Menopause
Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, as it signifies the end of her reproductive years.
While your body prepares to stop its menstrual cycles, your hormone levels rise and fall unpredictably.
There has been a growing recognition of the importance of women’s health care during and after menopause.
As women are now living longer than ever before, with life expectancies increasing, they can expect to spend a considerable portion of their lives in the post-menopausal stage.
Given the unique nature of menopause and its impact on women’s health, it is crucial to provide individualized and flexible care that caters to each woman’s specific needs.
THE TRUTH ABOUT MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS
Women are born with a finite number of eggs, which are stored in the ovaries. The ovaries are also responsible for producing the hormones, estrogen and progesterone, that control menstruation and ovulation. During menopause, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and menstruation stops.
Menopause and Perimenopause usually begin happening after the age of 40, and is officially defined as going 1 year without a period. While the timing is unique from person to person, it occurs on average at age 51.
Menopause experiences can vary greatly among women, with differences in symptoms, severity, and duration. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate when it comes to supporting women during this natural change.
Menopause often occurs when women are at their peak, both personally and professionally. So when symptoms begin to emerge, the impact can be profound, affecting everything from your most intimate relationships to your career.
Most women will spend at least one-third of their lives post-menopause. But because there is no one pattern that all women will experience, supportive care must be flexible and personal. Such care should include not just symptom control, but lifestyle adjustments to support health and wellness for years to come.
70-80% of women will experience menopause symptoms, sometimes for years after menopause has begun. But despite their potentially disruptive nature, only about 25% of those women typically seek out treatment.
Supportive care for menopause should encompass control of menopausal symptoms: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, cognitive changes, sleep disturbance, and urine incontinence.
Additionally, it is equally crucial to focus on lifestyle adjustments that promote overall health and well-being. Making smart choices and seeking treatment can not only help you find relief from immediate discomfort but may protect you from long-term health complications.
Lifestyle adjustments
Healthy diet:
Encouraging a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is particularly important during and after menopause to maintain bone health.
Regular exercise:
Promoting physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, strengthen bones, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and improve mood and overall well-being.
Stress management:
Encouraging stress-reducing activities such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies that bring joy and relaxation.
Regular check-ups:
Encouraging women to stay proactive about their health by scheduling regular check-ups with healthcare providers. Regular screenings for breast and cervical cancer, bone density assessments, and cholesterol checks may be recommended.
Emotional support:
Acknowledging and addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of menopause. Offering counseling or support groups to help women cope with any challenges they may face during this transition.
Hormone therapy considerations:
For women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms, hormone therapy may be an option. However, the decision to pursue hormone therapy should be made on an individual basis, taking into account the woman’s medical history, personal preferences, and potential risks and benefits.
By adopting a comprehensive approach to menopausal care that includes symptom management, lifestyle adjustments, and personalized support, women can navigate this stage of life more effectively. The aim is to promote long-term health and wellness, empowering women to live their lives to the fullest during and after menopause.
Call the office of County Obstetrics & Gynecology to schedule a consultation.