Menopause and Perimenopause
What you Should Know about Menopause
Perimenopause usually starts after the age of 35 and signifies the shift toward menopause. During this period, symptoms like hot flashes and irregular periods may begin to occur. The average duration of perimenopause can range from 4 to 8 years.
Menopause marks the natural biological transition that occurs with the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle, typically between ages 45 and 55. This transition comes with various physical and emotional changes but understanding the process and knowing what to expect can help you navigate this stage with confidence.
Types of Menopause
There are three types of menopause:
- Natural menopause: Occurs naturally when a woman goes 12 consecutive months without a period
- Surgical menopause: Occurs after surgical removal of the ovaries
- Induced menopause: Caused by treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Menopause ends after 12 months without a period. At that point, you are considered post-menopausal.
Post-menopausal bleeding
If you experience any bleeding after 12 months of no periods, it’s important to see your provider immediately. This is not a common symptom of menopause and may signal an underlying issue that needs medical attention.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
The average age of menopause onset in the U.S. is 51. Most women experience menopause symptoms for approximately seven years. Below are some common mental and physical symptoms:
Hormonal Symptoms
- Hot Flashes/Night Sweats: These sudden surges of heat in the body are often triggered by changes in hormones and the sleep/wake cycle. Medications, including hormone and non-hormonal therapies, can help improve these symptoms.
- Fatigue: Sleep disturbances caused by night sweats or hot flashes often contribute to fatigue. Improving sleep quality – by keeping a consistent bedtime, keeping the room cool, and turning off all electronic. Fatigue may also be influenced by thyroid issues, iron levels, and vitamin D deficiencies.
Emotional Symptoms
- Mood Swings & Irritability: Often linked to hormonal changes, these symptoms are common during menopause. Rest assured, these symptoms are temporary and improve over time.
- Brain Fog: This term describes feelings of forgetfulness, confusion and difficulty concentrating experienced during menopause due to hormonal changes. Improving sleep quality and considering hormonal therapy may help address these issues.
Physical Symptoms
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs can become more common during menopause due to decreased hormone levels in the lower urinary tract and vaginal tissue. Changes in vaginal pH also increase the risk of bacterial infections.
- Daily Discharge: Discharge may become more frequent or change in consistency. It can be normal, but if you experience unusual discharge, it’s best to check with your provider to rule out an infection or other issues.
- Incontinence: This can be linked to a drop in estrogen levels, diet, and thinning tissue in the pelvic area. Discussing incontinence with your provider is important, as there are both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments available, including surgery if needed.
- Joint Pain: Some women experience short-lived or chronic joint pain during menopause. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and discussing potential treatments with your provider, including hormone therapy, can help manage symptoms.
- Itching: Hormonal changes can cause itchy skin, often due to yeast overgrowth or autoimmune changes. Your provider can help you navigate treatment options, which may include antifungal or steroid medications.
- Acne: Reduced estrogen and progesterone levels, combined with increased testosterone, can lead to acne. Higher testosterone levels increase oil production in the skin, which mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, clogging pores.
- Hair Loss and Thinning: Hormonal fluctuations can affect hair growth. Topical treatments and oral medications may help manage hair thinning.
- Osteoporosis (Weak, Brittle Bones): Bone density decreases during menopause, increasing the risk of fractures. A bone density test (DEXA scan) can help diagnose osteoporosis. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D along with weight-bearing exercises can help reduce your risk. Osteoporosis is treatable with medication.
