Do not sweat it!
Menopause is a natural process that affects all women – it occurs when the ovaries are produced less than estrogen and progesterone hormones and stops eggs completely.
It is officially diagnosed after 12 months in a row without menstruation, although symptoms often last for years before and after this period.
Menopause is a global phenomenon, but there are many misconceptions on this topic – from symptoms to treatments.
These are some common myths and unusual signs.
When is menopause?
Women in North America tend to experience menopause between 51 and 52 years, while the global average is closer to 48.
If this happens before the age of 45, we call it early menopause. Smoking, hysterectomy and family history of early menopause are risk factors.
Menopause that occurs after the age of 55 is a late menopause.
The time leading to menopause is called. It usually begins in the late 1940s and can last for several years.
Menopause is different from every woman. The periods may become longer, shorter, heavier, lighter, or skip completely. Symptoms similar to menopause are common during this time.
What are the main symptoms of menopause?
Some women can suffer from symptoms while others have no.
We classify the symptoms in three ways – physical, psychological and valleys.
Physical symptoms include hot flashes and night sweating, which are classic signs of menopause.
Sleep disrupted and flutter the heart in this group as well.
Among psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritation and anger attacks are among the psychological symptoms.
Women who have pre -menstruation syndrome, pre -menstruation disorder, depression after birth, or difficult adulthood may be more vulnerable to mental health conflicts during menopause.
The final category covers vaginal dryness and changes in urination habits.
Estrogen hormone, the basic sex hormone, decreases dramatically during menopause. Low estrogen is responsible for thinning and drying the tissues in the urogenital system, including vagina and emptiness. For this reason, sex may be painful.
What are some new symptoms?
Some signs are more accurate, such as itching skin and joint pain.
The estrogen hormone is the key to maintaining the moisture of the skin and elasticity, so that the skin becomes thinner and more vulnerable to dehydration and irritation in menopause.
Low estrogen may also contribute to increased and harden joint pain because it plays a role in maintaining joint health.
How long does the symptoms continue?
We are used to believe that symptoms of menopause only continued a year. This is a legend.
In fact, these symptoms can remain from four to 10 years.
We noticed cultural differences in the duration of the symptoms.
Black women usually have more severe symptoms that last longer, such as up to 10 years, while Latin women often experience them for eight years.
Egg symptoms usually last for seven years, while Asian women generally have symptoms for four to six years.
Why do women gain menopause?
This is a million dollar question-and the complaint No. 1.
Menopause women usually put six or eight pounds in their stomachs.
Weight gain stems from hormonal changes, lifestyle and natural loss of meager muscles.
Women tend to store fat in the hips and thighs. Decreased estrogen during menopause can shift in the distribution of fats, which leads to an essential weight gain in the lower abdomen.
Its shape changes from pear to an apple due to additional fat in the abdomen.
Women often do not practice menopause, which affects their weight. In addition, they have lost meager muscles since the thirties – a process that accelerates with age and metabolism changes.
So, if their pants are suddenly not suitable although they did not do anything wrong or in a different way, it may be really annoying.
Should women take menopause hormone treatment?
Most women can take estrogen and progesterone to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweating, heart flutter and even sleep disorder. Sometimes they reduce joint pain.
Hormonal drugs also have preventive benefits. We know that it helps reduce the risk of fracture over time.
Osteoporosis represents a big problem for women with age – hormonal therapy supports bones. There are also some cardiovascular protection.
Hormones are safer when they are granted near menopause. The more you move away from menopause, the hormones become more dangerous than useful.
Are there natural ways to reduce menopause symptoms?
Lifestyle changes can help.
Sleep, healthy diet, exercise, stress management and social ties is very important to navigate menopause.
Are only symptoms of severe menopause need treatment?
The legend of menopause is that some symptoms do not deserve treatment.
We know that women feel a long -term improvement when their symptoms are treated through hormonal therapy, non -hormonal therapy or lifestyle changes.
It is important to remember that every woman has her own experience. Regardless of your situation – you will adapt and flourish.
Dr. Samantha Dunham is the co -director of the New York University Center for middle age and menopause. She is also a clinical associate professor in the obstetric and gynecology department.
