Menopause comes to women in mid-life and marks an important turning point.
Menopause is that somewhat mythical event in a woman’s life that no one really talks about but that truly signifies a huge change. Just like the topic of “where babies come from” as a kid, and “periods” later on, menopause isn’t normally dinner-table fodder as you age. But maybe it should be.
With the advent of the internet and the sharing of information, girls and women today have much greater access to information when it comes to all fertility-related things, which is wonderful. Many are still uninformed as to exactly when menopause really happens, and what to expect, however.
A racing heart and sweats? Was it the wine?? Or that new sugar replacement in your morning coffee? Maybe. But it could just be the normal signs of age.
Here’s a bit more about menopause if you didn’t know, in case you were wondering.
What is menopause?
Generally speaking, menopause is that time in life when a woman no longer gets her period. This means she can’t bear any children from here forwards, at least not without considerable medical assistance.
Technically speaking, menopause is a specific point in time that occurs twelve months after a woman’s final period.
Related: Yes, there’s a link between coffee and your menopause symptoms
It can be common to hear people say that someone is “going through menopause”. Scientifically speaking, the more accurate way to say this is to say someone is “going through menopausal transition”, or is in “perimenopause” but most of us aren’t keeping score. We know what you mean.
When does menopause happen?
A woman’s body takes several years to ramp down from having the right balance of hormones to be able to bear life. Many women go into perimenopause somewhere between the ages of 40 and 58. This time of change can last about seven years but in some women it stretches out to about double that amount of time.
According to The North American Menopause Society, the average age for menopause is 51.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Some women don’t feel many symptoms at all as their body changes towards menopause. Others, however, have a rough go. Some of the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweating
- Mood swings
- Vaginal dryness
- Problems sleeping
- Weight gain
- Drier skin
- Thinning hair
- Loss of plump breasts
- Chills
- Inconsistent periods
Every person is different and what one suffers through, another doesn’t. It can be helpful to talk with older women in your family to hear their stories as some experiences may be related to genetics.
When to see a doctor
Menopause isn’t a medical problem that needs fixing. If your symptoms are bothering you, however, see your doctor. The risk for some health conditions and diseases rises during menopause including cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis and it’s good idea to monitor your health as usual.
Dropping estrogen levels are to blame for many discomforts. Sex can become painful due to increased vaginal dryness. Lubricants and moisturizers can help, and sometimes hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed. Medication that has been proven to reduce hot flashes can be useful. Taking supplements and vitamins may help to strengthen your bones.
Consult with your doctor to see if there is a medication out there to help you. If you’re not having any trouble with the transition, rejoice!
photo credits: SNeG17/Shutterstock.com
