What is the average age for menopause to begin. How can women identify menopause symptoms. What are the potential health risks associated with menopause. Which treatment options are available for menopausal women. How can lifestyle modifications ease the transition of menopause.

Understanding Menopause: A Natural Part of Aging

Menopause is a significant milestone in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. In the United States, the average age for menopause is 51, though it can occur earlier or later for some women. This natural transition can bring about various physical and emotional changes, some of which may be challenging to navigate.

To help women better understand and manage this phase of life, let’s explore the key aspects of menopause, including its symptoms, associated health risks, and available treatments.

Recognizing the Signs: How to Identify Menopause

Menopause is officially defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual periods. A woman is considered to have entered menopause when she has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. This change is triggered by a natural decline in female hormones produced by the ovaries, though it can also be induced by surgical removal of the ovaries, insufficient reproductive hormones, or certain medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

It’s important to note that many women experience a transitional phase called perimenopause before entering menopause. This period can begin years before menopause and may include irregular menstrual periods and other common menopausal symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

While some women may experience no additional symptoms beyond the cessation of menstruation, others may encounter a range of physical and emotional changes. These can include:

• Decreased libido
• Hot flashes
• Irregular or missed menstrual periods
• Mood swings or changes
• Night sweats
• Painful sex
• Sleep disturbances
• Thinning hair
• Weight gain

Are hot flashes a universal experience for menopausal women? Not necessarily. While hot flashes are a common symptom, not all women undergoing menopause experience them. Factors associated with an increased incidence of hot flashes include:

• Ethnicity (more prevalent among African American women compared to those of European or Asian descent)
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Smoking

Health Risks Associated with Menopause: What Women Should Know

As women transition through menopause, they may face an increased risk of certain chronic medical conditions. Understanding these potential health risks is crucial for maintaining overall well-being during and after menopause.

Cardiovascular Disease

The decline in estrogen levels during menopause can increase a woman’s risk of heart attack and stroke. This underscores the importance of regular cardiovascular check-ups and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Osteoporosis

In the years immediately following menopause, women may experience rapid bone density loss. This can lead to an enhanced risk of bone fractures, making it essential to focus on bone health through diet, exercise, and possibly supplementation.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

As vaginal tissues lose elasticity and become thin and dry, women may experience pain during intercourse. Additionally, the urethra can become dry and irritated, potentially increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. Some women may also face urinary incontinence or increased frequency of urination.

Weight Gain

Due to a decrease in basal metabolic rate after menopause, women may need to adjust their caloric intake and increase physical activity to maintain a healthy weight.

Treatment Options for Menopause: Finding Relief and Support

Contemporary treatments for menopause focus on alleviating disruptive symptoms and addressing potential chronic medical conditions. Women should consult with their healthcare team to discuss the risks and benefits of various treatment options, which may include:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT can be an effective option for managing symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider, as HRT may not be suitable for all women.

Non-Hormonal Remedies

For women who cannot or prefer not to use hormone therapy, there are various non-hormonal options available. These may include over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers for vaginal dryness, or prescription medications for specific symptoms.

Pelvic Floor Treatments

Women experiencing pelvic floor issues, such as an overactive bladder or urinary incontinence, may benefit from lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or biofeedback techniques.

Lifestyle Modifications: Easing the Transition of Menopause

In addition to medical treatments, various lifestyle modifications can help women manage menopausal symptoms and improve overall health. These include:

1. Maintaining a balanced diet that limits saturated fats, oils, and sugars
2. Engaging in regular exercise (at least 30 minutes per day of moderate-intensity activity)
3. Incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, and yoga
4. Dressing in layers to accommodate body temperature changes
5. Optimizing sleep habits by avoiding caffeine and exercising earlier in the day
6. Quitting smoking

Can dietary changes help manage hot flashes? For some women, hot flashes may be triggered by certain foods and beverages. Avoiding hot beverages, spicy foods, and alcohol may help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.

The Importance of Individualized Care in Menopause Management

Every woman’s experience with menopause is unique, and treatment approaches should be tailored to individual needs and symptoms. It’s crucial for women to have open and honest discussions with their healthcare providers about their experiences, concerns, and treatment preferences.

