Menopause

What is menopause?

During menopause the ovaries stop producing egg cells, as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Every woman goes through menopause, but climacteric syndrome, which makes its course more difficult, does not occur in every woman.

In the years before menopause the menstrual cycle may become longer or shorter, and periods may be shorter than before. Even if your periods are irregular, pregnancy is still possible. If you have had no periods for a year, there is no longer a chance of pregnancy.

Symptoms of menopause

Falling estrogen levels disrupt the body’s temperature regulation. These hormonal changes can cause both physical and emotional complaints. The most common are:

• Hot flashes – a feeling of heat in the head and neck
• Night sweats, excessive sweating
• Sleep problems
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood swings, irritability
• Poor concentration, forgetfulness
• Palpitations, raised blood pressure, headaches
• Dry skin, numbness or cramps in the limbs
• In severe cases – choking attacks, panic attacks

Bone health and osteoporosis

Estrogens affect the density and strength of bone tissue. In most women the onset of menopause is accompanied by disturbed calcium metabolism and accelerates bone loss (osteoporosis). Bones become fragile, the risk of fractures rises, and over time the spine may curve and height may decrease. The risk of heart disease may also increase during this period.

For this reason every woman going through menopause should be assessed for osteoporosis risk. Densitometry, which measures bone density, is especially important for women in menopause and for those who have had both ovaries removed. To protect your bones:

• Pay attention to your daily calcium intake and eat calcium-rich foods
• Have your vitamin D level checked
• Exercise regularly and avoid a sedentary lifestyle
• Cut down on salt
• Stay away from smoking and alcohol

Weight and metabolism

Menopause is one of the factors behind hormonal weight gain. When the balance of female and male hormones is disturbed, body fat shifts from the thighs and pelvis to the abdomen – around the internal organs. Because estrogen and progesterone affect insulin sensitivity, blood sugar may also change during menopause.

In such cases it is hard to get results with diet and exercise alone: the hormonal background should first be corrected by an endocrinologist.

How can the complaints be eased?

Climacteric syndrome is treated with non-drug, drug and hormonal methods. Menopausal complaints can be treated with hormone medications and some antidepressants; where appropriate, hormone replacement therapy is used. Treatment is always chosen individually.

In everyday life the following can help:

• Wearing light, cotton clothing
• Avoiding hot environments
• Cutting down on hot drinks and alcohol
• Quitting smoking – smoking makes menopausal complaints worse
• Physical activity – it keeps depression at bay and strengthens the bones

When should you see a doctor?

See your doctor if:

• There are less than 3 weeks between two periods
• Bleeding is very heavy
• There is spotting between periods
• You have bleeding even though you are in menopause
• Night sweats persist – hormonal and thyroid tests should be done