Menstruation can carry all types of ups and downs, aches and pains, questions, and considerations. Being pregnant and delivery (in case you occur to expertise them) might be among the most transformative intervals an individual can undergo, to not point out the adjustments they trigger to your physique.
Then on the finish of the reproductive highway, now we have 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 for menopause will not be absolutely understood, however this pure organic course of is brought on by a decline within the manufacturing of hormones, primarily estrogen, and progesterone.
Whereas everybody who menstruates goes by way of menopause in some unspecified time in the future of their life, some expertise it sooner than others. In some circumstances, menopause might be triggered by surgical procedure, like a hysterectomy (elimination of the uterus) or by surgical elimination of the ovaries.
There are particular underlying circumstances and life-style elements 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 individuals expertise no signs with menopause, or their signs don’t hassle them. Many discover it a aid, 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
- Despair
- Problem sleeping or insomnia
- Vaginal dryness
- Decrease libido
- Modifications in intervals or irregular intervals
- Ache throughout intercourse
Q: How do I cope with the signs of menopause?
For those who do discover signs of menopause uncomfortable, there are steps you may take to assist cope with them. One of the frequent methods to cope with signs of menopause is thru hormone substitute remedy, HRT, normally with estrogen, however typically with progesterone as properly. Sure antidepressants, SSRIs, can even assist in some circumstances.
HRT won’t begin your interval once more, however it could actually assist you cope with the signs that may include menopause. Individuals who don’t wish to go the hormone route can attempt pure hacks like getting acupuncture, exercising, and making an attempt to remain on a daily sleep schedule.
Q: How do I do know if HRT for menopause is correct for me?
Whereas hormone substitute remedy might be extremely useful for many individuals throughout menopause, it’s not for everybody. Your resolution about whether or not or to not use hormones will depend on the severity of your signs, your threat for coronary heart illness and breast most cancers, how lengthy you might want HRT, and whether or not or not the potential advantages outweigh the danger.
In the event you’re interested by HRT, remember to communicate along with your healthcare supplier who will help you make a extra knowledgeable resolution.
Q: How do I do know after I’ve reached menopause?
The phases of menopause might be complicated. Menopause is marked 12 months after your final menstrual interval, earlier than that you simply’re in perimenopause. After 12 months you might be thought of postmenopausal.
Perimenopause on common lasts 7 years, however for some might be as many as 14 years, sometimes beginning between ages 45 and 55.
Q: What precisely is a scorching flash?
Scorching flashes could really feel barely completely different for everybody, however most individuals describe them as a brief sensation of warmth by way of the physique. Some individuals 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 individuals proceed to expertise them all through the remainder of their life, though they normally 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 potential. It’s additionally potential to get pregnant throughout perimenopause, particularly since it may be troublesome to know whenever you’re ovulating when your intervals are irregular.
Individuals who have reached menopause can nonetheless carry a child by way of IVF. Though their eggs are not viable, they will 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 great chunk of people who find themselves menopausal additionally word a decline of their libido. Menopause can even make intercourse harder due to vaginal dryness and painful intercourse for some individuals.
Don’t let this discourage you. Many individuals nonetheless have unbelievable intercourse lives after menopause, with or with out hormones. Utilizing lube is a good way to assist make intercourse extra gratifying. Bear in mind, though you in all probability gained’t get pregnant, you continue to have to take steps to stop the transmission of STIs.
Q: How does the physique change after menopause?
Apart from the apparent, there are lots of different adjustments that occur to the physique throughout and after menopause. A lot of that is due to hormonal adjustments.
Listed here are among the methods the physique adjustments with menopause:
- Metabolism adjustments, which implies that the way in which that the physique makes use of vitality adjustments.
- You could achieve weight extra simply.
- A decline in bone well being and an elevated threat for osteoporosis
- An elevated threat of heart problems, in addition to strokes and coronary heart assaults.
- Psychological well being points like melancholy and anxiousness.
Life After Menopause
Whether or not you’re simply beginning your menopause journey or have made it by way 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 accessible to you.
For any extra questions you have got, you may discuss with your healthcare supplier. It’s nonetheless vital to go to common gynecology appointments for pap smears and mammograms. Welcome to membership menopause!
