Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop and she can no longer become pregnant. Menopause usually occurs around age 51, but it can happen earlier or later.
The ovaries, which are responsible for producing the eggs that are necessary for reproduction, begin to slow down their egg production. This process is called ovarian follicular atresia. As the ovaries produce fewer eggs, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body begin to decline. These hormonal changes can cause a variety of menopausal symptoms.
The most common symptom of menopause are changes in your menstural cycle, hot flashes, night sweats , mood swings and vaginal dryness.
1. Changes in your menstrual cycle
One of the first signs of approaching menopause is a change in your menstrual cycle. You might skip periods or have lighter, shorter, or fewer periods than before. Menstrual cycles can become longer or shorter, and you might experience more bleeding or spotting.
2. Hot flashes and night sweats
Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause. A hot flash is a sudden, intense, hot feeling on your face, neck, and chest. Your skin might redden, as if you’re blushing or sunburned. Hot flashes are often followed by a cold, clammy feeling and might be accompanied by a rapid heart rate. Night sweats are similar to hot flashes, but they occur at night and can cause you to wake up drenched in sweat.
3. Sleep problems
Hot flashes and night sweats often disrupt sleep, which can lead to fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Insomnia, waking up frequently during the night, and waking up early in the morning are also common sleep problems during menopause.
4. Mood changes
Many women experience mood swings, irritability, and anxiety during menopause. The exact cause of menopause-related mood swings is unknown, but they’re likely due to a combination of physical, mental, and emotional factors. Hormonal changes during menopause can affect your brain chemistry and lead to hot flashes, sleep problems, and fatigue — all of which can contribute to mood swings. In addition, the stress of dealing with menopause can trigger or worsen mood swings. If you’re experiencing menopausal mood swings, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you manage your symptoms and suggest treatments to help you feel better.
5. Vaginal dryness and discomfort
vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause, which can cause discomfort during sex. Other vaginal changes during menopause can include thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls (vaginal atrophy), which can also lead to discomfort and pain during sex.
Other common symptoms of menopause include:
* irritability
* mood swings
* depression
* anxiety
* sleep problems
* vaginal dryness
* decreased sex drive
What are the treatments for menopause?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best treatment for menopause will vary from woman to woman. However, there are a few general things that can be done to ease the symptoms of menopause.
- One option is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT can help to replace the estrogen and progesterone that is lost during menopause. This can help to relieve some of the symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
- Another option is to take supplements such as black cohosh or ginseng. These supplements can help to ease some of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings.
- Finally, make sure to stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. These lifestyle changes can help to ease the symptoms of menopause and make you feel better overall.
Talk to a doctor:
If you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms, it’s important to talk to a doctor. He or she can help you manage your symptoms and suggest treatments that will work best for you. You can visit Gynecologist in Lahore or a Gynecologist in Karachi for more information.
