Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. The average age for menopause is 48-51 years, but it might vary from early 30s to late 60s. The stages before and after menopause are defined as Perimenopause and Postmenopause respectively.
Perimenopause:
Perimenopause also known as menopausal transition, is the time around which a woman’s body makes the natural transition to menopause. Women may notice signs of progression toward menopause, such as heavy periods and menstrual irregularity in their 40s or as early as mid-30s.
Postmenopause:
This is the stage after menopause. The menopausal symptoms ease out at this stage.
Symptoms of menopause:
● Irregular periods
● Vaginal dryness
● Hot flashes
● Chills
● Night sweats
● Sleep problems
● Mood changes
● Weight gain and slowed metabolism
● Thinning hair and dry skin
● Loss of breast fullness
Menopause also increases the risk of certain medical diseases, such as:
● Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. The decline in the estrogen level of women increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and maintaining normal weight is advisable.
Women should seek a doctor’s advice for managing blood pressure or cholesterol problems.
● Osteoporosis. Women might lose bone density at a rapid rate during the first few years of menopause. For women in the postmenopause stage, osteoporosis increases the susceptibility to fractures of wrists, spine and hips.
● Urinary incontinence. It is the involuntary loss of urine. The deterioration of vaginal and urethral tissues during menopause can cause urinary incontinence.
● Sexual function. Women experience slight bleeding during sexual intercourse and discomfort which could result from vaginal dryness and loss of elasticity.
For further assistance request an appointment with our gynaecologists.