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Menopause marks a natural transition in a woman’s life where menstrual cycles permanently stop and mark the end of reproductive potential. Indian women at on average, attain Menopause around 46 years, though it can be as late as 54 years sometimes. Indian medical records indicate that twelve per cent of women experience menopause before reaching age forty-five. In this blog, an experienced obstetrician and gyneacologist, and a Credentialised Indian Menopausal Society Menopause Practitioner in Bangalore, offers detailed information about menopause by examining its phases, identifying symptoms, debunking myths, and managing the condition.
Synopsis
- What is Menopause? Symptoms and Changes
- The Three Stages of Menopause
- Myths and Facts About Menopause
- Smooth Transition into Menopause
- Premature Menopause: Why Is It Becoming Common?
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Menopause
- When Should You Meet a Doctor?
- Why Should You Visit Manipal Hospital Varthur Road for Help with Menopause?
- Conclusion
What is Menopause? Symptoms and Changes
A woman is said to have attained Menopause when it’s been 1 year since her last menstrual period. This usually occurs between the ages of 45 to 55. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood fluctuations, and vaginal dryness are some of the common symptoms of menopause. It can also be associated with sleep disorders, cognitive decline, and joint discomfort. It also heralds the onset of non-communicable diseases like Osteoporosis, heart disease, etc. Reduced estrogen plays a key role in altering multiple body systems during menopause.
The Three Stages of Menopause
Menopause unfolds in three distinct stages, each characterised by specific hormonal changes and symptoms. Below are the three stages of menopause:
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Perimenopause: This transitional phase precedes menopause and can last up to 4 years. During perimenopause, estrogen levels fluctuate, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, and symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings may start to appear.
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Menopause: Defined as the point when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, marking the end of menstrual cycles. This stage typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 52.
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Postmenopause: The phase following menopause, extending for the remainder of a woman's life. During postmenopause, menopausal symptoms like hot flashes may ease, but the risk for conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease increases due to lower estrogen levels.
Myths and Facts About Menopause
Menopause is often surrounded by misconceptions, leading to confusion and unnecessary anxiety.
Below are common myths about menopause, along with the facts:
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Myth: Menopause happens suddenly
Fact: Menopause is a gradual process with Perimenopause or transition phase lasting almost 4 years with irregular periods and other symptoms of fluctuating hormones before the periods stop completely.
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Myth: You can’t get pregnant after Menopause starts
Fact: During perimenopause, erratic ovulation can still happen up to almost one year after the final menstrual period; hence, contraception is advised
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Myth: Hormone replacement therapy is dangerous for all women
Fact: HRT is safe for most women if used appropriately. It can relieve hot flushes, urinary symptoms, and prevent osteoporosis. The risks depend upon individual health factors and are not a universal rule.
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Myth: Menopause can affect only older women
Fact: While the average in India is around 46, it can occur in much younger women, less than 40 at times, due to genetics, medical conditions or surgeries.
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Myth: Menopause ruins sex life
Fact: Vaginal dryness can be taken care off with local HRT and many women report improved sex lives after menopause due to freedom from pregnancy worries!
Smooth Transition into Menopause
Navigating menopause can be challenging due to hormonal changes affecting physical and emotional well-being. Below are strategies to facilitate a smoother transition:
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Maintain a Balanced Diet: To support overall health, consume nutrient-dense foods rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
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Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Incorporate aerobic exercises and strength training to improve mood, maintain a healthy weight, and enhance sleep quality.
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Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: To manage stress and improve mental well-being, utilise relaxation methods such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
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Seek Support: Join support groups or talk to others experiencing menopause to share experiences and coping strategies.
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Seek medical advice: Seek professional help if non-medical measures aren’t helping
Premature Menopause: Why Is It Becoming Common?
Premature menopause, defined as the cessation of menstrual periods before age 40, is becoming increasingly common. Below are contributing factors to this trend:
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Genetic Factors: Mutations in genes like BRCA1 and Turner’s syndrome can lead to early ovarian ageing and menopause.
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Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as thyroid disease can lead to premature ovarian insufficiency, resulting in early menopause.
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Medical Treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage ovarian tissue, leading to early menopause.
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Surgical Interventions: Procedures like oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) induce immediate menopause, regardless of age.
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Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental toxins and smoking may contribute to the earlier onset of menopause.
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Infection: Like Mumps, it can cause Ovarian damage
Diagnosis and Treatment of Menopause
Recognising menopause is key to managing health during this transition.
Diagnosis:
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Clinical Evaluation: Identifies symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances
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Menopause Rating Scale: Measures symptom severity using 11 key factors
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Hormonal Tests: Checks FSH levels to confirm menopause
Treatment Options:
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Lifestyle Changes: Balanced diet, exercise, and stress management
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Hormone Therapy (HT): Relieves symptoms and prevents osteoporosis
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Non-Hormonal Therapies: Plant-based medications for symptom relief
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Alternative Treatments: Limited evidence; use with caution.
When Should You Meet a Doctor?
Consider consulting an expert OBG specialist in Bangalore if you experience these symptoms:
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Severe or prolonged symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes that affect daily life
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Irregular or heavy bleeding after periods have stopped for a year
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Pain during intercourse or persistent vaginal dryness
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Frequent urinary issues, including infections or incontinence
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Unexplained weight changes, severe fatigue, or osteoporosis risk factors
Why Should You Visit Manipal Hospital Varthur Road for Help with Menopause?
At Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, expert gynecologist in Bangalore provide personalised care for menopause-related concerns, from severe hot flashes to poor bone health. The hospital stays updated with advanced treatment options to help you transition to the next phase of life effortlessly. With growing life expectancy, today women spend more than 1/3 of their lifespan in post postmenopausal phase, hence a growing need to recognise the associated changes and timely intervention for active ageing.
Conclusion
Balancing menopause symptoms with professional responsibilities can be challenging for working women. Symptoms like hot flushes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings may impact job performance and well-being. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, can alleviate these symptoms. Communicating openly with employers about necessary accommodations, like flexible work hours or a comfortable work environment, is crucial.
