bones, which can decrease your bone density and lead to osteoporosis. It makes you more susceptible to hip, spine, and other bone fractures.
Heart conditions, like those that cause dizziness or cardiac palpitations, may arise during menopause. Decreased estrogen levels can also prevent your body from retaining flexible arteries.
Changes in your hormone levels may cause you to gain weight. However, aging in general can contribute to weight gain.
Focus on maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing other healthy habits to help control your weight and decrease the chances of developing certain health conditions.
The symptoms of menopause vary from one woman to another, even in the same families. What worked for someone else doesn't necessarily have to work for you.
If your uterus was surgically removed through a hysterectomy, you may not know you’re going through menopause unless you experience hot flashes.
There are several hormone therapies for treatment of hot flashes and prevention of bone loss. The benefits and risks vary depending on the severity of your symptoms. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Some medical conditions may prevent you from safely being able to use hormone therapy. Or you may simply choose not to use that form of treatment.
The good news is that changes to your lifestyle may help you relieve many of your symptoms. This may include weight loss, exercise, and a change in room temperature.
Some women fear that menopause means they'll be less attractive or unable to enjoy a sex life. The truth is that some may experience decreased libido, but others the exact opposite. Talk to your doctor for more on sex after menopause.
The body doesn't stop producing estrogen after menopause. However, it will no longer come from the ovaries. Instead, the adrenal glands produce hormones called androgens and aromatase. Aromatase mainly converts androgens into estrogens.
Many women say they have difficulty focusing and remembering things during menopause. It's sometimes called brain fog. Stress is a significant factor.
It's still possible to become pregnant around perimenopause. However, the chances of conceiving and having a full-term pregnancy decline as a woman approaches menopause.
Some may experience trouble sleeping through the night and even insomnia during menopause. Hot flashes are a common culprit.
Your eyes can also be affected. One of the symptoms of the transition to menopause is dry eyes.
Your teeth and gums are susceptible to the hormonal changes that occur during menopause. Sensitive teeth and gums are not uncommon. You may see an increase in the development of cavities or gingivitis.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about menopause. They can help you understand your symptoms and find ways to manage them.
Menopause affects a woman’s health and well-being, but it doesn't mean that the body is failing. As life expectancy increases and attitudes to aging evolve, people are starting to see menopause as a new beginning rather than an end.
Sources: (Healthline) (Medical News Today) (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: The biggest women's health myths
The truth about menopause
The ins and outs of this biological milestone
HEALTH Women's health
Menopause marks the end of women's reproductive years. It's a natural process that involves hormonal and physiological changes. However, everyone experiences it differently. For many, this can be a challenging time, especially if hormonal changes lead to those infamous hot flashes. Others experience it as a time of liberation, as they no longer need to think about their periods and birth control. But no matter how one experiences menopause, knowing what to expect can make the transition easier.
Click on for essential menopause facts that will help you understand the process better.