Menopause is a natural biological process that every woman will experience at some point in her life. Despite its inevitability, conversations about menopause are often limited, leaving many women uninformed about what to expect and how to handle the changes that come with this transition. 

 

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For the last couple of years, Meera (high-school teacher in late forties) has been experiencing irregular menstrual periods. Frequent hot flashes, body heat and mood swings keep her up more often than not. This is the time when her children are settled in their lives and she finally has time to fulfil her dreams. But the onstage menopause has distracted her from taking up other hobbies and other interests like travelling or attending dance classes. Some menstruating women don't have any trouble with menopausal symptoms and may even feel relieved when they can live their life without painful periods or unplanned pregnancies getting in their way. For other women, the onset of menopause can bring hot flashes, trouble sleeping, pain during intercourse, moodiness and irritability, depression. 

According to a 2022 study published in StatPearl, around 5 per cent of women in the world experience early menopause between the age of 40 and 45. Further,  1 per cent of women experience premature menopause before the age of 40 due to permanent ovarian failure that may be associated with sex chromosome abnormalities.

 

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What is Menopause?

As per a 2021 study published in the ClevelandClinic, Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, as her ovaries stop producing the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, leading to the cessation of her menstrual cycles. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone, leading to various changes in the body. The menopausal transition, also known as perimenopause, is a natural biological process that can bring about various physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that can impact a woman's daily life. 

 

When Does Menopause Occur?

According to a 2022 study published in StatPearl, as women age, their ovarian follicles decline in number. There is a decline in granulosa cells of the ovary, which were the main producers of estradiol and inhibin (female sex hormones which regulate menstruation). With the lack of inhibition from oestrogen and inhibition of gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) production increases. FSH levels are usually higher than LH levels because LH is cleared from the blood faster. The decline in oestrogen levels disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. As a result, a failure of endometrial development occurs, causing irregular menstrual cycles until they stop altogether.

Menopause may occur due to surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy. Menopause can be caused by treatment for certain conditions, like endometriosis and breast cancer with antiestrogens and other cancers due to chemotherapy medications.

Menopause typically begins around the age of 51, although it can occur earlier or later depending on various factors, such as genetics and overall health. Menopause is considered premature if it happens before the age of 40, and early if it occurs before the age of 45. The age at which a woman's mother experienced menopause can provide insight into when she might expect her menopause to occur.

 

Related story: Irregular Periods: When To Worry

 

Symptoms of Menopause

As a woman approaches menopause, she may experience a wide range of symptoms, which can vary in type and severity. Some women may have few noticeable symptoms, while others may experience significant changes that affect their quality of life. Common symptoms of menopause include:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood swings
• Anxiety or depression
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse
• Urinary complications
• Decreased libido
• Fatigue
• Hair loss or thinning hair
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory lapses
• Brain fog
• Weight gain or bloating
• Brittle nails
• Changes in body odour
• Joint or muscle pain and tension
• Digestive issues
• Osteoporosis

 

Related story: Frequently Asked Questions On Periods And Pregnancy

 

Stages of Menopause

Menopause is not an overnight event; it occurs gradually over several years. There are three main stages of menopause:

1. Perimenopause - This stage begins when a woman's oestrogen and hormone levels start to decline, usually about 3-5 years before menopause. During perimenopause, women may experience symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. Although fertility decreases during this stage, pregnancy is still possible.

2. Menopause - Menopause is officially reached when a woman has not had a menstrual period for one full year. The length of this transition can vary, lasting anywhere from 1-3 years on average.

3. Postmenopause - This stage begins one year after the last menstrual period and marks the end of the menopause transition. Some symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, may persist during postmenopause.

 

Related story: An Easy Guide To The Stages of Menstruation

 

Relieve Menopause Symptoms

Menopause can be a challenging time, both physically and emotionally. Regular checkups with a healthcare professional can also help monitor the progression of menopause and address any concerns or symptoms that may arise. 

While menopause is a natural process, there are several ways to alleviate its symptoms and improve overall well-being during this transition:

 

1. Lifestyle Changes

Making positive lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on managing menopause symptoms. Some suggestions include:

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and boost your mood
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to manage stress
• Get adequate sleep to combat fatigue and mood swings
• Stay hydrated to help with digestion and overall health
• Avoid triggers for hot flashes, such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol

 

2. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment option for women experiencing severe menopause symptoms. HRT involves supplementing the body with oestrogen and, in some cases, progesterone to help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. While there are some risks associated with long-term HRT use, such as an increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular complications, the benefits often outweigh the risks for many women struggling with intense menopause symptoms. It is essential to discuss the pros and cons of HRT with a healthcare professional before starting treatment.

 

3. Alternative Therapies

For women who prefer not to use HRT or for whom HRT is not suitable, there are alternative therapies available to help manage menopause symptoms. Some options include:

• Acupuncture
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to help with mood swings and anxiety
• Vaginal lubricants and moisturisers for vaginal dryness

 

It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before trying alternative therapies, as not all treatments may be safe or effective for every individual.

Women must seek support from friends, family, or support groups to help navigate this transition more smoothly. Open conversations about menopause can help break down stigmas and promote a better understanding of this natural life stage. Understanding the process of menopause and its potential effects can help women better manage this phase of life. To help predict when menopause may occur, women should track their menstrual cycles and keep an eye out for potential symptoms. 

If you are looking for ways to manage your menopausal symptoms, our Health Risk Assessment can provide valuable insights and help in maintaining a hassle-free life. By undergoing this assessment, you can gain a deeper understanding of your current health status and any potential risk factors. Based on the results, our team of experts can recommend the most suitable health assessment that aligns with your abilities, preferences, and health considerations. With our comprehensive approach, you can gain better insights that allow you to cater to your health fully and live a fulfilling life.

Menopause is a natural part of every woman's life, but its symptoms can significantly impact daily living. By exploring various ways to relieve menopause symptoms, women can better manage this transition and maintain a high quality of life. Remember, reaching out to healthcare professionals and seeking support from loved ones can make a world of difference throughout this journey.

 

Take care of your body and mind to feel your best. Sign up here to unlock holistic health. 

 

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are already suffering from menopause or going through a menopausal transition. Taking regular health checks can help ease symptoms of menopause at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.