Menopause can bring about many physical and emotional changes in a woman’s life.
Understanding the different phases of menopause, associated symptoms, and treatment options can better prepare patients to manage the uncertainty they may feel during this time.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is defined by the absence of a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
Once a woman has entered menopause, she is no longer fertile, does not experience ovulation, and has significantly decreased levels of estrogen.
What Are the Causes of Menopause?
The number one cause of menopause is age, as the ovarian function declines over time and results in lower estrogen production. Surgical removal of the ovaries, chemotherapy, and radiation can also lead to menopause.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the stage prior to menopause that can last anywhere between two-to-eight years.
During this phase, ovarian function decreases, estrogen levels fluctuate, and women have irregular periods that may be longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter than usual.
Additional symptoms of perimenopause include: Hot flashes, breast tenderness, worsening of premenstrual syndrome, decreased libido, fatigue, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, mood swings, and sleep disturbance.
Despite all of these symptoms, pregnancy is still possible, though unlikely, during perimenopause.
Symptoms of Menopause
The average age that women experience natural menopause is 51 years old. Once women have officially entered this stage, they often encounter symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
Hot flashes are one of the most well-known signs of menopause and can last up to 10 years, though resolve for most women after 5 years. During a hot flash, a sensation of warmth comes over the face and neck and may be followed by sweating and chills.
Additionally, many patients report sleep issues and insomnia. Using a fan and lightweight bedding and pajamas can help alleviate some of this discomfort.
Women may also note vaginal dryness, decreased sex drive, and weight gain.
Treatments for Menopause
The symptoms of menopause can often be effectively managed with traditional or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
While bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is not recognized by the FDA, many providers prefer it as a course of treatment. It is composed of natural substances and specifically formulated for each patient by a compounding pharmacy.
To learn more about the stages of menopause, please call The Menopause Center today to schedule an appointment.