What comes to mind when you hear of Menopause? No periods. Mood-swings. Low libido. The list is long and more often than not, mis-guided.
First, let’s define what Menopause is: Menopause is a natural biological process that women in either their mid-40s and 50s experience, due to a decline in a woman’s reproductive hormones. It’s considered to have occurred when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
And here are the common signs to look out for:
- Hot flashes | Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
All these vary from one woman to another. Not all women share the same experiences with Menopause, similarly, not all women who miss their periods for some time are outrightly going through a Menopause – it could be due to prior surgical procedures that appear to have the same effect.
Some women get excited as they approach this phase as it means to them no more painful cramps, every 3-7 days, monthly so, hey! It’s not all gloomy over here, some highlights to get you through.
It’s also important to note when your body is transitioning to menopause. Perimenopause can last several years and is characterised by irregular menstrual cycles and fluctuating hormone levels. Postmenopausal refers to the period after menopause when menopausal symptoms often subside. Important lesson here is to always listen to your body.
Women should be more embracing of Menopause as it’s a natural part of ageing, not a disease, not a disorder, nothing to be embarrassed about. It comes with its own discomforts and where persistent, one should seek medical interventions.
Let’s see some of the myths around Menopause:
- Menopause begins at 45: you may start anywhere from your late 30s to your early 60s. You’ll officially be in menopause when you haven’t had a period for a full 12 months. This means that even if you go 10-11 months without your period, and then get it, you are still not in Menopause.
- Weight gain is inevitable in menopause: Unwanted weight gain in common in menopause and inevitable. As you approach, perimenopause and Menopause, your estrogen levels naturally drop and might create a hormonal imbalance. Your body’s first instinct is to protect itself, by storing fat, around the waist, hips and thighs and because fat tissue acts as a source of estrogen – your body will tend to hold on to it due to estrogen levels regularly fluctuating. It’s important to keep a healthy diet and exercise.
- Menopause wrecks your sex life: Approximately 50% of women in menopause Will experience vaginal dryness which can make sex uncomfortable. And if sex hurts, you will probably see a drop in your libido too. However, there are other ways to improve your sex drive/libido which can help boost your bedroom affairs.
- After menopause, your body doesn’t produce hormones: How? As a woman in your Menopause, you still produce hormones, only that it only that in your not so reproductive years, they are not as much but you still produce hormones.
It’s always advisable to seek professional help when consulting and be fully informed whenever in doubt.
It’s equally important for Menopausal women to also carry routine wellness test like:
PAP smear: Cervical cancer is the 2nd most frequent cancer for women in Kenya. Its fatality can only be reduced when diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Unfortunately, cervical cancer has no marked symptoms until it’s too late. That’s why a regular PAP smear is a must for every woman above the age of 40.
Breast exam: There are more than 2.3 million breast cancer cases that occur every year making it the most common cancer among adults. A woman’s risk of getting breast cancer goes up as they get older with 4/5 cases found in women over 50. Regular screening is important in catching it early for efficient interventions.
Fasting blood sugar/ Random blood sugar: This is a test that helps diagnose diabetes, a condition which is prevalent or exacerbated by menopause due to reduced reproductive hormones.
Regular blood pressure tests: Hormonal changes during menopause can cause fluctuations in blood pressure levels and increase the risk of developing hypertension. Therefore, it’s important for women in menopause to monitor their blood pressure regularly and speak with their healthcare provider about any concerns they may have.
Lastly, remember Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment option for women used to relieve symptoms of Menopause and it can be an option for you, if recommended by your OBGYN. HRT works to replace the female hormones that are at a lower level as you experience Menopause.
Monitor your body and consult constantly. In case you feel you could be going through Menopause and don’t know how to deal with it, talk to us today on 0715703000.
Citations:
https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause
