If you are approaching 40, you may have menopause on your mind. For some, it's a time of unwelcome change and irritating and uncomfortable symptoms. For others, the transition marks a life stage of great freedom and liberation.
“There's a lot of negativity and fear about menopause," says Sarah Bartlett, MD, a gynecologist with The Christ Hospital Physicians – Gynecology. “But, after the inconvenient symptoms, many women find it to be the best time of their lives. And all women should be empowered to feel that way."
From your pre-menopause years through menopause and beyond, you'll likely spend decades in the stage of life triggered by the end of your menstrual cycles.
Dr. Bartlett says you can embrace this time by understanding what to expect and knowing you have many options to stay comfortable and healthy, even as your hormones fluctuate.
About menopause
Menopause is the term used to describe the end of a woman's reproductive years. It happens as your ovaries produce less of the hormone estrogen. These hormone fluctuations cause changes in how your body regulates processes like body temperature, appetite, sleep, metabolism and sexual function.
Doctors can officially diagnose menopause once you've gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. For many women, menopause happens around age 52. However, getting to and beyond menopause is a gradual process that unfolds in several stages.
Menopause stages
- Perimenopause. This stage, also called pre-menopause, typically begins several years before menopause (as early as age 40 for some women). During perimenopause, your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. Perimenopause can last four to eight years.
- Menopause. Menopause is the point in time one year after your last menstrual cycle. At menopause, your estrogen levels have declined to the point that you no longer ovulate (release an egg from your ovaries).
- Post-menopause. Post-menopause refers to the years following menopause.
Menopause symptoms
Changing hormone levels throughout all menopause stages can lead to irritating or uncomfortable symptoms. Symptoms can continue post-menopause, but they typically decrease over time.
Some of the most common menopause symptoms include:
- Anxiety, irritability and depression
- Decreased sex drive (low libido)
- Frequent urination
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Joint pain
- Skin, hair and nail changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
When it comes to menopause symptoms, Dr. Bartlett says sleep issues may be among the most disruptive.
“Hot flashes, night sweats and bladder control can affect how well you sleep," Dr. Bartlett says. “But hormone changes alone can also disrupt your sleep. Many women disregard sleep and view it as a 'minor complaint,' but I disagree. Poor sleep is a big deal. It impacts our emotions, our energy and our overall health. We can't be healthy and proactive about our health without restorative sleep."
Menopause treatments
Today, women have many great options to treat menopause symptoms.
“Many women come to me wanting to talk about hormone therapy for menopause," Dr. Bartlett says. “Hormones can be a great option, especially for women with multiple symptoms, like hair, skin and nail changes, hot flashes, and sleep or mood disturbances."
For more isolated symptoms, targeted medications can also provide relief. For example, vaginal estrogens—which come in creams, pills or devices—may offer relief for vaginal pain or dryness.
But medications and hormones aren't for everyone, cautions Dr. Bartlett. And they aren't the only option available.
“Acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis and certain pain medicine procedures can also alleviate hot flashes and night sweats," Dr. Bartlett says.
Exercise and menopause
Researchers haven't proven that exercise by itself can help treat menopause symptoms, Dr. Bartlett says. However, exercise does help with weight loss, which can reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
Exercise also improves your sleep and your overall sense of well-being.
“There are a lot of collateral benefits of exercise," Dr. Bartlett says. “I think women need to exercise throughout their lives. It does become a little more critical during menopause, as that's a time when we begin to gain weight in our midsections, where dangerous visceral fat accumulates. That kind of fat is associated with heart disease and diabetes."
Embracing the menopause journey
Despite its many symptoms, you don't need to feel miserable during menopause. An experienced, caring provider can offer treatment options to help you through the journey.
“Women should feel empowered to learn about what's happening to their body," Dr. Bartlett says. “And they should know how to be proactive about dealing with it. That's why I think it's important to surround yourself with people you trust, like friends and knowledgeable healthcare providers."
Dr. Bartlett says, “If you have a sense of community and seek good information, you'll be better equipped to embrace change."
Need help finding the perfect provider to talk to about menopause or other healthcare concerns? Call our ezCare Concierege at 513-261-8007 or request a call to start the conversation!