Healthcare professionals can provide valuable guidance on managing symptoms, mitigating health risks, and maintaining overall well-being during this transition. They can also help women navigate the various treatment options available, weighing the potential benefits against any associated risks.

Embracing Menopause: A New Chapter in Women’s Health

While menopause can present challenges, it’s important to remember that it’s a natural part of the aging process. With the right information, support, and care, women can navigate this transition successfully and maintain their health and well-being.

By understanding the symptoms, potential health risks, and available treatments, women can take proactive steps to manage their menopausal journey. Whether through medical interventions, lifestyle modifications, or a combination of both, there are numerous ways to address the changes that come with menopause and embrace this new chapter of life.

As research in women’s health continues to advance, new treatments and management strategies may emerge, offering even more options for menopausal women. Staying informed and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can help ensure that women receive the most appropriate and effective care throughout their menopausal transition and beyond.

Empowering Women Through Education and Support

Education plays a crucial role in empowering women to navigate menopause confidently. By increasing awareness about the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause, we can help women feel more prepared and less anxious about this natural life transition.

How can women access reliable information about menopause? Trusted sources include healthcare providers, reputable medical websites, and support groups focused on women’s health. These resources can provide valuable insights, practical advice, and emotional support for women experiencing menopause.

Additionally, fostering open conversations about menopause can help reduce stigma and encourage women to seek help when needed. By sharing experiences and strategies, women can create a supportive community that promotes understanding and mutual support throughout the menopausal journey.

The Role of Partners and Family Members

Partners and family members can play a significant role in supporting women through menopause. By educating themselves about the changes and challenges associated with menopause, they can offer understanding, patience, and practical support.

What are some ways partners can support women during menopause? Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, being understanding of mood changes, and maintaining open communication about physical and emotional needs can all contribute to a more positive menopausal experience.

Looking Ahead: Menopause and Long-Term Health

As women transition through menopause, it’s important to consider the long-term implications for their health. Regular health screenings become even more crucial during this time, as the risk of certain conditions increases with age and hormonal changes.

Which health screenings are particularly important for post-menopausal women? Key screenings may include:

• Bone density scans to monitor for osteoporosis
• Mammograms for breast cancer detection
• Colonoscopies for colorectal cancer screening
• Cardiovascular health assessments
• Thyroid function tests

By staying proactive about their health and working closely with healthcare providers, women can maintain their vitality and well-being long after menopause. This period can be an opportunity to reassess health goals, adopt new healthy habits, and focus on overall wellness.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to Post-Menopausal Health

A holistic approach to health can be particularly beneficial for post-menopausal women. This may include not only addressing physical health concerns but also focusing on mental and emotional well-being, social connections, and personal fulfillment.

How can women maintain mental and emotional well-being after menopause? Strategies may include:

• Engaging in regular physical activity, which can boost mood and reduce stress
• Practicing mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and improve emotional balance
• Pursuing new hobbies or interests to maintain cognitive function and personal growth
• Maintaining strong social connections and support networks
• Seeking professional help if experiencing persistent mood changes or depression

By embracing a comprehensive approach to health, women can thrive in their post-menopausal years, viewing this phase as an opportunity for personal growth, renewed focus, and continued vitality.

Menopause: A natural part of aging

Speaking of Health

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Topics in this Post

• Menopause
• Women’s Health

The average age for menopause in the U.S. is 51. For some women, menopause can be challenging, but a greater understanding of the symptoms and treatments can help smooth this natural transition.

Here are answers to common questions women have about menopause:

How do I know if what I’m experiencing is menopause?

Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual periods. It’s triggered by a natural decline in female hormones released by the ovaries, surgical removal of the ovaries, lack of sufficient reproductive hormones, or sometimes by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A woman has officially entered menopause after she hasn’t had her menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

Some women confuse perimenopause with menopause. Perimenopause generally begins years before women reach menopause and can include irregular menstrual periods and other common menopause symptoms.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Aside from the end of menstruation, some women have no additional symptoms. For others, symptoms may include:

• Decreased libido
• Hot flashes
• Irregular or missed menstrual periods
• Mood swings or changes
• Night sweats
• Painful sex
• Sleep disturbances
• Thinning hair
• Weight gain

Do all women have hot flashes during menopause?

