Menopause starts when your menstrual cycle stops for over nine consecutive months. Most women will have indicators of menopause, and many will experience early symptoms while still getting periods. Menopausal symptoms can begin months or years before your periods cease and can last for years afterward. If you go through menopause because of surgical or medical therapies, you will likely have symptoms much less gradually. Common signs and symptoms of menopause Prospect Lefferts Gardens may include:
1. Irregular menstrual cycles
This is a classic symptom that you are approaching menopause. Your periods may be more or less frequent, heavier or lighter, or longer or shorter than usual. When you are in perimenopause, it is not easy to estimate when or whether your next period will occur.
It’s also more difficult to predict how long your period will continue or if your flow will be light or heavy. Furthermore, it is more difficult to become pregnant during this stage, but it is still possible as long as you have periods.
2. Hot flashes
Another prevalent symptom of menopause is hot flashes. Approximately 75% of all women experience these rapid, brief, recurrent elevations in body temperature. Hot flashes typically begin before your last menstrual cycle. Hot flashes affect 80% of women for two years or less, and a minority number of women have hot flashes for longer than two years.
A hot flash may increase your heart rate in addition to an elevation in skin temperature. This creates excessive perspiration as the body attempts to cool itself. Heart palpitations and dizziness may also accompany this symptom.
3. Vaginal atrophy
Vaginal atrophy is the drying and thinning of the vaginal and urethral tissues. This can result in sex discomfort, vaginitis, cystitis, and urinary tract infections.
4. Muscle relaxation in the pelvic region
Relaxing the pelvic muscles can cause urinary incontinence and increase the likelihood of the uterus, bladder, urethra, or rectum intruding into the vagina.
5. Cardiac effects
Menopause symptoms include intermittent disorientation, an abnormal feeling such as numbness, prickling, tingling, or heightened sensitivity, cardiac palpitations, and a rapid heart rhythm.
Treating menopause
Menopause is a normal physiological procedure that your body goes through. In certain circumstances, menopause therapy is not required. When discussing menopause therapy with your provider, focus on managing the symptoms of menopause that are interfering with your life.
There are several therapies available for menopause symptoms. Hormonal and non-hormonal therapy are the two basic forms of menopause treatment. While going through menopause, it is critical to consult with your healthcare physician to develop a treatment plan that fits you.
Can you become pregnant during menopause?
When you reach menopause, the potential of conception diminishes. Conversely, you can become pregnant throughout the menopause transition (perimenopause). If you do not want to get pregnant, you should continue to take birth control until you are certain you have reached menopause. Before discontinuing contraception, consult with your doctor.
Menopause is the natural termination of your menstrual cycle and signifies fertility’s end. Most women reach menopause by 52, although a pelvic or ovarian injury might trigger premature menopause. Also, early menopause might be caused by genetics or underlying illnesses.
You may benefit from treatment if your symptoms are severe or affecting your quality of life. Menopause symptoms may often be treated or minimized with natural therapies (hormonal) and lifestyle changes. Call LaSante Health Center to schedule your consultation today to determine which menopause therapies suit you.