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  5. Menopause Demystified: Doctor answers the most common questions about Menopause

Menopause Demystified: Doctor answers the most common questions about Menopause

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AUTHOR
Buddhini Dolapihilla, MD, has over 6 years of expertise in clinical research. She is a medical doctor (MBBS), clinical research physician scientist, and enthusiastic academic writer. Dr. Dolapihilla enjoys imparting her medical expertise to women in order to better understand their health needs, particularly during a time of transition like menopause.

Menopause Ahead Sign in Menopause Demystified article

What is menopause?

Menopause is the natural end of a woman’s reproductive years, marked by the end of menstrual periods. It is a normal part of aging and marks the end of the reproductive phase in a woman’s life. Menopause is typically defined as the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months and is no longer able to become pregnant. In the UK, the average age for menopause is 51 years, but it can occur at any age between 40 and 60.

Some women experience menopause earlier (before 40 years of age). This ‘premature menopause’ may be because of certain chromosomal abnormalities, autoimmune disorders, or other unknown causes.

Menopause is caused by a decline in the production of the hormones: oestrogen and progesterone by the ovaries. This decline leads to changes in the body, including hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, and changes in sexual function. Some women may also experience changes in their sleep patterns, weight, hair, and skin. While menopause can be a challenging time for some women, it is a normal part of the aging process and does not require medical treatment in most cases. However, most women may find relief from their symptoms with lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet, or with medications prescribed by a healthcare provider.

How is menopause Diagnosed?

Menopause is typically diagnosed based on the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. This is known as amenorrhea. To confirm the diagnosis of menopause, a healthcare provider may ask about your menstrual history, perform a physical examination, and order blood tests to measure the levels of hormones produced by the ovaries, such as oestrogen and progesterone.
It is important to note that menopause can only be diagnosed after it has occurred. This means that a healthcare provider cannot diagnose menopause before you have stopped having menstrual periods for at least 12 consecutive months. Until that point, you are considered to be in perimenopause, which is the stage of life that occurs before menopause.

What are some of the perimenopausal symptoms?

Perimenopause is the stage of life that occurs before menopause when a woman’s body is transitioning to menopause. During this time, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries begin to fluctuate and eventually decline. This can cause several physical and emotional symptoms, including:

  1. Irregular menstrual periods: The length of time between periods may become shorter or longer, and the amount of bleeding may be lighter or heavier than usual.
  2. Hot flushes: These are sudden, brief episodes of warmth and sweating that can occur at any time, but are most common at night.
  3. Night sweats: These are episodes of sweating that occur while you are sleeping and can cause you to wake up feeling hot and uncomfortable.
  4. Mood changes: Some women may experience changes in their mood, such as feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed.
  5. Changes in sexual function: Perimenopause may cause changes in sexual desire and the ability to become aroused and reach orgasm.
  6. Changes in sleep patterns: Some women may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to hot flushes or night sweats.
  7. Weight changes: Some women may gain weight during perimenopause, particularly around the waist.
  8. Changes in hair and skin: Some women may experience changes in the texture or thickness of their hair or the appearance of their skin during perimenopause.
    It is important to note that not all women will experience all of these symptoms during perimenopause. The severity and duration of symptoms can vary widely from one woman to another. It is also important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors and do not necessarily mean that you are in perimenopause.

How long do perimenopausal symptoms last?

The duration of perimenopause can vary from woman to woman. In general, perimenopause can last several years, starting in a woman’s 40s and ending when she reaches menopause, which is defined as the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months and is no longer able to become pregnant. However, some women may experience symptoms of perimenopause for a shorter or longer period.

Do the perimenopausal symptoms get worse when you’re in menopause?

In general, the severity of perimenopausal symptoms tends to decrease as a woman approaches menopause and transitions into the postmenopausal phase. This is because the body becomes more accustomed to the hormonal changes that occur during this time, and many of the symptoms associated with perimenopause, such as hot flushes and night sweats, tend to resolve after menopause.

However, it is important to note that every woman is different and may experience different symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. Some women may continue to experience milder versions of perimenopausal symptoms, such as irregular periods or mood changes, after menopause. Others may experience new or different symptoms after menopause, such as changes in sleep patterns or weight gain.

How do I know I am in the postmenopausal period?

In general, the postmenopausal period is characterized by the absence of menstrual periods and the inability to become pregnant. If you have not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months and have not become pregnant, you are considered to be in the postmenopausal period.

What are some of the important statistics we need to know about menopause?

