A Normal Part of Life
Menopause is a big moment in a woman’s life when her periods stop for good. This happens because the body is getting older and the ovaries stop making eggs. Doctors say a woman is in menopause when she hasn't had a period for 12 months in a row.
Menopause usually happens between ages 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier or later. It means a woman can no longer have babies, just like how puberty means a person is no longer a child. Menopause is a normal part of life, not a sickness, but it can bring big changes to the body and emotions because of shifting hormones.
What is Perimenopause?
The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. This can last for several years, with symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. These happen because the body is getting used to having less of the foundational hormones of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
Menopause and Mood Swings
It's important for women to stay healthy during menopause. Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep can help with symptoms. It’s also smart to visit the doctor regularly to check on things like heart and bone health, which can be affected by menopause.
Menopause can also be a time of strong emotions. Having support from family, friends, or groups can make a big difference. Learning about menopause is helpful, not just for women going through it but for everyone, to help understand and be kind during this time.
Talking openly about menopause can help break down any embarrassment around it, allowing women to feel more confident and healthy during this change.
Here’s some facts about Menopause:
Definition and Diagnosis
Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation and ovulation due to ovarian failure, diagnosed after 12 months of amenorrhea without a pathological etiology.
Age and Timing
• The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 years.
• Natural menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 56 years.
• Early menopause occurs between ages 40 and 45, affecting about 5% of women naturally.
• Premature menopause occurs before age 40, affecting about 1% of women.
Transition Period
• The menopausal transition, or perimenopause, can start anywhere from 2 to 20 years, before menopause.
• During this period, hormone levels fluctuate, leading to symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, and
mood changes.
Menopause Symptoms
- Approximately 85% of women experience symptoms during menopause, including:
– Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) in 30-80% of women.
– Depressed mood in about one-third of women.
– Sleep disturbances in more than 40% of women.
– Diminished sexual function and vaginal dryness.
– Brain fog, mood changes, and urinary problems.
Health Implications
• Post menopause is associated with an increased risk of:
– Cardiovascular disease due to the decline in estrogen levels.
– Osteoporosis, leading to a higher risk of bone fractures.
– Urinary incontinence due to changes in vaginal and urethral tissues.
– Relationships can breakdown
Demographic and Genetic Factors
• Genetics may play a role in the timing of menopause; some women tend to experience menopause around the
same age as their mothers.
• Black and Hispanic women have higher rates of premature and early menopause compared to white women.
Weight and Body Changes
• Women often experience weight gain during the menopause transition, with an average gain of about 5-15
pounds.
• Decrease in height may also occur due to osteoporosis.
Treatment and Management
• Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is often recommended to treat symptoms and reduce the risk of certain
disorders like osteoporosis and fractures.
• Lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, prioritizing sleep, and engaging in social activities, can help manage
symptoms.
When Something Just Feels Off
If you're experiencing hormone changes and feel like something's off, you're not alone.
At MedStudio, we specialize in Health, Hormones and Intimacy and offer natural hormone testing and therapy to help women in menopause and perimenopause feel like themselves again. Whether you're dealing with hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, low energy, low libido, we provide personalized care to manage your symptoms naturally.
Ready to feel better? Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward balanced health.