Menopausia Especialista Lucas Minig

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, in which the hormonal function of the ovaries ceases and, therefore, is expressed with the definitive absence of menstruation. Generally, this happens between 45-55 years, the usual average being 50 years.

How Do You Know You Are Experiencing Menopause?

The diagnosis of menopause is made when the woman spends at least 1 year without menstruation. Any alteration that is expressed around that period is called perimenopause or climacteric. During this period, the transition between the reproductive and non-reproductive stage of women occurs. This is due to the gradual decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone that generates, among other symptoms, the cessation of menstruation. Surgical menopause is one that is produced artificially by surgical removal of the ovaries. Hysterectomy or removal of the uterus also generates an absence of menstruation, but this does not represent menopause since the ovaries will continue their function until it ceases. A hysterectomy does not determine an early menopause.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Menopause?

Women who are in peri-menopause express very different symptoms. The perception of them is variable according to each patient:

Menstrual disturbances: it is the most frequent symptom and it appears early. Cycles can be shortened or lengthened, with more or less menstrual flow. This is due to a lack of ovulation. Generally, the cycles are spaced more and more with the consequent disappearance of menstruation.

Vaginal dryness: the mucous membranes undergo a progressive thinning, with the alteration of the lubrication that causes dryness. Therefore, it is common for women to complain of vulvovaginal itching or pain with sexual intercourse.

Suffocation: they are alterations in the vasomotor system. They consist of a sensation of heat that they describe as ascending from the neck to the face and that generates palpitations and sweating. They can happen at any time of the day and are usually accentuated during the hotter months.

Sleep disturbance: the vast majority of women suffer from insomnia during this period.

Mood disturbances: emotional disturbances make up one of the most difficult symptoms to treat. It can manifest with emotional ups and downs. Irritation and sadness are the most common, which can be included in a more important depression.

Decreased libido: sexual desire usually decreases. It is accompanied in turn by an alteration in the perception of the body itself.

Changes in the body and weight gain: Menopause is often accompanied by some metabolic changes, such as the onset of diabetes, hypertension, overweight, and obesity. This is due to an increase in body fat. Being sedentary accelerates this process. Women after menopause are at increased risk of heart attacks.

Osteopenia and osteoporosis: this is the progressive demineralization that is generated by the decrease in estrogen levels in the blood. All women will experience some degree of demineralization. Excessive loss of calcium can lead to osteoporosis, which symbolizes a significant fragility of the bones with an increased risk of fractures. There are other factors that can contribute to the acceleration of this process, such as immobilization, the use of corticosteroids, anorexia nervosa, smoking, and early menopause, among others.

How Is Menopause Treated or Managed?

The treatment of menopause during the climacteric has the purpose of giving a better quality of life to those women who suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms. Generally, it is preferred to treat each symptom individually, although, in patients with very florid symptoms and poor quality of life, hormone replacement is chosen for short periods. To all this, we must add lifestyle changes to reduce the incidence of symptoms.

 

More Information:

Spanish Association for the study of menopause

North American Menopause Society

Healthy Lifestyle Choices During Menopause

Menopause brings with it a series of physical and functional changes, as well as emotional ones. To prevent these changes from being overwhelming and to manage them better, it is important to lead a healthy life. With small changes and consistency, this period can be as full as previous years.

It is recommended:

Adequate and healthy food: increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as cereals and legumes, excellent sources of minerals and vitamins. Increase consumption of oily fish rich in omega 3, and reduce red meat. A small portion of nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc.) is advisable to promote the supply of nutrients to improve memory and control blood pressure and hot flashes. Foods rich in calcium decrease the incidence of osteoporosis.

Physical exercise: physical exercise is recommended to maintain adequate cardiovascular activity and strengthen the muscles that support the spine to prevent fractures and loss of bone mass. In addition, it helps reduce fat mass, reduce cholesterol levels, control blood pressure and improve response to diabetes treatments. Activities such as daily walks, pilates, yoga, swimming, dance, or any other activity you like are advised. Try not to do very vigorous physical exercise as it can be counterproductive.

Sunbathe: moderate exposure to the sun of 10-15 minutes a day is recommended, avoiding the most dangerous hours between 12 and 4 p.m. This favors the production of vitamin D with the consequent fixation of calcium in the bones.

Kegel exercises: These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor musculature to reduce the incidence of stress urinary incontinence and prolapse.

Avoid tobacco

Decrease alcohol consumption

Maintain a socially active life

Prevention is very important at this stage of life. Therefore, find out from your gynecologist about the possible changes that may occur in menopause and how to cope with them.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause

What happens to women after menopause?

Decrease in breast tissue. Decreased desire (libido) and sexual response. Increased risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) Urinary system changes, such as frequency and urgency to urinate and increased risk of urinary tract infection.

What is the period after menopause called?

Perimenopause means “around menopause” and refers to the time during which the body makes the natural transition to menopause marking the end of the reproductive years. Perimenopause is also called the menopausal transition.

What vitamins are good for menopause?

On Women’s Health: Nutrition During Perimenopause and Menopause

  • Vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 is essential for supporting bone and heart health1. …
  • Vitamin D/Calcium. …
  • Omega 3. …
  • B vitamins…
  • Iron. …
  • Phytoestrogens.

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