A menopause It is a natural stage in a woman's life and marks the end of female reproductive life. It is the last stage of climacteric , transition phase between a woman's fertile and non-reproductive period. One of its most popular symptoms is hot flashes, also known as a hot flash. But there are other physical and emotional signs that mark this period.
Typically, the average age for menopause in Brazil varies between 45 and 55 years . However, before that, some changes may begin to occur in a woman's menstrual cycle, with menstruation becoming, initially, shorter and, later, more spaced out, as explained by Marise Samama, president of AMCR (Associação Mulher, Ciência e Reproduction Humana of Brazil), CNN .
“Menopause is confirmed when there is no menstruation for one year, calling this period established menopause”, he explains. “Hormonal changes can be observed in laboratory tests, such as a reduction in estradiol and an increase in hormones that stimulate ovulation, affecting ovarian capacity”, he adds.
Symptoms related to menopause
According to Maria dos Anjos Neves Sampaio Chaves, gynecologist at Delboni, a brand belonging to Dasa, the climacteric and menopause symptoms may vary from one person to another . “When entering the climacteric phase, there is a hormonal change and some women will have more physical symptoms or more irritability than others”, she explains.
In general, the first physical symptoms that are part of the climacteric and that precede menopause are:
- Changes in the menstrual cycle (greater irregularity);
- Hot flushes (heat waves);
- Sweating;
- Dry skin;
- Brittle hair and nails;
- Tiredness;
- Insomnia;
- Vaginal dryness;
- Decreased libido.
From an emotional point of view, symptoms also vary from one woman to another and may include:
- Mood changes;
- Irritability;
- Anxiety;
- Depression;
- Low self-esteem.
“Anxiety and depression can occur due to mood swings, ranging from sadness to anger. So, when the patient realizes she is in this phase, she needs to see a doctor so that he can provide adequate medication and so that the woman can face this phase in a lighter way”, advises Chaves.
Why does menopause happen?
When a woman is born, the number of eggs that will be released throughout her life is already defined. This “reserve” has been used since the menarche (first menstruation) to the last (menopause). “With the loss of a thousand eggs per month, upon entering the climacteric, there are very few left [no corpo da mulher]resulting in irregular menstrual cycles, cessation of hormone production and symptoms related to a lack of estradiol, essential for quality of life”, explains Samama.
As we have seen, climacteric generally begins to occur between the ages of 45 and 55, and may occur later in some women. However, there are cases where this transition begins earlier, around age 40. This condition is called early menopause .
“This condition can occur due to different factors, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and other cancers that lead to ovarian failure”, explains Chaves. Genetic factors, autoimmune diseases and smoking may also be related to an early onset of climacteric and menopause.
How to relieve menopause symptoms?
The treatment of climacteric symptoms may vary according to the needs of each patient and, therefore, It is done individually . For example, a woman who suffers from vaginal dryness may benefit from hydration with vaginal creams or laser procedures.
“This dryness can lead to loss of urine, imbalance of the vaginal microbiota and the appearance of cracks in the mucosa and skin of the vulvar region. So, hydration, when done properly, can offer immense protection against these symptoms”, explains Chaves.
A hormone replacement therapy is also a treatment option. “The greatest benefit of hormone therapy occurs in the first two years of menopause, with the transdermal application of estradiol being the most effective route, as it avoids hepatic metabolism and provides a more constant and balanced hormonal release”, says Samama.
Although, Not all women can undergo hormone therapy . This is the case of patients with breast and endometrial cancer, women at high risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and thrombosis, people with decompensated clinical diseases, such as liver and kidney disease. In these cases, an alternative is the use of herbal medicines, according to Chaves.
In some cases where symptoms are mild, treatment may only include medical monitoring and replacement of vitamins and medications to improve sleep and reduce irritability. “Attention should also be paid to bone health, supplementing calcium and vitamin D when necessary”, warns Samama.
Last but not least, practicing physical activity during this phase is also part of the treatment, in addition to a healthy diet rich in omega-3, according to experts.
Discover the myths and truths about menopause
Source: CNN Brasil
I am an experienced journalist and writer with a career in the news industry. My focus is on covering Top News stories for World Stock Market, where I provide comprehensive analysis and commentary on markets around the world. I have expertise in writing both long-form articles and shorter pieces that deliver timely, relevant updates to readers.
