I'm thinking of diving into a blog series about the 'Menopause' journey, touching on everything from Perimenopause to Postmenopause, and shedding light on the myriad of experiences and symptoms that come along with it. Let’s kick off with:
Understanding Menopause: A brief overview of a vast subject
Menopause isn't just a phase; it's a significant milestone in a woman's life, that should not be considered lightly. Having said that it can be thought positively as bringing a new chapter to a woman’s life. However, we have to get through and manage the myriad of symptoms first!
Typically striking in the late 40s or early 50s, this transition signifies the end of her reproductive years. Though often dubbed ‘The Change’, that term feels a tad outdated today. We're seeing more open conversations about menopause than ever before, with many women proudly acknowledging it.
As women navigate menopause, their ovaries cease egg release and produce fewer hormones like oestrogen. This hormonal shift can bring about both physical and emotional alterations. Think hot flushes, those quirky “Meno Moments” (some call it brain fog), menstrual irregularities, and even weight fluctuations. Plus, as oestrogen levels decline, the risk for certain medical conditions increases.
The menopausal journey can be segmented into three stages:
Perimenopause: This precursor to menopause can kick in several years prior and might last a good eight to ten years. Symptoms are aplenty, and while periods may be sporadic, pregnancy remains a possibility. It generally occurs when women enter their 40’s and 50’s.
Menopause: You hit this phase after a year without menstrual periods. But, don’t let a few missed periods lull you into complacency. Just when you think you’re out of the woods, a surprise period might pop up! As the Girl Guides say “Always be prepared”. After this 12-month milestone, any bleeding should warrant a doctor's visit.
Postmenopause: This phase starts post that one-year mark for the rest of our lives. While hormone levels stabilize, some menopausal symptoms might linger, though they often lessen over time.
However, the journey isn't universal. Some women might traverse a different path:
Early Menopause: Striking women in their 30s or early 40s, this early onset can be linked to genetics, surgeries, or other medical conditions. I know a few who just saw their periods stop in their late 30s without any accompanying symptoms.
Surgical Menopause: This abrupt menopause onset follows an ovary removal, often due to a hysterectomy. These women might still grapple with intense and immediate perimenopause symptoms.
Remember, menopause is nature's design and will embrace every woman eventually. The experience varies vastly, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Considering the unique journey each woman has, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is always prudent, especially when approaching or in the throes of menopause. This is particularly important as sometimes we may not recognise the symptoms as menopause symptoms, or we could think they are menopause symptoms, however they could be related to another health issue.
Menopause Symptoms:
Below are some of the many symptoms that maybe experienced. This is probably by no means an exhaustive list and you may be added your own experiences to this list. Also, not all women will experience all of these symptoms, and as previously mentioned the intensity will vary and can also fluctuate. I bet that every woman that has been through this has a her own story to tell.
Irregular periods
Stress incontinence or urinary incontinence
Depression
Night Sweats/Hot flashes
Sleep problems (from insomnia to utter fatigue, not helped at all by the night sweats)
Mood changes (mood swings)
Weight gain
Thinning hair and dry skin
Facial hair (to add insult to injury when your head hair is thinning)
Loss of breast fullness
Short term memory loss
Migraines
Fatigue
Short term memory loss (see what I did there?)
Brain Fog
Lack of Motivation
Lack of focus
Breast tenderness
Digestive problems
Vaginal dryness
Lack of libido (not helped by the vaginal dryness, night sweats, insomnia and fatigue)
Osteoporosis
Joint stiffness
Muscle aches
Decreased confidence
Acne
Dry eyes
Dry mouth
Bloating
Anxiety
If you have any other symptoms we can add to the list please let me know. I'm going to try to address some of the symptoms and possible ways to manage them over the next few weeks. I'll share my own experience too.
#Menopausejourney#Ageinggracefully#WomensHealth#Health&WellnessCoach
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