What would happen if you were
diagnosed with menopause? Fear may strike greatly upon women as they hear the
term menopause. As you approach your late 30s, your ovaries start making less
estrogen and progesterone — the hormones that regulate menstruation — and your
fertility declines. In your 40s, your menstrual periods may become longer or
shorter, heavier or lighter, and more or less frequent, until eventually — on
average, by age 51 — you have no more periods. Menopause is a normal condition
that all women experience as they age. It can be described as any of the
changes a woman goes through either just before or after she stops
menstruating, which is the marking of an end for her reproductive period.
What Causes Menopause?
A woman is born with a finite number of eggs,
which are stored in the ovaries. The ovaries also create the hormones estrogen
and progesterone, which control menstruation
and ovulation.
Menopause occurs when the ovaries no longer release an egg every month and
menstruation stops.
Menopause is considered a normal part of
aging when it happens after the age of 40. However, some women can go through
menopause early, either as a result of surgery, such as hysterectomy, or damage to
the ovaries, such as from chemotherapy.
When menopause occurs before the age of 40, regardless of the cause, it is
called premature menopause.
Symptoms of Menopause
The symptoms that women experience
are primarily related to a lowered production of the female sex hormones
estrogen and progesterone. Menopause symptoms vary widely because of the many
effects that these hormones have on the female body. The most common symptoms
are irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep difficulties, and
irritability.
Your period may not be as regular
as it used to be. You may bleed heavier or lighter than usual, and occasionally
spot. Also, your period may be shorter or longer in duration. If you do miss
your period, make sure to rule out pregnancy. If you’re not pregnant, a missed
period could indicate the onset of menopause.
Many women complain of hot flashes
as a primary menopause symptom. Hot flashes can be a sudden feeling of heat
either in the upper portion of your body or all over. Your face and neck might
turn red, and you may feel sweaty or flushed. The intensity of a hot flash can
range from mild to very strong. A hot flash generally lasts between 30 seconds
and 10 minutes. Most women experience hot flashes for a year or two after their
final menstrual period. Hot flashes may still continue after menopause, but
they lessen in intensity over time.
It’s common to feel less interested
in sex during menopause as well as having less control of their bladder. This
is a menopause issue caused by physical changes brought on by reduced estrogen.
Changes in hormone production
affect the moods of women during menopause. Some women report feelings of
irritability, depression, mood swings, and often go from extreme highs to
severe lows in a short period of time which is totally normal.
Treatments for Menopause
There are a number of different treatment
options to consider if you're suffering from symptoms of menopause.
After menopause, hormone replacement therapy
(HRT) is often prescribed to resupply the body with the hormones it no longer
produces. HRT uses female hormones, estrogen and progesterone and is used to
treat common symptoms of menopause and aging. Doctors can prescribe it during
or after menopause.
Alternative Treatments
Supplements, herbs and botanicals like black
cohosh, evening primrose oil, and flaxseed are thought to relieve menopausal
symptoms. The question is are they safe? What are the warning signs a product
may not be legitimate? It is best to ask your doctor if you choose to take this
route for treating menopause.
Natural Treatments
Learn about herbs, supplements, and other
natural remedies that some believe help with menopause symptoms.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, also known as black snakeroot
or bugbane, is a medicinal root. It is used to treat women's hormone-related
symptoms, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual cramps, and
menopausal symptoms.
Soy for Menopause Symptoms
Soy is high in isoflavones. Isoflavones are a
type of phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are chemicals found in plants that work
like estrogens.
Wild Yam and Progesterone Creams
Wild yam and progesterone creams are
available without a prescription and are marketed for relieving perimenopausal
symptoms caused by "estrogen dominance."
There’s no need
for women to suffer through the frustrating symptoms of perimenopause and
menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and low libido. Our San Antonio
gynecologists will work with you to find the right treatment plan that reduces
or eliminates your symptoms and allows you to feel like yourself again.
Your treatment
options may include hormone replacement therapy and medication. Call us at
(210)-349-9300 to schedule an appointment and start feeling better.
