Menopause: Understanding Signs, Symptoms, and Management Techniques

Blogs08 Mar 2024

The journey of womanhood starts from the first blush of adolescence to the graceful transition into the wisdom years, and somewhere in between lies a transformative phase called menopause. As you enter the age span of 45-50, you might wonder why you are going through sudden mood swings or hot flashes. It might be the start of your menopausal phase. But there’s nothing to worry about. We understand that this is a time that requires extra care and attention to navigate it better. And we are here to support you through and through. As we delve into the intricacies of this natural process, we'll explore the meaning of menopause, its signs and symptoms, and effective ways to manage this period.

Stages of Menopause

1. Perimenopause 2. Menopause 3. Post-menopause

What is Perimenopause?

Before menopause comes the perimenopausal transition phase. You may wonder how do I know if I am going through this phase? We are here to help you understand everything about it. The perimenopausal phase can last from 7-14 years and typically starts at the ages of 45-55. During this time, you may experience shifts in monthly cycles, hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain and other symptoms. The total length of the perimenopausal transition varies based on lifestyle choices. And so, when does menopause begin? Well, the early signs may start in the 40s, catching many by surprise and reaching menopause by 51-52.

What is Menopause?

Menopause signals a new chapter in your life as it marks the end of menstruation. If a healthy woman at menopausal age has not had her monthly cycle for 12 months, it is safe to say that she is probably going through menopause. The meaning of menopause is that it is a phase that concludes the childbearing years as there is a decline in reproductive hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone in the body. Menopause comes with a string of signs and symptoms which can be tough to grapple with without prior knowledge. But fret not. It is not a mere end; rather, it's a beautiful beginning.

What are the Symptoms of Perimenopause and menopause?

The signs and symptoms of menopause vary from woman to woman, making this journey as unique as each individual. Here are the main perimenopausal and early menopause symptoms:

1. Irregular periods

Changes in your period are one of the first noticeable signs of perimenopause or menopause. In some women, their flow decreases whereas for some it may increase unnaturally. Some may be faced with excessive spotting, or too long or short menstrual cycles. When you see such changes in your cycle, it is best to visit your gynaecologist to understand it better.

2. Hot flashes

According to SWAN, up to 80% of women have hot flashes and night sweats during this period. These flashes can disrupt sleep, mood, concentration and energy. Many women experience hot flashes early on in their perimenopausal journey and continue facing them after the end of their menstrual cycle.

3. Trouble with sleep

Perimenopause can make it difficult for women to fall asleep quickly. This typically occurs due to changes in hormones and the brain being too active during nighttime. Many women face night sweats, hot flashes, waking up in the middle of the night, etc., which hampers sleep quality even more.

4. Bladder control

You may face problems holding your urine. It may even leak through during laughter, sneezes or exercises. Sometimes this can cause infections, so it is always better to show yourself to a doctor if you face this regularly.

5. Mood swings

During the perimenopausal phase, it is very common to feel sad, tired, hopeless and more. Most women are prone to psychological and emotional turmoil, especially during the time of the final period. Midlife is a time of change and women often tend to experience depressive episodes during this time, however, this translates into major depression for only a minority of women. Here, being around your loved one’s can help you navigate this phase. As menopause progresses, more pronounced symptoms like these emerge:

6. Vaginal dryness and decreased libido

Vaginal dryness is related to sexual health and is prevalent in women in their perimenopausal and postmenopausal phases. This symptom may be exacerbated in women who have their ovaries removed. The overall sexual functioning including libido declines during this period.

7. Changes in the body

Some other side effects of menopause are a decline in bone density, mental health, memory issues, weight gain, and more. This may give you an overall sense of change in your body and lead to more confusion. It helps to relay all your symptoms to a doctor and get their professional opinion. Dealing with menopause can be a roller coaster. Some might find themselves down with feelings of sadness and exhaustion whereas some might be free of most symptoms and ready to embrace this new phase of life. It is important to recognise these symptoms not as obstacles but as stepping stones toward a more enriched and liberated phase of life. And one can do that effectively by learning and practising management techniques for menopause.

Post-menopause

This stage signals the end of a woman’s reproductive years. While some menopausal symptoms may drag along for a few years during this phase, they slowly dissipate with age. The body hence stops ovulation and menstruation, producing lower quantities of estrogen and progesterone.

Steps to Manage the Menopausal Phase

1. Embrace Healthy Lifestyle Changes

If you smoke or avoid physical activity, now is the time to make new healthy habits. Regular exercise, and a nutritious diet rich in calcium, protein and vitamin D can help relieve some symptoms. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

2. Stay Connected

When you feel down by menopause, instead of retreating inward and facing challenges alone, seek out support from your loved ones or a support group. Information, and understanding from those who have already been through menopause can be extremely helpful. Talk to your family and let them know what you are going through. This might help them understand your situation and support you in a better way.

3. Explore ways to manage Menopausal Symptoms

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), under the guidance of a healthcare professional, may be helpful to manage severe symptoms. Alternative therapies like acupuncture and herbal supplements are also worth exploring as ways of managing menopausal symptoms better. Make sure to visit your gynaecologist to understand your symptoms and treatment plans better.

4. Prioritise Mental Health

Menopause isn't just a physical journey; it's an emotional one too. This journey can be made better if you engage in mindful activities like creative hobbies, join clubs and meet like-minded people. Seeking therapy may be a great way to fight mental battles with professional support too. Remember that it's not only about managing symptoms but about embracing a holistic approach to your overall health and well-being. By adding these proactive steps into your lifestyle, you can make menopause a period of growth, self-love, and empowerment.