Menopause is a natural point in the life of women when they have their last periods. It is the permanent cessation of ovarian function occurring sometime before the end of the natural lifespan. In human females, Menopause usually happens in midlife, signaling the end of the fertile phase of a woman’s life. Women are said to go through Menopause when their periods stop completely for 12 months. But before the period stopped completely stopped is a phase called the menopausal transition. It is not a disease or an illness.
Menopause: Symptoms and what you should do
When does it occur?
Menopause is a natural phenomenon in a woman’s life. World wide the average age for women having their last period is 51 years. The most common age ranging at which women experience Menopause is 48-55 years. If Menopause occurs in a woman younger than 40 years, it is considered to be premature. Menopause is considered late if it occurs in a woman older than 55 years. For most women, Menopause is a normal occurrence. Typically, in Indians, women’s Menopause takes place a little earlier, the average age ranging from 45 to 50 years.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of Menopause may vary from woman to woman. A third of women won’t even notice the transition, while others may experience mild to moderate symptoms. During menopause transition years, as the body responds to the rapidly fluctuating and dropping levels of natural hormones, a number of effects may seem. Here’s the list of symptoms
Menstrual period changes: Most women experience absent, short, irregular periods at some point in their lives. A wide range of conditions can cause these symptoms, while the most common cause is hormone imbalance. The bleeding could be heavier or lighter as well. You may skip a month and then back to normal and again skip two months. Read more
Hot flashes: A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat in the upper part of the body or maybe overall, lasting for 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Heavy sweating and cold shivering may follow this sudden burst of heat. Because of hot flashes, you may experience reddened skin, feeling a strong heartbeat, an increase in the pulse rate, etc.
Urinary problems: You may find it harder to hold your urine and may discover some leakage during exercise, coughing, laughing, and sneezing. You may also notice an increase in urine infection, burning on urination, urine frequency, etc.
Vaginal dryness: The Vagina thins as a result of the lack of estrogen and sex may be painful. It is the loss of moist and soft feeling of the lining, which is associated with itching and irritation. You may also get a vaginal infection, vaginal discharge, bleeding, etc.
Sleep disturbance: You may not sleep as soundly, and sweating at night from hot flashes may wake you up. When you begin going through Menopause, you may find that sleep is less and less restful.
Fatigue and mood change: Fatigue, one of the most common menopause symptoms, is defined as an ongoing and persistent feeling of weakness, tiredness, and lowered energy levels. This should be distinguished from drowsiness, which implies a real urge to sleep. Fatigue involves a lack of energy and not sleepiness. Suddenly you may feel that you become more sensitive and irritable than usual.
Increases in weight and depression: Rapidly increase in weight and the state of feeling sad are the significant signs of the Menopause.
What happens inside the body?
- Heart protecting estrogen goes down
- Your bone loses calcium.
- Your iron level goes up.
- Your body fat increases, and muscle mass decreases.
What should you do?
A few simple steps that help you through up and downs:
- Boost your health habits with proper nutrients and exercise.
- Choose low-fat food
- Eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals
- Cut down on caffeine and alcohol
- Do regular yoga and meditations.