Menopause - Vitality Health Center

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. The term "menopause" refers to the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

The lead up to menopause is called perimenopause. This stage can begin 8-10 years before menopause when hormone levels start to fluctuate. Women may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, and mood changes during perimenopause.

The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur anywhere from 40-58. There are a few key signs that menopause is approaching:

• Irregular periods - This is usually the first sign. Menstrual cycles may be longer or shorter, heavier or lighter.
• Hot flashes - Sudden sensations of heat in the body, particularly the face, neck and chest. These can be accompanied by sweating, reddening of the skin, and a rapid heart rate.
• Vaginal dryness - Lack of estrogen causes the tissues of the vulva and vagina to become thinner, drier and less elastic. This can make intercourse painful.
• Mood changes - Fluctuating estrogen levels can cause irritability, anxiety, sadness, insomnia and difficulty concentrating.
• Other symptoms - Night sweats, hair loss or thinning, headaches, weight gain, urinary changes like incontinence.

The ultimate cause of menopause is the loss of ovarian function and declining levels of estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries produce less of these key hormones and ovulation becomes irregular. Estrogen and progesterone help regulate menstrual cycles and are involved in bone health, heart health, skin elasticity, and more. When these hormones decline, it causes the symptoms of menopause.

While menopause marks the end of fertility, it should not be viewed as just the end of womanhood. Yes, it signals aging, but with lifestyle adjustments to diet, exercise, and stress, women can still live life to the fullest after menopause. Some women even report feeling empowered and free with the cessation of menstrual periods and worries about pregnancy.

If symptoms are especially severe, women should see their doctor about possible treatment options like hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, antidepressants, etc. The professionals at Vitality Health Center can provide customized care plans to help women transition smoothly into menopause. Call today to schedule a consultation!