What is Menopause? Symptoms, Stages and Treatment Methods

Menopause is a process in which a woman's menstrual cycle naturally ends and her reproductive ability stops. It usually occurs between the ages of 45-55 and is an important transition period in women's lives. Menopause causes hormonal changes in women's bodies, and both physical and emotional changes can occur during this process.


 

What is Menopause?

Menopause is the period in which a woman's menstrual cycle permanently ends. This occurs when the ovaries no longer produce eggs and hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone decrease significantly. The time when menopause officially begins is when a woman has not had a period for 12 months.

Menopause is part of the natural aging process and usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. However, some women may experience menopause at an earlier age, which is called early menopause.

Stages of Menopause

Menopause is not something that happens all at once. Women go through different stages before they enter menopause. There are three main stages of menopause:

1. Premenopause:

Premenopause refers to the years before menopause. During this period, menstrual cycles may be regular and hormone levels may still remain stable.

2. Perimenopause:

Perimenopause covers the period just before menopause. During this period, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular and menopause symptoms begin to appear. The perimenopause period can usually last 4-10 years.

3. Postmenopause:

Postmenopause refers to the period that begins after menopause. During this stage, menstrual bleeding completely ends and low estrogen levels in the body become permanent. During this process, it is important to pay attention to issues such as bone health and heart health.

These stages help women better understand the menopause process and prepare for the changes in their bodies.

Menopause Symptoms

Menopause symptoms occur as a result of hormonal changes. Menopause symptoms can be different for every woman, and the severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. The most common symptoms of menopause are:

Physical Symptoms:

• Hot Flashes: The majority of women experience a sudden increase in temperature throughout their body. Hot flashes are usually concentrated in the face, neck, and chest.
• Night Sweats: Heavy sweating during sleep is another common symptom of menopause.
• Vaginal Dryness: A drop in estrogen levels can cause vaginal tissue to dry out and thin.
• Fatigue: A constant feeling of tiredness and loss of energy is common during menopause.
• Hair Loss and Dry Skin: The decrease in hormones can cause hair loss and skin to lose its elasticity.

Emotional Symptoms:

• Emotional Fluctuations: Sudden mood swings, irritability, depression and anxiety are common during menopause.
• Sleep Disorders: Sleep patterns may be disrupted due to night sweats and hot flashes.
• Loss of Libido: A decrease in sexual desire is also a common symptom.

These symptoms occur as hormone levels decrease and in some cases may require treatment.

What Causes Menopause?

Menopause is a natural part of the aging process and is a period when a woman's reproductive cycle ends. When the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones produced in the ovaries decrease, the menstrual cycle stops and menopause begins.

Causes of Menopause:

• Natural Aging: Menopause is a natural result of decreased hormone production due to aging of the ovaries.
• Surgical Menopause: Early menopause may occur as a result of surgical removal of the uterus or ovaries.
• Early Menopause: Genetic factors, autoimmune diseases or medical treatments (such as chemotherapy) may cause early menopause.

The main cause of menopause is hormonal changes, and this process occurs naturally in every woman's life. happens.

How is Menopause Diagnosed?

MenopauseThe diagnosis is usually made when a woman has not had a period for 12 months. However, in the pre-menopausal period, doctors may perform some tests that measure hormone levels for women who are experiencing menopause symptoms.

Methods Used in Menopause Diagnosis:

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test: High FSH levels indicate menopause.
• Estrogen Test: Low estrogen levels may be a sign of menopause.
• Thyroid Tests: Sometimes menopause symptoms can be confused with thyroid disorders. Thyroid hormones can also be checked.

These tests are important for understanding the onset of menopause and the cause of its symptoms.

Effects of Menopause on the Body

Menopause does not only mean the end of reproductive functions. Changes occur in the body that affect many systems. The decrease in hormone levels affects many areas from bone health to skin structure.

Effects on the Body:

• Osteoporosis: Decreasing estrogen levels can reduce bone density and lead to osteoporosis.
• Skin and Hair Changes: The decrease in hormones can cause thinning and dryness of the skin. Hair loss is also common.
• Weight Gain: A decrease in metabolic rate can trigger weight gain during menopause.