Not all women undergoing menopause suffer through hot flashes.

These factors have been associated with increased incidence of hot flashes:

• Ethnicity — more African American women report hot flashes than those of European or Asian descent
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Smoking

Not all women experience hot flashes with menopause, but for some women, the hot flashes can be severe.

Jennifer Bantz, M.D. explains why hormone replacement therapy can help manage symptoms:

Are there any health risks associated with menopause?

A woman’s risk for these chronic medical conditions can increase after menopause:

• Cardiovascular disease
  The decline in estrogen increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Osteoporosis
  During the first few years after menopause, women may rapidly lose bone density, leading to an enhanced risk for bone fractures.
• Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
  As vaginal tissues lose elasticity, and becomes thin and dry, women may struggle with pain during intercourse. The urethra also becomes dry and irritated, which may increase the risk of infection. Some women may need to urinate more often and may experience leakage, also known as urinary incontinence.
• Weight gain
  Because of the decrease in basal metabolic rate after menopause, women may need to decrease caloric intake and increase exercise to maintain their weight.

Are there treatments for menopause?

Contemporary treatments focus on relieving any symptoms of menopause that may be disruptive and assessing current or potential chronic medical conditions. Women should speak with their health care team about risks and benefits related to treatment options, which may include hormone replacement therapy or nonhormonal remedies.

Some women notice pelvic floor issues during menopause, such as an overactive bladder or urinary incontinence. Others may experience vaginal dryness or irritation. Many options are available for treating these bothersome and sometimes embarrassing problems.

For some women, lifestyle changes can manage bladder problems, such as limiting the amount of caffeine they drink or scheduling regular trips to the bathroom. For other women, physical therapy or biofeedback is effective. Some women may benefit from topical vaginal lubricants or moisturizers.

What lifestyle modifications can I make to ease the transition of menopause?

Women may also find relief through lifestyle changes, such as:

• Eating a balanced diet that limits saturated fats, oils and sugars. For some women, hot flashes may be triggered by hot beverages, spicy foods or alcohol.
• Exercising a minimum of 30 minutes per day at a moderate intensity level.
• Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation and yoga.
• Layering clothing to accommodate body temperature changes.
• Optimizing sleep by avoiding caffeine and exercising earlier in the day. Aim for getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
• Quitting smoking.

Menopause is a normal life change and a natural part of the aging process. Treatment should be individualized and based on a woman’s symptoms. Women should discuss the risks and benefits of treatment options with their health care team.

Katie Casper, M.D., and Tarek Khalife, M.D., are OB-GYNs in Mankato, Minnesota.

Topics in this Post

• Menopause
• Women’s Health

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Menopause

Menopause transition: What’s normal?

What Age Does Menopause Start for Women?

3 minute read

By: Sheryl Kraft|Last updated: October 11, 2022|Medically reviewed by: Sharon Malone

Remember waiting for our periods to begin when we were younger? We yearned for that first hint of red to appear, eager to join other girls in this rite of passage. That age was variable: Some of us began menstruating as early as 10, and some as late as 15.

By this time, that phase is getting ready to end. We’ve had about 450 cycles and used roughly 11,000 tampons. Maybe you’re ready for it just to be over.

And now you’re left wondering: How old will I be when I go through menopause?

Just as when we were younger and waiting for things to begin, we’re now wondering in reverse: What is the average age for menopause—and importantly, what age will menopause start for me?

There are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding perimenopause and menopause. Sifting through rumors to find the facts is a time-consuming and challenging process. Luckily for you…

Alloy has got your back. We’re going to explore some facts and bust some myths about how (and when) menopause starts and what you can do about the symptoms that come along with it.

But first, a bit about us.

