Do you need treatment during menopause?

What is menopause?

Menopause is a stage that every woman goes through at some point in her life. Typically, this occurs around the age of fifty, though some women may experience it as early as 45. Doctors confirm that a woman has entered menopause after she has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. Some women in their forties may experience menstrual irregularities that can lead to missing periods for several months due to health reasons or hormonal imbalances. It's worth noting that the changes occurring in a woman's body do not happen overnight; the perimenopause phase can last for several years before complete cessation of menstruation.

Symptoms of menopause

• Vaginal dryness
• Vulvovaginal atrophy
• Painful intercourse
• Decreased libido
• Weight gain
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Headaches
• Dry skin, mouth, and eyes
• Sore or tender breasts
• Racing heart
• Heart or blood vessel disease
• Urinary tract infections
• Urinary incontinence
• Increased urination
• Reduced muscle mass
• Painful or stiff joints
• Osteoporosis or weaker bones with reduced mass and strength
• Reduced breast size
• Hair thinning or loss
• Increased hair growth on other areas of the body, such as the face, neck, chest, and upper back

Diagnosis

If you're experiencing a combination of these symptoms and are around the age where menopause typically occurs, it's essential to consult your gynecologist. Your doctor will assess your condition using an ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries, along with several lab tests, including:

• Hormonal tests for prolactin, progesterone, Estrogen, and other hormones.
• Thyroid function and hormone tests.
• A detailed lipid profile.
• Kidney and liver function tests.

After reviewing all the test results, your doctor will inform you whether you've begun the menopausal stage or are in the pre-menopausal phase.

Do You Need Treatment During Menopause?

Many women assume that menopause, a phase all women go through, requires no treatment. However, these hormonal changes can affect the body and overall health, as the symptoms show. Once diagnosed by your doctor as having entered this new phase, often referred to by many women as a period of 'freedom' from monthly cycles and their discomforts, you should focus on the following steps for your health:

• Ensure you're not deficient in essential minerals, vitamins, and elements. Conduct thorough laboratory tests to check levels of iron, Vitamin D, B12, magnesium, etc. If any deficiencies are found, ask your doctor for appropriate treatment.
• Take supplements and treatments prescribed by your doctor diligently.
• Discuss with your doctor if hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is suitable for you.
• Try HRT as prescribed by your doctor to alleviate bothersome symptoms.
• Use intimate lubricants to combat vaginal dryness that can make intercourse painful and affect your sexual desire.
• Take omega-3 supplements to improve heart health and lower cholesterol.
• Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes. Join a gym and work with a professional trainer to engage in suitable exercises. Your workout routine must include cardio and resistance training to strengthen muscles.
• Practice meditation, yoga, and journaling to express your feelings and thoughts.
• Spend time with friends and engage in activities you've put off due to being busy with young children.
• Follow a healthy diet free from added sugars and processed foods.
• Try intermittent fasting.
• Quit all forms of smoking.
• Manage hot flashes by wearing comfortable, loose clothing, and ensure you drink plenty of water.

Remember, this is a time of maturity and freedom from responsibilities. Don't be anxious and manage troubling symptoms by seeking advice from doctors and women's health specialists. Enjoy this critical stage of your life.

 

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