Menopause
Talk to me.
Menopause typically occurs in women in their early 50's who haven't had a period in 12 months without any specific cause. Menopause marks the exact day that is 12 months after a woman's last period.
The menstrual cycle (period) stops when a woman no longer has any eggs left in her ovaries.
Perimenopause is the term that describes the lead up to a woman going into menopause which usually begins about 4 years before her period actually stops. This happens when her period starts to be irregular and she might have hormonal fluctuations, moodiness, hot flashes, trouble sleeping and vaginal dryness. These symptoms can be difficult for a lot of women, so learning how to manage them can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable.
After a woman has gone through menopause, she becomes postmenopausal.
Is there anything else I should know about? Yes.
After you have gone through menopause you need to know your risk for future medical issues. This is because the hormone levels decrease which can make you susceptible to other bodily problems. These might include:
- cardiovascular disease - This is also referred to as heart disease and is the leading cause of women in the United States. When your hormone levels drop, this can put your heart at risk. However, this is manageable with a healthy amount of diet and exercise. Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol and blood pressure to ensure you're not at any further risk.
- osteoporosis - When you go through menopause your bone density will decrease quite rapidly and cause your bones to be more likely to break or fracture.
- frequent and sudden urges to pee - When the vagina and urethra (tube in which urine travels through) become less elastic, this can make you much more likely to pee from laughing, coughing, etc.
- trouble with your sex life - Vaginal dryness and a lower libido (sex drive) are both large concerns for women going through menopause and can cause problems for your sex life. Water-based vaginal moisturizers and lubes have proven to be effective, however you can also be prescribed vaginal estrogen treatment by your doctor as well.
- weight gain - once you reach menopause, it is likely that your metabolism will slow down.
Will my day to day life change?
Mental health
As your period cycle starts to change, you may notice that your mood might change as well. When you're in perimenopause your estrogen and progesterone levels, the hormones that control your period, will start to fall. When these hormone levels get lower, your serotonin levels will lower as well. Serotonin is a messenger between chemicals in the body, called a neurotransmitter. Serotonin plays a role in our mood, digestion, sex drive, sleep, and more. When serotonin levels are lower in your body, you may experience feelings of anxiety, moodiness and sadness.
Sleep
Similar to your mood, serotonin also has an important role in your sleep cycle. Serotonin is 1 of 2 neurotransmitters that help you have a good sleep that lasts throughout the night. Serotonin also helps your body make melotonin which is a common sleep hormone. Melotonin helps regulate your sleep cycle.
Menopause commonly causes women to have hot flashes, where you suddenly feel very hot, uncomfortable and sweaty. These hot flashes can happen through the night while you're sleeping, causing women to wake up throughout the night.
Another common issue associated to menopause is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea may be triggered by the lower levels of progesterone and estrogen in your body. If you think you may be showing signs of sleep apnea, it is important to get checked by a medical professional.
How can I manage my symptoms and risks?
While menopause doesn't require any treatment at all, there are treatment or management options that help alleviate symptoms and protect your body. Many treatment options are connected to relieving hot flashes that can cause distress. Some of the main treatment options your doctor may suggest to you are the following:
- Hormone (mainly Estrogen) Therapy - This will usually be in the form of a pill that can help manage hot flashes and maintain healthy bones. While this is an effective form of treatment, it can increase your risk for breast cancer and cardiovascular problems, so it is not the right treatment for everyone
- Low-Dose Antidepressants (SSRIs) - These are usually used if you are not able to take estrogen for hot flashes.
- Gabapentin - This is a drug used for many things that has to do with your nerves, such as seizures, diabetes and nerve damage. This is also an alternative for women who can't take estrogen to relieve hot flashes.
- Clonidine - This is usually used for people who have trouble with their blood pressure, but it can also be used as an alternative for women who can't take estrogen for hot flashes.
- Vaginal Estrogen - This can be used in the form of a tablet, cream or ring to help with vaginal dryness. It can also help with needing to go to the bathroom often.
Your doctor may recommend other vitamins and supplements to help manage your day to day life after menopause. Vitamin D might be recommended to manage your bone density among other things, but it's important you speak to your doctor about options they might have as there are a wealth of treatments out there.
Talk to me.