Alloy is a women-owned and operated company dedicated to providing women with top-quality, scientifically-backed, and medically-proven menopause treatments and advice. If you’ve got menopause questions, we’ve got a whole staff of menopause-trained doctors waiting to answer them.

Take our free online assessment if you have questions about menopause symptoms and want to speak to a menopause-trained doctor about a personalized menopause treatment plan.

We also offer several products available online, including hormonal menopause treatments like estradiol pills, patches, and vaginal cream, and non-hormonal menopause treatments like low-dose paroxetine.

First, Some Facts:

• The average age for a woman to have gone without a period for 12 months, and therefore officially be in menopause, is 51.

• The menopausal transition typically starts for women in their late 40s or early 50s.

• Menopause is a normal part of aging that happens when you’ve gone without a period for 12 consecutive months.

• Women can also enter menopause due to surgical removal to remove the ovaries, chemotherapy or radiation to the pelvis, or premature ovarian insufficiency.

• Menopause marks the end of your reproductive years, when your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs.

• The years leading up to menopause are known as “perimenopause.” This menopausal transition is when your ovaries start winding down and produce fewer hormones (mainly estrogen and progesterone).

• You can spend from two to 10 years in perimenopause before your periods stop for good and menopause starts.

Perimenopause Truths

• Menopause rarely announces itself one day with one final menstrual cycle. (What, you thought it was gonna be that simple?)

• Instead, you have to pass through perimenopause, otherwise known as the menopausal transition.

• This phase, when your ovaries’ production of estrogen winds down at times gradually, and at other times fitfully, can take anywhere from two to ten years.

• During perimenopause, there can be uncomfortable menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes.

• Treatments for perimenopausal symptoms include paroxetine, for non-hormonal relief from hot flashes and night sweats, and estradiol cream, best for vaginal symptoms like itching, dryness, and UTIs.

How You’ll Know You’re in Perimenopause

While you’re waiting for early menopause to start, there are many signs that it’s approaching. This transition usually begins in your mid-to-late 40s and is caused by hormonal fluctuations.

• Irregular periods. They can be heavier or lighter or longer or shorter than usual; or you may experience “flooding” or skip one or more months before they start up again. (Remember, natural menopause starts once you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period.)

• Hot flashes

• Trouble sleeping (which can result in further symptoms of menopause fatigue)

• Mood swings or irritability

• Vaginal dryness

Why You Might Be Asking: “What Age Does Menopause Start?”

• Your friend’s menopause started in her early 40s.

• Your sister’s periods didn’t stop until she was in her mid-50s.

• You know someone who went through menopause in her 30s.

Although the biological process is similar for all of us, the age that natural menopause starts is different for every woman, and can depend on factors like:

Genetics

• Usually, you’ll reach menopause around the same age as your mother or sister.

• Due to a genetic mutation, some women reach menopause at an early age, or prematurely.

Where you live and your ethnicity

• Women in North American reach menopause between 40 and 58 (with the median menopause age being 51).

• The median age in Europe ranges from 50.1 to 52.8 years.

• The median age in Latin America is from 43.8 to 53 years.

• The median age in Asia is from 42.1 to 49.5 years.

Your health status

• Smokers reach menopause about two years earlier than non-smokers. Quitting smoking prior to entering menopause can cut that risk.

• Menopause can be triggered by an oophorectomy (the removal of both ovaries).

• Certain health treatments (like pelvic radiation or chemotherapy for cancer), or conditions (like some autoimmune diseases) can influence what age you will be at menopause.

Once you reach menopause, no matter your age, you’ll need to be even more conscious of your health. That’s because as estrogen declines, health risks rise. (One way to supplement your body’s estrogen is with menopause hormone therapy using estradiol products.) Here are health conditions to monitor with the arrival of perimenopause.

• Heart disease. Estrogen helps keep blood vessels open and cholesterol levels healthy. But once estrogen levels fall, women’s risk of heart disease climbs and equals men’s of the same age by age 70.

• Osteoporosis. The loss of estrogen leads to the loss of bone mass and density, and can increase the risk of fractures.

