
Menopause Treatment: What to know when your period mimics the punctation mark.
Have you ever wondered why menstruation was called “period?” The term “period” is clearly not associated with the punctuation mark, given that women experience this bodily process monthly for most of their lives. Rather it is taken from the combination of the Greek words “peri,” which means “around” and “hodos” meaning “way or path.” However, there comes a day in a woman’s life when the term “period” finally mimics the punctuation mark and signifies the end called menopause. Find out in this article about menopause treatments and more.
The Stages of Menopause
Menopause begins to take place when a woman’s body enters the years when the body’s reproductive system begins to decline naturally. A significant identifier that your body has reached the menopausal stage is when you have not experienced menstruation for the last 12 consecutive months.
Menopause does not happen overnight. Your body takes time to adjust to this change and it can take anywhere between 7 to 14 years to complete.
The initial stage of menopause is called perimenopause. During this stage, the hormones in your body experience changes, which causes irregularities in your monthly period. This usually begins when you reach your mid-40s. The next stage is menopause. This is the phase when your body’s reproductive system stops producing the hormones causing menstruation for 12 succeeding months. The final stage is postmenopause. This is the last stage where you will no longer experience monthly periods for the rest of your life.
Menopause symptoms and treatments
The body undergoes many changes as it transitions to menopause and this can lead to several symptoms that can make you feel uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor to know what menopause treatments are available to help alleviate these symptoms.
- Anxiety and depression – This is a common symptom associated with menopause. It is natural to feel these emotions as the body’s hormonal levels change. Medications and therapy can help address anxiety or depression.
- Bleeding or irregular periods – Having changes to the cycle of your period or how heavy comes may or may not be related to menopause. Always consult with your doctor when this happens to ensure that there is no other underlying cause that affects its occurrence. Being able to diagnose your symptoms correctly can help your doctor prescribe the right medications or procedures for your treatment plan.
- Changes in sexual desires – Vaginal dryness can happen during menopause as the vaginal tissues become thinner. Hence, sexual intercourse may be uncomfortable and painful. Over-the-counter treatments such as oral medications and topical lubricants can help ease this discomfort when having sex. If you’re feeling less interested in sex and this affects your relationship with your partner, consider getting therapy and consulting with your doctor to address other symptoms that may be contributing to this feeling, such as anxiety, depression, or sleep deprivation.
- Dry skin – Hormonal changes can lead to dry skin. Use gentle skincare products and always moisturise your skin with creams, oils, and lotions. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
- Hot Flushes – This symptom can be felt when your upper body experiences sudden heat. Heavy sweating and the appearance of red blotches at certain parts of your body can happen when you have hot flushes. Hormonal treatments and medications are available to treat this symptom. As it occurs, cool yourself by drinking cold water and fanning yourself. Keep yourself calm by taking deep breaths.
- Memory problems – Problems with concentration or remembering things can also arise. Unfortunately, there is no treatment that can prevent memory loss, but you can improve your health’s brain by eating healthy, avoiding harmful vices like smoking, exercising, staying mentally active, and getting enough sleep.
- Mood changes – Crying spells and irritability may haunt your during your menopausal stage. To combat these symptoms, practice meditation and get the right amount of sleep. Joining menopause support groups can also be of help as you can talk to other women who are also undergoing the same plight. Talk to your doctor if menopausal hormone therapy is beneficial for you.
- Urinary problems – Problems affecting the bladder and ability to urinate can also develop as you experience menopause. Having low levels of estrogen is the root of this as it weakens the urethra. Urinary incontinence is a common concern among women. This occurs when you cannot hold urine long enough and give away even before you reach the toilet. Measures to avoid urinary incontinence include avoiding food or drinks that can cause you to pee often, undergoing physical therapy or surgery, or using special medical devices.
Effective menopause treatments
Considering menopause treatments when your quality of life is already being affected by its symptoms can be beneficial not only for you but to the people around you as well. Here are some menopause treatments recommended:
- Herbal supplements – Phyto-estrogen is a compound found in plants which has a similar function and structure to ovarian and placental estrogens. Herbal supplements rich in phyto-estrogens include Alfalfa, Black Cohosh, False Unicorn Root, Flaxseed, Licorice, Red Clover, Soy, and Wild Yam can be an effective menopause treatment.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – This is currently the gold standard for menopause treatment. Hormone replacement therapy involves supplementing the body with hormones that it lacks as a result of menopause. This menopause treatment can ease symptoms like changes in the mood, hot flushes, urinary issues, and vaginal dryness.
- Lifestyle changes – Keeping the mind and body healthy, positive, and alert during the season of menopause can extremely improve your feelings and overall health.
Conclusion
Menopause signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive life cycle. This stage in a woman’s life is critical as the body undergoes several changes following the disruption of its normal production of certain hormones. Menopause happens gradually over the course of several years. During this time, women may experience different symptoms that can bring discomfort and affect their everyday life.
There are many menopause treatments that can help women navigate through and ease menopause symptoms. Consult with a medical professional specialising in reproductive health to find out what your options are.
Aster Gynaecology – Dr Ng Kai Lyn | Female Gynaecologist | Women’s Health Specialist | Laparoscopy Specialist Singapore
38 Irrawaddy Road #06-58
Mount Elizabeth Novena
Singapore 329563
+65 6635 2100