2024-05-10 16:29:10
Menopause is a phase associated with a series of changes in the mind & body of the woman. This can be a challenging time for many, as you experience hot flashes and mood swings, among other things. Yes, menopause can be a cycle of emotions and physical symptoms.
Different stages of transition
Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life characterized by hormonal changes and the end of the menstrual cycle. The transfer process can take several years and occurs in several stages:
Premenopause – Premenopause is the period before menstrual periods start to change. ‘It’s a misconception that you can’t experience menopausal symptoms if you still have regular periods. This is indeed possible, because hormone levels already change before the menstrual cycle changes,” says Vredevoogd. Some women have difficulty sleeping, others have tense breasts or do not feel comfortable in their own skin .Read all about the last fertile phase of your life here.
Perimenopause – Your periods start to change, because ovarian function and the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone decrease. This may cause typical menopausal symptoms listed below. You can read all about perimenopause here.
menopause – Menopause is defined as the time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. This marks the end of a woman’s fertile phase and the beginning of post-menopause.
Postmenopause – After menopause, the woman enters the postmenopausal phase. This can take many years. During postmenopause, some menopausal symptoms may decrease, while other symptoms may worsen. The new health challenges may also be related to aging. From complaints to physical changes: this is postmenopause.
What are the complaints of menopause?
During menopause, women experience a wide range of physical and emotional complaints due to hormonal changes in their bodies. Out Research shows that these are the most common menopausal complaints they are:
Angst
Up to 80 percent of women experience anxiety during menopause. Anxiety is therefore the most common symptom during menopause and can have a significant impact on women’s well-being at this stage of their lives. This anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from mild nervousness to severe panic attacks.
During menopause, women often experience hormonal fluctuations, especially a decrease in estrogen. These hormonal changes can affect the nervous system and lead to feelings of fear and anxiety. In addition, other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, insomnia and mood swings, can contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Tiredness
Overall 71.5 percent of women experience physical and mental exhaustion during menopause. Many women suffer from fatigue due to sleep problems, hormonal fluctuations and other physical symptoms. It is important to get enough rest and make exercise a priority self care so that you get some energy again, for example walking exercises, yoga and relaxation.
Sleep problems
Many women (61.2 percent) experience sleep problems during menopause, often due to hot flashes at night, but also due to hormonal changes that affect the quality of sleep. It is important to maintain good sleep hygiene, such as creating a restful sleep environment and establishing a regular sleep schedule. In some cases, consulting a doctor may be helpful in addressing sleep problems.
Irritability and mood swings
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can cause mood swings, such as irritability. About 60 percent of women suffer from this around menopause. It is essential to take enough time for yourself. For example, exercise regularly, eat healthy food and seek social support. Also, talk to a trusted friend or health care professional you trust to share your feelings.
Hot flashes and night sweats
Hot flashes and night sweats are said to be the most common symptoms during pregnancy, but according to the study, ‘only’ 36.7 percent of participants reported these symptoms. These sudden feelings of heat, on the other hand, can lead to excessive sweating and discomfort.
‘Some women get very cold. That is also an indication that the body’s thermostat is affected,’ says Beshay. ‘What can help against hot flashes is good sleep hygiene. Ensure rest before going to bed, limit screen time to 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, use the bedroom only for sleeping, go to bed at the same time each day and get up at the same time each day and avoid sugars, alcohol and caffeine. before bedtime.’ You can find more tips against hot flashes here.
Joint and muscle discomfort
Joint and muscle discomfort are also common complaints that women may experience during menopause. “Estrogen acts as a collagen builder, helping to maintain the flexibility of your tendons, joints, and muscles,” says Beshay. When estrogen levels begin to drop during menopause, your joints can become more susceptible to inflammation and wear and tear. Symptoms can range from mild pain and stiffness to more severe joint pain and muscle cramps.
It is important to continue to exercise adequately, such as activities such as yoga or walking. Swimming is also a nice form of exercise for joint pain. In addition, various nutrients can contribute to reducing joint pain (during menopause), such as omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and vitamin D.
In addition, according to Beshay and Vredevoogd, the following symptoms can also occur during menopause:
Gain weight
Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to changes in body composition. ‘During menopause your metabolism slows down. Your muscle mass also decreases and fat takes its place,” says Beshay. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise (both cardio and strength training) and a balanced diet to manage and support weight gain. to maintain muscle mass.
Vaginal dryness and lower libido
‘The lack of estrogens can also cause vaginal dryness,’ says Vredevoogd. It is important to communicate openly with your partner about your needs and concerns. Also when it comes to medical treatments that help relieve symptoms (pain).
Skin changes
Hormonal changes during menopause can also cause skin changes, including dryness, loss of elasticity and wrinkles. It is important to maintain a good skin care routine, including hydration, sun protection and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking.
What can you do about menopausal complaints?
“It is no longer contemporary to think that these menopausal complaints are part of it,” says Vredevoogd. According to her, there are numerous methods you can try to alleviate these complaints. In addition, it is completely normal to seek help when the complaints affect the quality of your life. ‘Talk to others about your symptoms, not just your GP, but also the company doctor and your employer.’
What else can help? Well, adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help reduce symptoms and promote a healthy lifestyle. In addition, women may want to consider using hormone therapy and other medical treatments with their doctor. Vredevoogd: ‘Be really alarmed if the complaints are affecting your quality of life, for example because you can no longer do your work properly. Or that you have a short fuse, which destroys the atmosphere at home.’
Keep going already for Women’s Health Facebook, Instagram in TikTok?
Also read
Corla Vredevoogd is a passionate gynecologist who passionately guides pregnant women and their partners during pregnancy and childbirth at the Haaglanden Medical Center. She also likes to share her expertise about the menstrual cycle and menopause. Her professional background includes training at Leiden University, followed by specialization at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), HMC Bronovo.
Mary Beshay is a holistic gynecologist who sees women at Haaglanden Medical Center (HMC) with all kinds of helpful gynecological issues such as cycle disorders, abnormalities of the vulva and cervix, contraception and menopause. Her professional background includes training at Leiden University, followed by specialization at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), HagaZiekenhuis with Menopause differentiation at the OLVG in Amsterdam.
#common #complaints #menopause