Menopause: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Stages of Menopause

There are three phases of menopause:

• Perimenopause or “menopause transition”

It occurs three to five years before menopause and every woman goes through this stage at different age. The majority of women start showing menopause symptoms in their mid-to late-forties. In this stage, the progesterone and oestrogen levels start to change, and one can experience mood swings, irregular menstruation periods, and other menopausal symptoms. This stage can last between a few months and several years.

• Menopause

Menopause is a point in time when a person has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Menopause is a natural part of aging and marks the end of your reproductive years. At this stage, your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and stopped producing most of their estrogen. On average, menopause happens at age 51.

• Post-menopause

This is the time after you haven’t had a period for an entire year. The stage marks the end of your reproductive years. In this stage, you won't ovulate or experience a menstrual cycle while your ovaries continue to produce low amounts of progesterone and oestrogen. During this stage, menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, may get better.

Symptoms of Menopause

You may be transitioning into menopause if you begin experiencing some or all of the following symptoms:

• Irregular periods

• Vaginal dryness

• Hot flashes

• Chills

• Night sweats

• Difficulty sleeping

• Urgency to urinate

• Mood changes

• Dry skin, dry eyes, or dry mouth

• Breast tenderness

Some people might also experience:

• Weight gain and slowed metabolism

• Hair loss or thinning

• Headaches

• Changes in libido

Complications

When a woman experiences menopause, the chances of developing several other health issues arise. Identifying the complications related to menopause and ageing can be challenging. Health issues or complications one may notice in this phase include the following:

• Endometrial cancer

• Gallstones and gallbladder issues

• Blood clots

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Pulmonary embolism

• Stroke

Why does Menopause Occur?

Menopause is a normal aspect of biological ageing that women go through between the age of 45 and 55. Reduced levels of circulating blood oestrogen and loss of ovarian follicular activity are the two main causes of menopause. Menstrual cycle changes are typically the first sign of a progressive menopausal transition.

How is Menopause Diagnosed?

Menopause can be diagnosed in a few different ways by your healthcare practitioner. However, not everyone needs medical advice during menopause. If you visit a doctor, he/she might advise you to do some blood tests. Some of them are:

• The PicoAMH Elisa diagnostic test

• Saliva tests

• Over-the-counter (OTC) urine tests

• Blood tests can measure levels of FSH and oestradiol

Additional diagnostic tests your doctor may ask you to undergo include:

• Liver function test

• Thyroid test

• Blood lipid profile

• Kidney function tests

• Progesterone, testosterone, oestradiol, prolactin, and chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) tests

Treatment

Menopause is a natural process and you may not need any treatment for it. It is more about treating the menopause symptoms that disrupt your life. There are many different types of treatments for the symptoms of menopause. The main types of treatment for menopause are:

• Hormone Therapy to manage hot flashes and other symptoms

• Medications and supplements to prevent osteoporosis

• Lubricants for vaginal dryness

It's crucial to discuss your menopausal symptoms with your healthcare practitioner to create a personalised treatment strategy.

Non-Hormonal Therapy

This includes changes in your diet and lifestyle. Few home remedies and lifestyle changes can help control some menopause symptoms.

• Consume diets high in calcium and vitamin D

Menopause-related hormonal changes can weaken bones, which raises the risk of osteoporosis. Consuming adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet is critical because these nutrients are essential for healthy bones.

• Exercise

Hot flashes might make it tough to follow an exercise regimen, but other menopausal symptoms can be relieved with exercise. If you have insomnia, exercise can help you manage your sleep pattern.

• Visiting support groups

For many, talking to others who are experiencing menopause can be quite relieving. Joining a support group can help you find answers to issues you may not even be aware of and provide a release for all the emotions circling in your head.

• Prescribed medications

Menopause symptoms, including mood swings and hot flashes, can be controlled with prescription drugs, such as birth control pills, oestrogen treatment (as a cream, gel, or pill), and antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs).