Menopause is a reality for every women in their lifetime, considered a normal part of ageing, occurring when their menstrual cycle ends. Menopause occurs when a woman hasn’t menstruated in 12 consecutive months and can no longer become pregnant naturally. It usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55, but can develop before or after this age range. According to study, about 1 percent of women begin menopause before the age of 40, which is called premature menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency. Also some researches also states about 5 percent of women undergo menopause between the ages of 40 and 45. Which is referred to as early menopause. As we go further in this article, let’s look at the symptoms of menopause in women below.
What are the symptoms of menopause.
Every woman’s menopause experience is unique. Most women first begin developing menopause symptoms about four years before their last period. Symptoms often continue until about four years after a woman’s last period. As the body ages so do the ovaries ages which makes the hormonal production to slowdown.
A small number of women experience menopause symptoms for up to a decade before menopause actually occurs, and 1 in 10 women experience menopausal symptoms for 12 years following their last period. Below let’s check symptoms of a developing menopause in a woman. They are:
(a). Having a less frequent menstruation.
(b). Experiencing heavier or lighter periods than you do normally.
(c). vasomotor symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, and flushing. Researches also states that an estimated 75 percent of women experience hot flashes with menopause.
Also, I earlier said that every woman’s menopause experience is different so do their symptoms. Some may have all the symptoms above while some have partly. There are also other symptoms we may look at below.
Other symptoms of menopause include:
(1). Insomnia.
(2). Vaginal dryness.
(3). Weight gain.
(4). Depression.
(5). Anxiety.
(6). Difficulty concentrating.
(7). Memory problems.
(8). Reduced sex drive.
(9). Dry skin, mouth, and eyes.
(10). Increased urination.
(11). Sore or tender breasts.
(12). Headaches.
(13).Racing heart.
(14). Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
(15). Reduced muscle mass.
(16). Painful joints.
(17). Lessfull breasts.
(18). Hair loss.
What are the complications of menopause?
There is nothing in this world we do that doesn’t have it’s complications so do our responses to our health. Although, menopause is a natural ageing process in a woman but it also has its complications on the woman affected. These are the complications of menopause which women experiences, they include:
(1). Vulvovaginal atrophy.
(2). Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse.
(3). Slower metabolic function.
(4). Osteoporosis, or weaker bones with reduced mass and strength.
(5). Sudden emotional changes.
(6). Cataracts.
(7). Periodontal disease.
(8). Urinary incontinence.
(9). Heart or blood vessel disease like high blood pressure.
How can doctors diagnose and treat menopause?
A new blood test known as the PicoAMH Elisa diagnostic test was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration In U.S.A.
The test is used to help determine whether a woman has entered menopause or is getting close to entering menopause.
This new test may be helpful to women who show symptoms of perimenopause, which can also have adverse health impacts. Early menopause is associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis and fracture, heart disease, cognitive changes, vaginal changes and loss of libido, and mood changes.
Treatment.
If your symptoms are severe or affecting your quality of life, treatment or advice from a certified health practitioner is the best. Hormone therapy is an effective treatment in women under the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset and for the management of, hotflashes, night sweats, vaginal atrophy, etc…..Other medications may be used to treat more specific menopause symptoms, like hair loss and vaginal dryness.
Additional medications sometimes used for menopause symptoms include:
(a). Topical minoxidil 5 percent, used once daily for hair thinning and loss.
(b). Antidandruff shampoos, commonly ketoconazole 2 percent and zinc pyrithione 1 percent will be used for hair loss.
(c). Eflornithine hydrochloride topical cream for unwanted hair growth.
(d). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly paroxetine 7.5 milligrams for hot flashes, anxiety, and depression.
(e). Nonhormonal vaginal moisturizers and lubricants.
(f). Low-dose estrogen-based vaginal lubricants in the form of a cream, ring, or tablet.
(g). Ospemifene for vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
(h). Prophylactic antibiotics for recurrent UTIs.
(I). Sleep medications for insomnia.
(J). Denosumab, teriparatide, raloxifene, or calcitonin for postmenstrual osteoporosis.
Need more clarification, please go to any registered and certified government or private hospital nearby.
