Menstruation can convey all types of ups and downs, aches and pains, questions, and considerations. Being pregnant and delivery (in case you occur to expertise them) may be among the most transformative intervals an individual can undergo, to not point out the modifications they trigger to your physique.
Then on the finish of the reproductive street, we’ve got menopause. Menopause is when a girl goes 12 months with out having a interval. Embarking on this new journey additionally comes with loads of queries – which is why we’re right here to reply among the most typical questions on menopause.
Q: What causes menopause?
The precise reason behind menopause just isn’t totally understood, however this pure organic course of is attributable to a decline within the manufacturing of hormones, primarily estrogen, and progesterone.
Whereas everybody who menstruates goes by means of menopause sooner or later of their life, some expertise it sooner than others. In some instances, menopause may be triggered by surgical procedure, like a hysterectomy (elimination of the uterus) or by surgical elimination of the ovaries.
There are specific underlying situations and life-style components that may make menopause begin earlier like smoking cigarettes, having sort 1 diabetes, present process chemotherapy, and having a household historical past of early menopause.
Q: What are the commonest signs of menopause?
Some folks expertise no signs with menopause, or their signs don’t trouble them. Many discover it a reduction, particularly in the event that they handled painful intervals.
For those who do expertise menopausal signs, these are among the most typical:
- Scorching flashes
- Irritability and moodiness
- Melancholy
- Issue sleeping or insomnia
- Vaginal dryness
- Decrease libido
- Modifications in intervals or irregular intervals
- Ache throughout intercourse
Q: How do I take care of the signs of menopause?
For those who do discover signs of menopause uncomfortable, there are steps you possibly can take to assist take care of them. One of the vital widespread methods to take care of signs of menopause is thru hormone alternative remedy, HRT, often with estrogen, however generally with progesterone as nicely. Sure antidepressants, SSRIs, may also assist in some instances.
HRT is not going to begin your interval once more, however it will possibly make it easier to take care of the signs that may include menopause. Individuals who don’t wish to go the hormone route can strive pure hacks like getting acupuncture, exercising, and attempting to remain on a daily sleep schedule.
Q: How do I do know if HRT for menopause is true for me?
Whereas hormone alternative remedy may be extremely useful for many individuals throughout menopause, it’s not for everybody. Your determination about whether or not or to not use hormones depends upon the severity of your signs, your danger for coronary heart illness and breast most cancers, how lengthy chances are you’ll want HRT, and whether or not or not the potential advantages outweigh the danger.
When you’re interested by HRT, make sure you communicate together with your healthcare supplier who might help you make a extra knowledgeable determination.
Q: How do I do know once I’ve reached menopause?
The phases of menopause may be complicated. Menopause is marked 12 months after your final menstrual interval, earlier than that you just’re in perimenopause. After 12 months you’re thought-about postmenopausal.
Perimenopause on common lasts 7 years, however for some may be as many as 14 years, usually beginning between ages 45 and 55.
Q: What precisely is a scorching flash?
Scorching flashes could really feel barely totally different for everybody, however most individuals describe them as a brief sensation of warmth by means of the physique. Some folks additionally expertise flushing and sweating adopted by chills.
The depth and frequency of scorching flashes change from individual to individual. More often than not scorching flashes cease after somebody reaches menopause, however some folks proceed to expertise them all through the remainder of their life, though they often reduce in severity.
Q: Are you able to get pregnant after menopause?
After 12 months with out intervals, it’s very uncommon that somebody would get pregnant naturally however it’s doable. It’s additionally doable to get pregnant throughout perimenopause, particularly since it may be tough to know if you’re ovulating when your intervals are irregular.
Individuals who have reached menopause can nonetheless carry a child by means of IVF. Though their eggs are now not viable, they’ll use eggs that had been frozen at a youthful age or donor eggs.
Q: How does menopause have an effect on your intercourse life?
A superb chunk of people who find themselves menopausal additionally notice a decline of their libido. Menopause may also make intercourse harder due to vaginal dryness and painful intercourse for some folks.
Don’t let this discourage you. Many individuals nonetheless have unimaginable intercourse lives after menopause, with or with out hormones. Utilizing lube is a good way to assist make intercourse extra fulfilling. Keep in mind, though you in all probability gained’t get pregnant, you continue to must take steps to forestall the transmission of STIs.
Q: How does the physique change after menopause?
In addition to the plain, there are a whole lot of different modifications that occur to the physique throughout and after menopause. A lot of that is due to hormonal modifications.
Listed here are among the methods the physique modifications with menopause:
- Metabolism modifications, which signifies that the best way that the physique makes use of vitality modifications.
- Chances are you’ll acquire weight extra simply.
- A decline in bone well being and an elevated danger for osteoporosis
- An elevated danger of heart problems, in addition to strokes and coronary heart assaults.
- Psychological well being points like melancholy and nervousness.
Life After Menopause
Whether or not you’re simply beginning your menopause journey or have made it by means of to the opposite facet, everyone has their very own distinctive expertise. It’s completely regular to not expertise signs, however in case you do, there’s assist obtainable to you.
For any extra questions you could have, you possibly can consult with your healthcare supplier. It’s nonetheless vital to go to common gynecology appointments for pap smears and mammograms. Welcome to membership menopause!
