Many women worry about what lies ahead when they approach menopause. Family members’ stories about menopause frequently depict it as a difficult period marked by weight gain, hot flashes, and a decrease in sex desire.
Menopause and its precursor, perimenopause, can cause major changes that affect relationships, sleep, and general health, but there are many misconceptions about normal and safe ways to treat typical symptoms like mood swings and night sweats.
Awareness of menopause is rising. Women are better suited to handle this period of life if they have access to more tools and have real conversations.
There are a lot of solutions available today for treating disruptive menopausal symptoms
You could experience post-menopausal symptoms for over half of your life, since the average woman in the United States is expected to live for 80.2 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It’s time to de-stigmatize menopause-related health care for women, lessen stigma, and increase the number of women who are aware of their treatment options. Let’s dispel common misconceptions about menopause and look at strategies for aging gracefully and healthily.
Myth: Menopause just means you are getting old
Answer : Perimenopause and menopause are natural cycles of aging, but these in no way suggest you are becoming frail or delicate.
Perimenopause is the eight to 10 years leading up to menopause. This typically begins in the 40s for women, while for others it may start as early as the late 20s or early 30s. During the perimenopause:
The production of estrogen starts to vary. This hormone influences your bones, breasts, heart, pelvic muscles, and more in addition to regulating genes and influencing regular bodily activities. It also aids in the regulation of the menstrual cycle.
Low estrogen levels can induce abnormalities in the body, such as weakened bones, thinning skin, wrinkles, and mood changes. Fluctuation from high to low levels might generate night sweats and hot flashes.
The function of the ovaries stops. The tiny, fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries called ovarian follicles, which each hold a single egg, stop functioning and cease releasing eggs into the ovaries. That implies that there won’t be any more periods!
Menopause refers to the cessation of menstrual cycles for at least 12 months. The most common age range for this to happen is between 45 and 55.
Myth: Hot flashes and moodiness are just things that women have to deal with.
Answer: Well, not at all. Although uncomfortable symptoms are common, you don’t have to “just live with” poor sleep, low libido, or emotional swings. In fact, most symptoms are easily treated and managed with guidance from your healthcare provider. The following are some of the most common symptoms that women worry about, along with tried-and-true solutions.
Night sweats and hot flashes
One of the most well-known signs of perimenopause and menopause is hot flashes. You will suddenly feel heated and start to perspire on your face, neck, and chest in addition to other areas of your body during a hot flash. During the perimenopause, hot flashes affect about 75% of women.
Hot flashes that occur at night are referred to as “night sweats.” Sweating excessively, to the point that your bed linens and blankets are wet, might interfere with your sleep, which can lead to daily irritation and exhaustion.
Hot flashes are believed to be brought on by low estrogen, which affects your brain’s hypothalamus, which controls body temperature. These could start on their own and go anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.
Changes in lifestyle, such as abstaining from alcohol and keeping a healthy weight, can help alleviate symptoms. Hormone therapy (estrogen, progesterone, and/or testosterone) is a safe and highly effective treatment that comes in pill, gel, patch, or spray form. In fact, we recommend it for almost every woman we see.
An FDA-approved non-hormonal treatment currently prescribed for hot flashes is the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication paroxetine. Often prescribed for depression, paroxetine lowers body temperature and reduces blood flow to the skin.
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Vaginal dryness and low libido
When estrogen levels drop, there may be a decrease in moisture in the vaginal region. During sexual activity, this may cause pain, itchiness, discomfort, and irritation. This can lead to decreased libido (sex desire) in certain women, which can lead to relationship problems and low self-esteem.
Many women’s identities are heavily influenced by their sexual desire, which can also have an impact on partnerships and relationships. Libido loss may be brought on by the menopause’s lowering estrogen levels. While some desire may be restored by hormone replacement treatment, we frequently find patients who believe that their libido will miraculously return, similar to an on/off switch.
The truth is, it’s more complicated than that. In our practice, libido falls under a biopsychosocial model. That means that it’s affected by a mixture of biological, mental, and social factors. Estrogen deficiency is just one part. Many women also experience emotional challenges, such as coping with aging and body changes. In addition, they may be busy maintaining a family or dealing with other injuries and illnesses. And it’s likely your partner’s body and mood are also changing. So, don’t blame yourself if the sparks aren’t flying like they used to during this time of change.
Urinary urgency or incontinence
Urinary urgency, commonly known as urgency urinary incontinence, is the sudden and intense need to urinate. Changes in the tissues and muscles of the pelvic floor during menopause are frequently the cause of it.
Treatment options for urgency and urinary incontinence are numerous and include:
- A pessary is placed into the vagina to support the bladder and lessen the symptoms of incontinence.
- Medication: Beta-3 agonists and anticholinergics, for example, can help regulate urine urgency and lessen spasms in the bladder.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy: This includes exercises and methods to enhance bladder control and strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder.
- Agents of bulk: Injections of collagen or water-based gel can narrow the urethra and lessen leakage.
- Surgery: Techniques to support the urethra and/or bladder are available.
Mood swings and disturbed sleep
At every stage of life, insomnia, or having trouble falling or staying asleep, is a fundamental cause of an overwhelming number of emotional and health issues. Chronic sleep deprivation raises your lifelong risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, to mention a few.
Insomnia can be caused by hormonal changes that occur during menopause, respiratory disorders like chronic obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which causes you to stop breathing while you sleep and may snore loudly, and uncomfortable night sweats.
Another option for treating menopause symptoms and hormone imbalances is hormone therapy, which can also help to improve general well-being and sleep habits. Certain symptoms call for emergency medical attention. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, or if vaginal bleeding occurs after a prolonged period break, contact your healthcare professional. These could indicate a medical emergency as they are not typical indicators of menopause or perimenopause.
Myth: Menopause is going to make me lose muscle and gain weight
Answer: It is a fact that all people endure sarcopenia, or loss of muscular mass, as they age. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll become frail or squishy after the age of 50!
It’s not necessary to be an avid gym goer to reap the rewards of physical activity during menopause. You can play a YouTube stretching video, practice yoga or pilates, or both. You can use resistance bands for a 15-minute workout or use ankle weights while going for a stroll around the neighborhood. Exercise has been shown in a study to help prevent dementia, lessen pain, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, nutrition is very important. Muscle health and general vitality can be supported by a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and lean meats. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for maintaining muscular function and joint mobility, particularly as we age. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent sarcopenia and provide support for a healthy, active lifestyle.
When you enter menopause and perimenopause in your 40s, exercise and diet become even more crucial. Establishing the foundation now can help you maintain your muscle mass, flexibility, and agility as you age.
Menopause doesn’t have to be a time of fear
You are capable of leading an active, bright life with the correct care and treatment. It’s critical to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating menopausal and perimenopause symptoms. Since each woman is different, she needs individualized support and care. We can change the perception of menopause from one of fear to one of empowerment by dispelling myths and promoting open dialogue with healthcare professionals. This will ensure that women continue to thrive throughout life.
By Ann Lutich, M.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Meredith McClure, M.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, at UT Southwestern. Dr. Lutich and Dr. McClure are certified by the North American Menopause Society. (Newswise/SC)
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