Menopause is a natural part of aging that every woman will experience. However, it can bring about many physical and emotional changes that can be confusing and overwhelming. When you experience menopause, plan to visit Menopause Solutions to understand the signs, symptoms, and treatments that can help you manage the transition.
Menopause typically begins between 45 and 55 years of age when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. The perimenopausal stage is marked by irregular menstrual cycles and can start several years before menopause. During this time, hormone levels can fluctuate significantly, causing various symptoms.
Signs of menopause
Common signs of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irregular periods, and vaginal dryness. Women may also experience changes in libido and increased fatigue. These symptoms can be caused by plummeting estrogen levels that occur with menopause.
Stages of menopause
These are the stages you should know:
- Perimenopause: The period leading up to menopause, during which the body produces less estrogen. You may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, and other symptoms at this stage.
- Menopause: Estrogen levels drop significantly when your ovaries no longer produce eggs. Such levels remain low for the duration of menopause.
- Postmenopause is the stage after menopause when estrogen levels are at their lowest point, and your symptoms may have abated or become more manageable.
Treatments for menopause
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most common treatment for menopause and can help reduce symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. However, you can also make lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress can help.
There are also natural treatments such as herbal supplements, yoga, and acupuncture that may be beneficial. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you. Remember, menopause is a normal part of aging and doesn’t have to be something you dread.
Reasons to visit your gynecologist when starting menopause include:
- To get a physical examination: This type of examination can help rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
- To monitor hormone levels: Your doctor can check your hormone levels to ensure they are within a safe range. This can help diagnose hormonal imbalances that may be linked to menopause.
- To discuss treatments: There are a variety of treatments available for menopause, and your gynecologist can help you decide which is best for you.
Is it possible to get pregnant during menopause?
Yes, it is still possible to get pregnant during menopause. Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing eggs, and you no longer have a menstrual period. However, the ovaries can still release an egg from time to time, so pregnancy is still possible even after menopause begins. To avoid getting pregnant during this stage of life, it is recommended to practice safe sex or use birth control.
Some of the birth control methods are:
- The pill: This daily pill contains hormones to prevent pregnancy.
- The patch is a small patch placed on the skin that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs): These are small, T-shaped devices placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
If you are approaching menopause, you should talk to your doctor and learn about all the potential treatments and risks.