• Stroke. Lower estrogen levels may be responsible for cholesterol build-up on the walls of arteries leading to the brain; the risk doubles every decade after 55.

• Obesity. Fat stores shift and settle around the abdomen, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders like diabetes.

• Urinary incontinence. A reduction in estrogen can have a weakening effect on the urethra, making it more difficult to hold in your urine. Research shows 16-18 percent of women experience bladder issues during this time.

What Else to Expect Post-Menopause

• You will no longer be able to get pregnant.

• Usually, you’ll get relief from menopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings (We say “usually” because hot flashes can continue for up to 14 years for some women.)

• Vaginal dryness may become even more common.

• Some women experience dry eyes and itchy skin, and thinning hair or hair loss during menopause.

• Even if you eat and exercise the same as you always did, fat gain increases and lean mass decreases.

• Staying in good health is super-valuable in managing changes as estrogen levels decline.

• Continue to monitor your health with regular height and weight checks, mammograms, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings; bone density tests and any other tests your healthcare provider recommends.

Alloy Has Your Back When It Comes to Managing Menopause Symptoms

Alloy helps perimenopausal and menopausal women easily access high-quality menopause healthcare and treatments online. We hire menopause-trained medical providers who understand menopause and who are passionate about treating menopausal symptoms.

If you want to get your menopause symptoms under control, but don’t know where to start, take our free online assessment and speak to a menopause-trained doctor ASAP.

Experts agree that for the vast majority of healthy women, supplementing your body’s natural hormones is the safest and most effective treatment to ease the vasomotor symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats.

Head to our products page to check out your options. A menopause-trained doctor will review your choices to make sure you get the right treatment.

Sources

1. https://kidshealth.org/Nemours/en/teens/menstruation.html

2. 7 Amazing Facts About Periods That Everyone Needs To Know

3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15224-menopause-perimenopause-and-postmenopause

4. https://www. menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/

5. https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/early-or-premature-menopause

6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20690868/

7. https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-and-your-health

8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14567150/

9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22978257/https://medlineplus.gov/metabolicdisorders.html

10. https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-basics#4

11. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2110996

12. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/expert-answers/vaginal-dryness/faq-20115086

13. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/menopause

14. https://www.myamericannurse.com/postmenopausal-women-urinary-incontinence/

15. https://www.swanstudy.org/changes-in-body-composition-and-weight-during-the-menopause-transition/

16. https://www. menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause

17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4542296/

Menopause: myths and reality | “OncoProfi” Kazan

On the one hand, menopause is the same mandatory stage in a woman’s life as birth, puberty, etc., on the other hand, this physiological process has acquired so many myths and fables that it has become not only the hero of jokes and complaints, but also the main “horror story” that scares all women from a very young age.

Let’s try to discuss some of the most common myths around menopause in order to finally get to the bottom of the truth.

Myth 1. Menopause is a sign of aging. In fact, menopause is a sign of the cessation of ovarian function, i.e. the process of egg maturation, which in our understanding corresponds to menstruation. Therefore, menopause is a sign of the cessation of reproductive function. However, it should be remembered that the average age of menopause is 51 years (42-58), which corresponds to the period of life when a woman, enriched by life experience, loving and appreciating herself, enters a second youth. What is aging? Moreover, with the help of gynecologists-endocrinologists, it is currently possible to individually select hormone replacement therapy, which will improve both well-being and skin condition. If menopause occurs before the age of 40, it is already called “premature menopause”. This is no longer a physiological process, but a medical condition that requires examination and treatment by gynecologists.

Myth 2. Menopause is necessarily accompanied by a deterioration in a woman’s quality of life: hot flashes, malaise, headaches, bad mood, etc. In fact, some women can go through menopause without the above symptoms. This is usually inherited. In all other women, who make up the vast majority, these symptoms can be reduced and even eliminated with the right hormonal or herbal preparations, as well as a healthy lifestyle and dietary recommendations.

Myth 3. Menopause is about the same for all women. No no and one more time no! Your menopause will be yours alone: ​​individual and unlike anyone else. Like your body, your periods and childbirth. This is not the menopause of your grandmother, mother, sister, and even more so, your neighbors and girlfriends.

