Menopause: just a pause for a better life (part 1).
Coping with menopause symptoms and worries? Trust me, you’re not alone! Menopause marks the end of your menstrual cycle, but it’s also the start of an exciting new chapter in your life, full of freedom and possibilities.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through what menopause is, the symptoms you may experience, and the treatments that can help manage them during this transition. Let’s dive in!
What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs when a woman hasn’t had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. It typically happens between the ages of 49 and 55, although it can begin earlier or later. Once your periods stop completely, you enter what’s known as post-menopause—the beginning of the next exciting chapter in your life!
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Its symptoms result from a decrease in estrogen production in the ovaries and in the brain. The ovaries are responsible for approximately 75-80% of estrogen production, while the brain contributes around 20-25%, according to studies. As a result, the brain may trigger some of these symptoms. However, it’s essential to note that some women may experience few to no symptoms during this transition. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Brain fog
- Reduced muscle tone
- Memory issues (forget thighs, dates, words, tasks, etc.)
- Slow motion (you may move slowly)
- Insomnia/Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings
- Skin, vaginal or eye dryness
- Changes in libido
- Tiredness
What is estrogen?
The ovaries, adrenal glands, fat tissues and the brain produce estrogen. Both female and male bodies have this hormone, but females create more of it. Estrogen is fuel for women’s brains as testosterone is for men.
Estrogen is a group of hormones that play a crucial role in the development and regulation of different female functions, for example:
- Development of the reproductive system.
- Regulation of sexual characteristics.
- Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle.
- Help control the growth and shedding of the uterine lining.
- Preparation for pregnancy.
- Fetal development support.
- Reduce bone loss by promoting bone density.
- Mood regulation influence.
- Cognitive function support.
- Heart and blood vessels protection.
- Others
Why can I have early end of menstrual period?
It can be due to different factors, some of them are:
- Trauma (ovarian or uterus removal surgery)
- Genetics
- Hormonal levels (how much estrogen you are producing )
How can I deal with symptoms during menopause?
- Lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, etc. I´ll give you tips in my next blog).
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It must be prescribed by your GP or menopause specialist.
- Relaxing therapies like yoga or mindfulness.
- Lymphatic drainage massage (to improve your general wellbeing).
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3659624/
https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/menopause
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/managing-menopause-hormone-therapy-is-back
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-90084-y
