Everything You Should Know About Menopause

Symptoms

These symptoms may start before menstruation ends, and they can last for several years. The impact on a person’s quality of life can range from mild to severe. However, there are ways of managing these symptoms.

Each person will experience menopause differently. Many have full, active lives throughout the transition and afterwards, and some feel relieved by no longer having to deal with menstruation or birth control.

Lower fertility: As a female approaches the end of the reproductive stage, but before menopause begins, estrogen levels start to fall. This reduces the chances of becoming pregnant.

Irregular menstruation: The first sign that menopause is approaching is usually periods occurring less regularly. They may come more or less frequently than usual, and they may be heavier or lighter.

Vaginal dryness and discomfort: Vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort may start during perimenopause and continue into menopause. A person with any of these symptoms may experience chafing and discomfort during vaginal sex. Also, if the skin breaks, this can increase the risk of infection.

Hot flashes: Hot flashes are common around the time of menopause. They cause a person to feel a sudden sensation of heat in the upper body. The sensation may start in the face, neck, or chest and progress upward or downward.

A hot flash can also cause: Hot flashes usually occur in the first year after menstruation ends, but they can continue for up to 14 years after menopause.

• sweating

• red patches to form on the skin

• Some people experience night sweats and cold flashes, or chills, in addition to or instead of hot flashes​

Sleep disturbances: Sleep problems can arise during menopause, and they may stem from:

• anxiety

• night sweats

• an increased need to urinate

Getting plenty of exercise and avoiding heavy meals before bedtime can help with managing these issues, but if they persist, contact a healthcare provider.

Emotional changes: Depression, anxiety, and low mood are common during menopause. It is not unusual to experience times of irritability and crying spells.

Ways to overcome 

Nutrition: Nutrition plays a vital role. Women should eat many green vegetables and fruits. The vitamin groups found in vegetables and fruits naturally help the skin to be bright and smooth and help with a better metabolism. Maintain a low-fat, low-salt diet, obese of animal origin because of the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.

• Do not smoke, drink alcohol or strong coffee... Supplement with natural herbs to help the nervous and endocrine systems maintain good activity.

• Regularly exercise to improve health (yoga, walking, badminton, dancing...).

• Experiencing social activities (working in communes, wards, and women's unions...).

• Experiencing brain-boosting games (jigsaw puzzles, chasing letters, number blocks...).

Do exercise regularly: Maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help a person feel better and boost their overall health in the long term. For those who experience menopause symptoms, treatments and support are available.