Menopause is the time in your life when you naturally stop having menstrual periods. Menopause happens when the ovaries stop making estrogen, a hormone that helps control the menstrual cycle.
Age is the leading cause of menopause. It’s the end of a woman’s childbearing years, brought on by the ovaries gradually slowing down. Certain surgeries and medical treatment can induce menopause.
The average age that women go through menopause is 51 years. But menopause can start earlier or later. A few women start menopause as young as 40, and a very small percentage as late as 60. There is no proven way to predict menopausal age. It’s only after a woman has missed her periods for 12 straight months, without other obvious causes, that menopause can be confirmed.
What is perimenopause?
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. The transition to menopause is called perimenopause.
A common sign of perimenopause is a change in your menstrual cycle. Cycles may become longer than usual for you or become shorter. You may begin to skip periods. The amount of flow may become lighter or heavier.
What other signs and symptoms can occur during perimenopause?
- Hot flashes— A hot flash is a brief feeling of heat that may make the face and neck flushed and cause temporary red blotches to appear on the chest, back, and arms. Sweating and chills may follow.
- Sleep problems—You may have insomnia (trouble falling asleep), or you may wake up long before your usual time. Night sweats may disrupt your sleep.
- Vaginal and urinary tract changes— such as vaginal dryness and increased risk for vaginal and urethral infections.
Caution Sign – Hot Flashes Ahead
What other health risks increase during perimenopause and menopause?
A small amount of bone loss after age 35 years is normal for both men and women. But during the first 4–8 years after menopause, women lose bone more rapidly. This rapid loss occurs because of the decreased levels of estrogen. If too much bone is lost, it can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fracture. The bones of the hip, wrist, and spine are affected most often.
How to manage severe symptoms?
If menopause symptoms are a problem talk with your doctor. He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons of menopausal hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy and explain other available treatments.
What can I do to stay healthy after menopause?
A healthy lifestyle can help you make the best of the years after menopause. The following are some ways to stay healthy during midlife:
- Eat a balanced diet. Be sure to include enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet to help maintain strong bones.
- Regular exercise slows down bone loss and improves your overall health. Weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, can help keep bones strong.
- Visit your health care provider once a year to have regular exams and tests.
Dr. Maria Cristina M. Fernandez is a Specialist – Obstetrics and Gynecology at THE MEDICAL CITY,
located at 2 nd December Street, Jumeirah First, beside Enoc Petrol Station, Dubai, UAE.
Contact No. 04-3434265,0551354820
email: [email protected] , www.samatmc.ae
