2023-07-28 17:30:00
Menopause: These symptoms are part of the menopause
Irregular period
As the ovaries gradually produce fewer hormones during menopause, there are changes in the menstrual cycle, including irregular periods. So before menopause, the length between cycles may be shorter or longer, which can result in bleeding being lighter or heavier, and cycles can be skipped. During menopause, menstrual cycles become irregular and eventually stop altogether, which is the definitive sign that a woman’s fertility has ended.
Menopause pain
Various types of pain can occur during menopause because the body reacts differently due to changes in the hormonal balance. Many women suffer from pain in the joints and muscles, as the hormonal changes can cause inflammation and pain. In the course of this, chest pain or headache can also appear. It can also increase during menopause due to dryness and thinning of the vaginal walls, pain during sexual intercourse can occur.
Mood swings and depressive moods
Estrogen and progesterone affect mood, the falling hormone levels in women during menopause can trigger mood swings up to depressive moods and anxiety. In addition, other symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and trouble sleeping, can cause additional stress and affect mood.
Loss of libido and dry vagina
Menopause also has a significant impact on the vagina. The decreasing estrogen levels lead to a decrease in vaginal moisture and lubrication, which in turn causes symptoms such as dryness, burning, and itching. On top of that, the walls of the vagina become thinner and less elastic. When estrogen levels fall, vaginal pH can also rise, causing an increased risk of infection. Some women experience a loss of libido during menopause, which can be partly due to physical changes but also hormonal changes. During menopause, women can also suffer from a frequent urge to urinate, which is usually also due to hormonal changes.
Hot flashes
Most women also experience hot flashes during menopause. The reason: estrogen has an effect on the area of the brain that is responsible for regulating body temperature, among other things. When estrogen levels drop, it can wrongly assume that the body is overheated. In response, it dilates the blood vessels to release more heat, leading to sudden feelings of warmth and redness – known as hot flashes.
Skin and hair problems
Skin and hair problems are also not uncommon before menopause. As estrogen decreases, the skin can become thinner and drier, and hair loss can occur. During menopause, the skin can suddenly be prone to pimples again. Estrogen levels drop while androgen levels stay about the same. This imbalance can lead to the skin producing more oil, which in turn can cause clogged pores and pimples.
Sleep disorders
It doesn’t matter whether you have problems falling asleep or staying asleep – insomnia is one of the typical symptoms of menopause. The drop in estrogen levels can disrupt the sleep cycle and lead to insomnia. In addition, progesterone, which decreases during menopause, has a sleep-inducing effect. Other menopausal symptoms, such as anxiety and hot flashes, can increase sleep problems.
High blood pressure
After menopause, the risk of heart disease increases. This could be partly due to the drop in estrogen levels leading to an increase in fat in the blood and an increase in blood pressure. The hormone changes can also cause the body to retain more water and salt, which can also increase blood pressure. Sleep problems and stress also have a negative effect on blood pressure.
Menopausal symptoms: Which factors play a role?
Many women think about possible menopausal symptoms long before the onset of menopause. The question often arises as to whether these are hereditary. In fact, it has been suggested that some of the symptoms may be inherited from the mother. This is how Prof. Marion Kiechle explains: “Yes, daughters usually feel the same way as their mothers. So if the mother had severe symptoms, there is a very high probability that this will also affect the daughter.” And the timing of menopause is also 40 to 85 percent hereditary – too early or late onset of menopause therefore tends to occur within a family.
Apart from that, our lifestyle also plays a decisive role in when menopause occurs and how badly we suffer from the respective symptoms. For example, smoking can cause women to experience early menopause. Operations in the area of the uterus, on the ovaries or on the fallopian tubes can also initiate menopause earlier. Aggressive chemotherapy or radiation to the lower abdomen can also damage the ovaries. Here you can find out which other risk factors promote premature menopause.
Many menopausal symptoms can be alleviated with the help of a healthy diet rich in protein and fiber, sufficient exercise, little stress, and relaxation exercises and yoga. In addition, do not hesitate to speak to your gynecologist about your symptoms in order to consider further therapeutic measures.
These foods can make menopausal symptoms worse
1. Fatty meat
Due to the fact that muscle mass is reduced during menopause and fat stores increase, we gain more abdominal fat. The so-called visceral fat releases pro-inflammatory substances that increase the risk of diabetes, vascular and tumor diseases. You should therefore avoid high-fat meat as much as possible during menopause, as this promotes abdominal fat and red meat in particular can also increase the risk of cancer.
2. Chili
Do you love curries and co.? The National Institute on Aging recommends cutting back on chillies and spicy foods during menopause, as they can make symptoms like hot flashes and sweating worse. The reason? Capsaicin, which is responsible for the sharpness, stimulates blood circulation. As a result, the vessels dilate, the heartbeat accelerates, and the body temperature rises. As a result, the body produces more sweat to cool down the body temperature.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol is also one of the foods that should only be consumed in moderation during menopause. Although it can also have a positive effect in small amounts, high consumption in many women around menopause leads to increased heart palpitations, sweating, and sleep disorders.
4. Coffee
Coffee lovers need to be strong now because what’s true for alcohol is also true for many people’s favorite hot drink. The high caffeine content can promote hot flashes, inner restlessness, and nervousness, which in turn can result in sleep disorders or mood swings. If you notice that your body reacts strongly to coffee, you should reduce your consumption and completely avoid it after 5 p.m.
5. Fast Food
Whether fries, burgers, or pizza – you should greatly reduce the consumption of fast food during menopause. The hormonal changes slow down your metabolism and you gain unhealthy belly fat faster. Eating greasy food can also promote cardiovascular diseases, for which the risk is already increased during menopause.]
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