Some of the significant statistics about menopause include:

  1. The average age for menopause in the UK is 51 years, but it can occur at any age between 40 and 60.
  2. Around 1 in 100 people usually experience the menopause before the age of 40 years.
  3. Menopause is a natural part of aging and marks the end of the reproductive phase in a woman’s life.
  4. About 75% of women experience hot flushes during menopause with approximately a third of this group being severely affected. 
  5. Menopause can cause changes in sexual function, including a decrease in libido and vaginal dryness.
  6. Menopause is not a disease and does not require medical treatment in most cases. However, some women may find relief from their symptoms with lifestyle changes or medications prescribed by a healthcare provider.
  7. Menopause is not the same as premature menopause, which is defined as menopause occurring before the age of 40. This can be caused by medical conditions, such as cancer treatment or autoimmune disorders, or it can be hereditary.
  8. After menopause, the risk of certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, increases.
  9. Roughly 13 million people in the UK are currently menopausal or in the perimenopausal stage, which is equal to one-third of the country’s female population…
  10. More than 1 billion women worldwide—or 12% of the world’s 8 billion people—will be going through menopause by 2025.
  11. Compared to women without symptoms, menopausal women with VMS (vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flushes) experienced roughly 60% more days of lost productivity at work.

What do hot flushes feel like?

Hot flushes are sudden feelings of warmth that spread over the body, often accompanied by a red, flushed face and sweat. Hot flushes can vary in intensity and frequency from one woman to another.

Some women may experience mild hot flushes that feel like a warm flush on the skin and only last a few minutes. Others may have more severe hot flushes that are accompanied by rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and feeling overheated. Hot flushes can occur at any time of the day or night and can be triggered by several factors, such as stress, alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.

Do hot flashes go away in post-menopause?

In general, hot flushes tend to resolve after menopause. This is because hot flushes are typically caused by a decline in the production of oestrogen by the ovaries, and oestrogen levels continue to decline during the postmenopausal period but the body tends to adapt to the change.

However, every woman is different and may experience hot flushes differently. Some women may continue to experience hot flushes after menopause, while others may find that their hot flushes resolve within a few years after menopause. In some cases, hot flushes may persist for many years after menopause.

Which herbal supplements can reduce hot flushes?

Some herbal supplements that may be used to reduce hot flushes include:

  1. Black cohosh: Black cohosh is an herb that has been traditionally used to treat menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes. It is thought to work by acting on oestrogen receptors in the body.
  2. Soy: Soy is a plant-based source of isoflavones, which are compounds that have weak estrogen-like activity. Some studies have suggested that soy may be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes.
  3. Red clover: red clover is an herb that is rich in isoflavones, which are compounds that have weak oestrogen-like activity. Some studies have suggested that red clover may be effective in reducing hot flushes.
  4. Flaxseed: Flaxseed is a plant-based source of lignans, which are compounds that have weak oestrogen-like activity. Some studies have suggested that flaxseed may be effective in reducing hot flushes.
    It is important to note that the effectiveness of these herbal supplements may vary from person to person, and more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in reducing hot flushes.

How safe are these herbs?

Despite being useful, these herbs may have some dire side effects. For black cohosh, the most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Other reported side effects include dizziness, headache, and skin rash. Some people may also experience allergic reactions to black cohosh, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, and hives. In addition, there is some evidence that black cohosh may affect liver function, and rare cases of liver damage have been reported in people taking the herb. Red clover also has similar side effects as black cohosh.

Considering the side effects of black cohosh and red clover, and the unknown potency of soy and flaxseed, it is prudent to choose another option such as Sage.

Does sage reduce hot flushes?

Sage for hot flushes

Sage is an herb that has been traditionally used to treat a variety of conditions, including hot flushes. Some studies have suggested that sage may be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes.

One small study published in the journal Menopause found that daily supplementation with a specific sage extract (Sage Life) reduced the frequency and severity of hot flushes in menopausal women. However, this study included a small number of participants, and more research is needed to confirm the findings.

Another study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that a combination of sage and other herbs was effective in reducing hot flushes in menopausal women. The effectiveness of sage in reducing hot flushes may vary from person to person, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

How severe can night sweats in menopause be?

Night sweats can range in severity from mild to severe, and can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as hot flushes and difficulty sleeping.
In some cases, night sweats can be so severe that they disrupt sleep and cause fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day. Night sweats can also cause discomfort and embarrassment, as they can cause sweating through clothing and sheets.

Can bed linen reduce night sweats?