These effects should be monitored carefully as they can cause postmenopausal health problems.

Menopause and Heart Health

Menopause can also directly affect cardiovascular health. The decrease in estrogen hormone can increase the risk of heart disease.

Effects of Menopause on Heart Health:

• Increase in Cholesterol Levels: Low estrogen can increase bad cholesterol (LDL) levels.
• High Blood Pressure: Increased stress, weight and metabolic changes after menopause can increase blood pressure.
• Heart Attack Risk: The risk of heart attack may increase in women after menopause.

Regular exercise, healthy diet and doctor follow-up are important to protect heart health.

Sexual Health During Menopause

Menopause can also affect a woman's sexual health. Hormonal changes can cause vaginal dryness, decreased sexual desire, and discomfort during intercourse.

Effects on Sexual Health:

• Vaginal Dryness: The decrease in estrogen can cause vaginal tissues to dry out, which can make intercourse painful.
• Loss of Libido: Many women experience a decrease in sexual desire during menopause.
• Painful Intercourse: Sexual intercourse can be painful due to vaginal dryness and thinning of vaginal tissues.

These problems can be alleviated with vaginal moisturizers or estrogen creams.

Hormonal Changes During Menopause

The biggest change during menopause is the decline in levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are produced by the ovaries, and with menopause, this production decreases significantly.

Effects of Hormonal Changes:

• Decrease in Estrogen Levels: Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and loss of bone density are caused by a decrease in estrogen.
• Decrease in Progesterone Levels: The decrease in progesterone causes the menstrual cycle to stop completely, and the uterine lining no longer thickens.

These hormonal changes are the main source of the main symptoms of menopause.

Menopause Treatment Methods

Menopause is a natural process, but treatment may be necessary when the symptoms are severe or reduce the quality of life. There are various treatment methods available to relieve menopause symptoms.

Treatment Options for Menopause:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Used to balance low estrogen levels, this treatment can relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and bone loss.
• Herbal Treatments: Some women may turn to herbal supplements such as soy and sage to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes.
• Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet andstress management can help relieve menopause symptoms.

It is important to talk to a doctor to decide which treatment method is most appropriate.

Menopause and Nutrition

A healthy diet during menopause is important for both overall health and managing menopause symptoms. Proper nutrition strategies should be implemented to protect bone health, control weight and support heart health.

Nutrition Recommendations During Menopause:

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Dairy products, green leafy vegetables and vitamin D supplements are important to protect bone health.
• Fiber Foods: Fiber-rich foods should be consumed to support the digestive system and control weight.
• Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids support heart health and reduce inflammation.

A healthy diet during menopause can help manage changes in the body.

Mental Health and Psychological Support in Menopause

Hormonal changes during menopause can also affect women's emotional state. Depression, anxiety and stress are among the psychological symptoms that are common during this period.

Support Methods for Mental Health:

• Psychotherapy: Therapy and counseling can be useful in coping with emotional fluctuations.
• Yoga and Meditation: These methods are recommended for stress management and relaxation.
• Social Support: Family and friend support can support the emotional health of women during menopause.

Emotional fluctuations during this period are normal and it may be useful to seek professional support when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When does menopause start?

Menopause usually starts between the ages of 45-55, but some women may experience early menopause.

2. Can you get pregnant during menopause?

Ovulation may continue during perimenopause, albeit irregularly, so there is a possibility of getting pregnant during this period. However, pregnancy is not possible after menopause.

3. How long do menopause symptoms last?

Menopause symptoms can start from perimenopause and last for a few years after menopause. However, the duration of symptoms is different for each woman.

4. Does menopause cause weight gain?

Weight gain may become more common during menopause because metabolism slows down. Healthy eating and regular exercise can help control weight.

5. Is hormone replacement therapy safe?

HRT is an effective treatment for relieving menopause symptoms, but individual risks should be assessed for each woman before using it.

6. Does menopause cause loss of sexual desire?

Yes, changes in hormone levels during menopause can cause loss of libido. However, vaginal moisturizers or hormone treatments can help alleviate this problem.