What Is Menopause?
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility. It usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause.
During this time, many women experience physical and emotional changes due to shifting hormone levels. These changes can vary, but they are all part of a normal process.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
The symptoms of menopause can be different for every woman, but here are some of the most common ones:
- Hot Flashes: Sudden feelings of heat, often followed by sweating and redness in the face.
- Night Sweats: Hot flashes that happen during sleep, leading to disturbed rest.
- Irregular Periods: Periods may become unpredictable before stopping completely.
- Mood Swings: Hormonal changes can cause feelings of irritability, sadness, or anxiety.
- Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, often caused by night sweats.
- Vaginal Dryness: Lower estrogen levels can lead to dryness and discomfort during sex.
- Decreased Libido: Some women may experience a reduced interest in sex.
- Memory Issues: Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating can also occur.
- Urinary Problems: Increased need to urinate or urinary incontinence.
These symptoms can vary in intensity and may last for several years, but they are a normal part of menopause.
Treatment
We offer a range of treatments and support to help you manage menopause comfortably:
- Health Checkups: Our team of gynecologists will assess your health, listen to your symptoms, and help you understand what’s happening in your body. Regular check-ups are important during this time.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): For women with severe symptoms, HRT can help balance hormones and reduce issues like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Non-Hormonal Treatments: If HRT isn’t right for you, we offer other medications to manage symptoms like mood swings and sleep problems.
- Lifestyle Advice: We provide tips on diet, exercise, and stress management to improve your health during menopause. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can help protect your bones.
- Mental Health Support: The emotional changes during menopause can be difficult, and we offer counseling to help you cope.
- Pelvic Health: Vaginal dryness and urinary issues are common, but they can be treated with medications and pelvic floor exercises.
- Bone Health: Menopause can affect your bones, making them weaker. We offer screenings to monitor bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
Long-Term Health Care
Menopause also gives you an opportunity to focus on long-term health. After menopause, it’s important to stay on top of:
- Bone Health: Regular bone screenings help prevent osteoporosis.
- Heart Health: Hormonal changes can increase the risk of heart disease, so we monitor heart health.
- Cancer Screenings: We recommend regular screenings for breast and cervical cancer.
We’re Here to Support You
Menopause is a natural phase of life, but it can come with challenges. At Pankajam Memorial Hospital, we’re here to provide you with the care and support you need to make this transition easier. Whether you’re struggling with symptoms or just need advice on staying healthy, our expert team is ready to help.
If you’re experiencing menopause symptoms or want more information, schedule an appointment with our doctors at Pankajam Memorial Hospital today.
Let us help you feel better and more in control during this important time in your life!
