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Every woman experiences the years leading up to menopause which
are technically known as perimenopause differently. The variations
range from the onset of symptoms, to the amount that affect them,
and even how long they last—which can range anywhere from
two to eight years before menstruation finally stops for the twelve
months required to be considered actual menopause. However, there
are general symptoms that the majority of women encounter as they
mature.
All of these problems stem from the changing hormones especially
estrogen and progesterone in particular a woman’s ovaries
mature and fail to maintain the levels to which her body was accustomed
during her more fertile years. These symptoms can affect a woman,
literally, from head to toe, and many are interconnected—so,
with the onset of one symptom, another symptom invariably arrives.
While a direct medical connection has not been proven for sure,
depression and anxiety is a common problem for menopausal women.
Whether it is caused by the varied levels of hormones, the feelings
of uncertainty of the process of aging or even some of the other
physical conditions of menopause, many women deal with feelings
of agitation, sadness, nervousness and even depression. No matter
the biological cause, depression and anxiety can be a serious side
effect of menopause, if not monitored.
There are two possible menopause related reasons for the increase
of headaches or migraines. The first is the actual physical constricting,
or narrowing, of blood vessels as a result of the hormone changes.
This can cause headaches that vary from occasional to frequent and
mild to intense. The second possible cause is due to the emotional
and psychological strain that all of the physical and chemical changes
that are happening due to menopause inflict. Headaches are a natural
reaction to stress, and menopause is certainly a stressful period
in a woman’s life.
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Sleepless nights are a result of multiple things. The chemical serotonin
is reduced during menopause and this is what causes drowsiness.
Without proper amounts of serotonin, healthy sleep patterns are
interrupted. Then, there is the anxiety that comes with the changes
of menopause that can keep a woman awake at night. Lastly, other
symptoms of menopause such as incontinence, hot flashes/night sweating
and headaches prevent a decent night’s sleep.
Some women experience a loss of bladder control due to the thinning
of the vaginal walls. The thickness of the vaginal walls is affected
by the amount of estrogen in the woman’s body. Naturally,
as the estrogen decreases, the vaginal walls become thinner and
a woman is not able to withhold urine with the same amount of control
as she could in the past. Kegel exercises can help a woman to regain
control through strengthening the pelvic muscles. Incidentally,
Kegel exercises may also increase the pleasure a woman derives from
sex.
With the loss of estrogen, the vagina is also not able to produce
as much natural lubrication. This, in turn, leads to painful intercourse.
This symptom can have a severe effect on a woman’s self image,
emotional state and feeling of security within the relationship
between her and her partner.
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As the body prepares for menopause, the ovaries start to shut down
and ovulation becomes irregular. Ovulation is what helps the menstrual
cycle stay within its natural rhythm. If ovulation varies, a woman’s
bleeding can be altered, both in frequency and amount. Spotting
in between periods and heavy menstruation are common for women during
this time.
Estrogen helps the bones absorb the minerals, like calcium, needed
to keep bones strong and able to withstand the abuse the body takes
everyday.
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As
the body prepares for menopause and hormones decrease, bones can
weaken and become more brittle. This is why many women have to deal
with osteoporosis as they mature.
Hot Flashes: The majority of women complain of this condition during
the transitional period of menopause. Doctors don’t know the
exact physical cause of hot flashes, but they believe it has to
do with part of the brain called the hypothalamus and the thyroid
system. The chemical changes in the body cause the body to feel
a sensation of intense heat. Usually, the warmth starts on the face
and neck and travels downward. Sweating then occurs and sometimes
it is so bad that is can soak through clothing and sheets as they
sleep (night sweats).
Menopause is not preventable, of course, but there are treatments
for the individual symptoms. Something as simple as an improved
diet (losing weight, balanced meals and low caffeine) and exercise
program can reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. There
are also natural supplements and other over the counter treatments
(pills, lubricants and creams) available. Prescription treatments
can be given by a doctor and include low dose oral contraceptives
other and more potent forms of hormone replacement therapy. Both
prescriptive medication and some over the counter products have
potential adverse side effects, so a woman should consult her physician
before beginning any course of treatment. While it may be difficult
to discuss many of the symptoms that come with menopause, a women
should realize that her doctor has treated many patients, has heard
it all and is there to help—no matter how personal it may
seem.
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