Using certain types of bed linen may help reduce night sweats and improve sleep. Choose bed linen made of natural, breathable materials, such as cotton ,linen or lyocell , which can help regulate body temperature and absorb moisture.

  1. Avoid bed linen made of synthetic materials, such as polyester or nylon, which can trap heat and moisture.
  2. Use a lightweight, breathable comforter or duvet, or consider using a summer-weight duvet or no duvet at all.
  3. Consider using a mattress pad or mattress protector made of natural, breathable materials to help wick away moisture and regulate body temperature.
  4. Wash bed linen regularly to remove sweat and oils that can build up over time.
    Using bed linen made of natural, breathable materials and keeping it clean and fresh can help create a comfortable, cool sleep environment and reduce the severity of night sweats.

Which is the best kind of bed linen to use in menopause?

The best kind of bed linen to use during menopause may depend on your personal preferences and the severity of your symptoms. In general, bed linen made of natural, breathable materials, such as cotton, linen or lyocell, maybe the most comfortable and effective for reducing night sweats and improving sleep during menopause. These materials can help regulate body temperature and absorb moisture, creating a cooler, more comfortable sleep environment.

It is also important to choose bed linen that is lightweight and easy to wash and maintain, as sweating and oils can build up on bed linen over time. You may also want to consider using a mattress pad or mattress protector made of natural, breathable materials to help wick away moisture and regulate body temperature.

To get some of the best linen, you can check online for the best option.

Tencel luxurious bed linen in navy blue

What are some of the expected mood swings in menopause?

Mood swings are a common symptom of menopause and perimenopause. Mood swings can vary in severity and duration from one woman to another and can include feelings of irritability, anxiety, and depression.

It is important to note that mood swings are a normal part of the menopausal transition and do not necessarily mean that you have a mental health condition. However, if you are experiencing severe or persistent mood swings that are disrupting your daily life, it is important to seek a solution.

There are some lifestyle changes and treatments, such as hormone therapy and counseling, that may help reduce the severity of mood swings and improve overall well-being during menopause. It is also important to practice self-care, such as getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet, to help manage mood swings and maintain overall well-being.

What does menopause anxiety feel like?

Menopause anxiety is a common symptom of menopause and perimenopause and is caused by a decline in the production of oestrogen by the ovaries. Menopause anxiety can feel like a general sense of unease or worry that is difficult to shake. It can also manifest as physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, and trembling.

Menopause anxiety can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as stress, hormonal changes, and sleep disturbances.

Can menopause cause depression?

Menopause can cause several emotional changes, including depression. Depression is a common symptom of menopause and perimenopause and is caused by a decline in the production of oestrogen by the ovaries. It is important to note that depression is not a normal part of menopause and may require treatment.

Symptoms of menopause-related depression may include:

  1. Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness
  2. Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
  3. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  4. Changes in appetite or weight
  5. Fatigue or loss of energy
  6. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  7. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  8. Thoughts of death or suicide

How do I mitigate the mood swings naturally?

There are several lifestyle changes that you can try to help mitigate mood swings naturally during menopause:

  1. Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for maintaining overall well-being and can help manage mood swings. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
  2. Exercise regularly: Exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
  3. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help improve mood and manage menopausal symptoms. Avoid processed and sugary foods, which can contribute to mood swings.
  4. Manage stress: Stress can worsen mood swings. Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, to help manage stress.
  5. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to mood swings. Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day.
  6. Get support: Connecting with friends and loved ones can help improve mood and manage menopausal symptoms. Consider joining a support group or seeking the help of a counselor.
    It is important to note that every woman is different and what works for one person may not work for another.

Can menopause cause insomnia?

Yes, menopause can cause insomnia. Insomnia is a common symptom of menopause and perimenopause and is caused by a decline in the production of oestrogen by the ovaries. Oestrogen helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle, and a decline in its levels can disrupt sleep.

What can I do to sleep better during menopause?

Here are some tips that may help you sleep better during menopause:

  1. Establish a consistent sleep routine.
  2. Create a comfortable sleep environment.
  3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
  4. Exercise regularly.
  5. Practice relaxation techniques.
  6. Try natural remedies.

Conclusion

In summary, menopause is a normal aging process that comes with some undesirable symptoms of hot flushes, insomnia, mood swings, and night sweats. Whereas these symptoms may decline as the body adapts, they can be a nuisance that needs to be mitigated in every way possible. Our online store provides some of these products as recommended by the doctor. Visit us and find out what we have to offer.

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