Menopause

Menopause is that phase in every woman’s life where she ends her journey with the periods. It also marks the end of her reproductive journey. It is a point in time, 12 months after her last period when she might come across some changes in her body. It mostly happens between the age of 45 and 55. This age range is only an estimation.

How long does menopause last?

Usually, it may begin in your 40s or in your 50s. Menopause may last for seven years or it may even last for 14 years. It varies on a number of situations like lifestyle, ethnicity, and other medical factors. During the premenopausal period, two main hormone production i.e. progesterone and estrogen vary greatly. This change in hormonal balance affects women’s health greatly. From gaining weight easily to a change in body shape can happen due to these hormonal changes.

Signs of menopause

Estrogen is used by various body parts and a decrease in its level causes various symptoms which are mostly mild and can be treated by simple changes in the lifestyle like reducing the intake of coffee. While most women do not need any such treatment at all and easily adjust to the change. Below we shall discuss a few more symptoms:-

• Change in period: - The duration of the period may change. The period may last longer than a week. Sometimes it may resume after a year with no period. Or you may experience heavy bleeding.
• Hot flashes: - Irregular hot flashes might wake you up. It can be as short as 30 seconds or as long as 10 minutes.
• Bladder control: - You may have a sudden urge to urinate or may even experience leakage during exercise. You may seed the doctor in this situation.
• Sleep: - The sleep cycle may get disturbed. Maybe you find it hard to sleep or might get up early. If you wake up, then you may find it hard to get back to sleep. Night sweats might also wake you up.
• Vaginal health and sexuality: - The vagina may become dry and cause you to have uncomfortable sex, it may even lead to vaginal pain. Apart from this, you may even think differently about sex. out sex. You may feel less interested in sex or you may feel freer as you do not have any period. Even if you do not have any period, you must ask your partner to use a condom during sex.
• Mood Changes: - You may feel irritated. While the scientists are not sure about the reason for the same. A number of reasons can be the reason, be it family or aging, or adapting to the menopause situation. Do consult your doctor in such a situation. Relaxation of the pelvic muscles

Women’s Health is of primary concern during this time. The symptoms that can occur are as follows

• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Weight gain and slowed metabolism
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Loss of breast fullness
• Treatment for menopause

This method should be taken only after doctors advise.

• Hormone therapy (HT)
• Estrogen therapy (ET)
• Estrogen alternatives
• Non-hormonal treatment
• Alternative therapies

Conclusion
Menopause is a biological phenomenon and it marks the end of the menstrual cycle in a woman’s life. Simply speaking it marks the end of a woman’s life to bear children. The changes that women go through during menopause may be mild to severe. If the situation doesn’t seem appropriate, it is advisable to see a doctor.