Mary Lynn, MD
Menopause is a normal part of aging for women, and should not be considered a disease or disorder.
Unfortunately, menopause can come at a time in one's life where many changes are happening, such as supporting adult children or caring for aging parents.
Some women don't experience menopausal symptoms and feel relieved that they no longer have to worry about pregnancy or dealing with birth control.
For other women, this period of time can mean restless nights, depression and other symptoms.
What is menopause?
Menopause is the phase of a woman's life where she can no longer get pregnant. It occurs 12 months after a woman's last period, and the months, or even years, leading up to that can include hot flashes and other symptoms. This transition is known as perimenopause.
Starting between the ages of 45 and 55 for most women, perimenopause can last 14 years - although the average is usually half that time. Many lifestyle factors can determine how long perimenopause lasts, such as whether you smoke, your age and race or ethnicity.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Change in your period. They may be shorter, last longer, have increased bleeding or be irregular in general.
- Hot flashes. This feeling of heat in parts or all of your body can last for many years after reaching menopause.
- Trouble sleeping. Whether it's waking up too early or not falling asleep easily, a good night's sleep can be out of reach around midlife.
- Changes to vaginal health. Many women experience vaginal dryness, lowered libido or difficulty reaching orgasm when reaching menopause.
Because these symptoms are usually caused by changing hormone levels, they can be unpredictable. It's best to reach out to your physician if they are negatively impacting your life.
Ways to feel good during this transition
Some menopausal symptoms can be treated with simple lifestyle changes. As you age, diet and exercise become more important than ever. Start by finding an exercise you like doing, such as walking, running, swimming or biking. All of these are great for cardiovascular health. Yoga, Pilates or a barre class can
help with the mood changes.
Friends and other social relationships are extremely important as well. Talk with confidantes who are experiencing the same things.
A positive attitude and time just for you can be crucial components to maintaining mental health.
In women with significant menopausal symptoms that disrupt their quality of life — such as frequent hot flashes or night sweats that interfere with sleep — lifestyle changes may not be enough. In this case, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy in an effort to regulate your estrogen levels.
The bottom line: Don’t be afraid to talk to your physician about menopause. Together you can make a game plan to make this one of the best times of your life.