Menopause typically occurs in women in their early 50's who haven't had a period in 12 months without any specific cause. Menopause marks the exact day that is 12 months after a woman's last period.
The menstrual cycle (period) stops when a woman no longer has any eggs left in her ovaries.
Perimenopause is the term that describes the lead up to a woman going into menopause which usually begins about 4 years before her period actually stops. This happens when her period starts to be irregular and she might have hormonal fluctuations, moodiness, hot flashes, trouble sleeping and vaginal dryness. These symptoms can be difficult for a lot of women, so learning how to manage them can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable.
After a woman has gone through menopause, she becomes postmenopausal.
Is there anything else I should know about? Yes.
After you have gone through menopause you need to know your risk for future medical issues. This is because the hormone levels decrease which can make you susceptible to other bodily problems. These might include:
- cardiovascular disease - This is also referred to as heart disease and is the leading cause of women in the United States. When your hormone levels drop, this can put your heart at risk. However, this is manageable with a healthy amount of diet and exercise. Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol and blood pressure to ensure you're not at any further risk.
- osteoporosis - When you go through menopause your bone density will decrease quite rapidly and cause your bones to be more likely to break or fracture.
- frequent and sudden urges to pee - When the vagina and urethra (tube in which urine travels through) become less elastic, this can make you much more likely to pee from laughing, coughing, etc.
- trouble with your sex life - Vaginal dryness and a lower libido (sex drive) are both large concerns for women going through menopause and can cause problems for your sex life. Water-based vaginal moisturizers and lubes have proven to be effective, however you can also be prescribed vaginal estrogen treatment by your doctor as well.
- weight gain - once you reach menopause, it is likely that your metabolism will slow down.
Will my day to day life change?
Mental health
As your period cycle starts to change, you may notice that your mood might change as well. When you're in perimenopause your estrogen and progesterone levels, the hormones that control your period, will start to fall. When these hormone levels get lower, your serotonin levels will lower as well. Serotonin is a messenger between chemicals in the body, called a neurotransmitter. Serotonin plays a role in our mood, digestion, sex drive, sleep, and more. When serotonin levels are lower in your body, you may experience feelings of anxiety, moodiness and sadness.
Sleep
Similar to your mood, serotonin also has an important role in your sleep cycle. Serotonin is 1 of 2 neurotransmitters that help you have a good sleep that lasts throughout the night. Serotonin also helps your body make melotonin which is a common sleep hormone. Melotonin helps regulate your sleep cycle.
Menopause commonly causes women to have hot flashes, where you suddenly feel very hot, uncomfortable and sweaty. These hot flashes can happen through the night while you're sleeping, causing women to wake up throughout the night.
Another common issue associated to menopause is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea may be triggered by the lower levels of progesterone and estrogen in your body. If you think you may be showing signs of sleep apnea, it is important to get checked by a medical professional.
How can I manage my symptoms and risks?
While menopause doesn't require any treatment at all, there are treatment or management options that help alleviate symptoms and protect your body. Many treatment options are connected to relieving hot flashes that can cause distress. Some of the main treatment options your doctor may suggest to you are the following:
- Hormone (mainly Estrogen) Therapy - This will usually be in the form of a pill that can help manage hot flashes and maintain healthy bones. While this is an effective form of treatment, it can increase your risk for breast cancer and cardiovascular problems, so it is not the right treatment for everyone
- Low-Dose Antidepressants (SSRIs) - These are usually used if you are not able to take estrogen for hot flashes.
- Gabapentin - This is a drug used for many things that has to do with your nerves, such as seizures, diabetes and nerve damage. This is also an alternative for women who can't take estrogen to relieve hot flashes.
- Clonidine - This is usually used for people who have trouble with their blood pressure, but it can also be used as an alternative for women who can't take estrogen for hot flashes.
- Vaginal Estrogen - This can be used in the form of a tablet, cream or ring to help with vaginal dryness. It can also help with needing to go to the bathroom often.
Your doctor may recommend other vitamins and supplements to help manage your day to day life after menopause. Vitamin D might be recommended to manage your bone density among other things, but it's important you speak to your doctor about options they might have as there are a wealth of treatments out there.
Symptom list:
Menopause
Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.
Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
