For most women, menopause is an inevitable part of the aging process. It is described as the period of a woman’s life when she has not had her period for 12 months in a row, meaning she has passed her childbearing years. Different women experience menopause at various ages, with many starting at around 40 and 58 years, and sometimes earlier due to procedures such as chemotherapy. Here is a comprehensive guide to menopause Winter Park, outlining what every woman should expect. Read on to find out more.
What Exactly Occurs During Menopause?
During menopause, your ovaries will generally deplete their release of eggs. As a result, the ovaries will cease generating progesterone and estrogen hormones. Considering that hormones play a massive role in your body’s function, this depleted supply will likely significantly impact your body.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to not an ‘on-off’ switch but rather a process. You have probably been through what is generally known as the menopause transition, or perimenopause, for about 5-10 years before you reach menopause.
What Should You Anticipate In The Years Preceding Menopause?
Perimenopause affects every woman differently. Therefore, what your mother, sister, or auntie went through may not precisely be what you experience. Nonetheless, most women experience two perimenopause symptoms.
Throughout early perimenopause, your body’s estrogen level may fluctuate irregularly, triggering various symptoms, the most prevalent being irregular periods. Sometimes, especially when your estrogen levels are higher, you may experience breast tenderness and heightened bleeding.
On the other hand, during late perimenopause, your periods may progressively become lighter. You may experience spotting between periods, and the span between them may lengthen; they might even be three to six or nine months apart. Any of these periods might be your final one.
How Will Menopause Affect Your Body?
Hot flashes are the most well-known and prevalent symptom of menopause, affecting roughly three-quarters of menopausal women. These unpleasant warmth sensations might continue for 2-4 minutes and are frequently accompanied by sweating. Hot flashes may strike at any time of day or night, with some women experiencing several episodes in a span of 24 hours. Hot flashes in the middle of the night may even cause you to wake up.
Other potential symptoms include heart palpitations, anxiety, or vaginal dryness, which could cause discomfort during intercourse. Some women also experience cognitive difficulties, including forgetfulness, brain fog, and difficulties learning new activities.
Once postmenopausal, the cognitive difficulties typically fade away. However, the vaginal symptoms may gradually worsen. Luckily, vaginal estrogen, moisturizers, and lubricants can safely assist women in rejuvenating their vaginal tissues. While you can obtain these products over-the-counter, it is best to obtain a prescription to avoid any complications.
What Are The Prevalent Health Concerns?
Reduced estrogen levels throughout menopause raise your chances of developing osteoporosis, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Estrogen levels drop by almost 85-90% after menopause. This hormonal imbalance causes reduced bone growth and heightened bone loss, thus, raising the risk of osteoporosis. Besides, reduced estrogen levels could trigger changes in blood cholesterol and pressure levels, putting you at greater risk of cardiovascular illness.
Now that you have a better understanding of menopause, you recognize that it is not a walk-in-the-park. Menopause, while entirely natural, might still bear unpleasant symptoms or health complications that require close monitoring by a specialist. For top-level menopausal care, Contemporary Women’s Care is the place to be. The OB/GYN specialists will guide you through tailored care plans, including lifestyle modifications or hormone therapy, to manage your prevailing concerns. Schedule an initial consultation through mobile or book online today.