Therefore, dear ladies, before taking the “miracle drug that really helped her” on the advice of a friend, remember that:

1. ovarian cancer, cervical cancer), therefore, it is during this period that it is NECESSARY to be examined annually by oncologists.
2. Taking any medications, and especially hormonal ones, without a doctor’s prescription and control is dangerous to health! Taking many homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements, without proven therapeutic activity, at best, will only damage the contents of your wallet, and at worst, will lead to the development of diseases.

Thus, for women who respect themselves and their health, who are regularly examined by gynecologists and oncologists, menopause is another stage of life when you can love and be loved, or just be a beautiful and adored woman. And to everyone else … we recommend reading the article again!

Ovarian cysts

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form anywhere in the body, including and in the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are quite common. Especially high is the likelihood of ovarian cysts in childbearing age.

There are several different types of ovarian cysts. The most common of these is a functional cyst, which forms during ovulation. This is either due to the fact that the egg cannot be released from its sac (follicle), has not matured, or the follicle does not dissolve after the release of the egg.

Other types of cysts include:

1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – follicles in which eggs normally mature, fail to open, and cysts form.
2. Endometriomas – Occur in women with endometriosis when cells in the lining of the uterus grow and spread to other parts of the body, including the ovaries. Endometriomas can be very painful and cause infertility.
3. Cystadenomas – These cysts form from cells on the surface of the ovaries and are often filled with fluid.
4. Dermoid cysts – Contain cells from other parts of the body (skin, hair, teeth, etc.).

Symptoms of ovarian cysts

Very often, ovarian cysts do not have any clinical manifestations: patients do not complain about anything, until by chance, during routine medical examinations, they are not detected. However, ovarian cysts can cause serious problems in case of torsion, bleeding, or rupture.

If you experience any of the following symptoms or complaints, you should contact a specialist immediately, as these symptoms may also indicate ovarian tumors.

Symptoms of ovarian cysts and tumors:

1. Abdominal pain or bloating
2. Difficulty urinating or frequent urge to urinate
3. Dull pain in the lower back
4. Pain during intercourse
5. Painful periods and profuse bleeding
6. Weight gain
7. Nausea or vomiting
8. Loss of appetite, rapid satiety.

During your examination, if you suspect ovarian cysts or tumors, you may be offered the following types of examination: examination by a gynecologist-oncologist, ultrasound of the pelvic organs (transvaginal or transabdominal), examination of the level of hormones in the blood (LH, FSH, estradiol and testosterone), analysis for the tumor marker CA-125. In some cases, for further examination and clarification of the picture, laparoscopy, computed tomography and other types of high-tech examinations may also be needed.

Dear women, take care of yourself and your health, and remember that the best treatment is timely prevention and regular examinations by specialists will help to detect and prevent the development of many diseases in time.

Everything you need to know about the diagnosis of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue normally found in the inner layer of the uterus grows in other parts of the body: in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, on the outer surface of the uterus, in the intestines or other internal organs. As hormone levels change during the menstrual cycle, this tissue sloughs off from the organs where it attaches, causing painful adhesions and scar tissue.

Symptoms of endometriosis

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pain before, during and after menstruation. In some women, the pain is so intense that it causes temporary disability, it may occur before or after sexual intercourse, or during intestinal motility or urination. Sometimes endometriosis is accompanied by chronic pain in the pelvic area or in the lumbar region. However, most women with endometriosis may have little or no symptoms.

Sometimes the first and only sign of endometriosis is infertility. Approximately one third of women with endometriosis experience infertility, but the causes of this condition are not yet fully understood. On the other hand, modern medicine has reached such heights that at present this infertility is curable, and the very fact of pregnancy contributes to the treatment of endometriosis.

What are the causes of endometriosis?

Currently, doctors have not found a reason why endometrial tissue begins to grow in atypical places, but there are several theories. According to one theory, the development of the disease is associated with a hereditary factor: some endometrial cells have been present in the body since birth. According to another theory, cells migrate to the pelvic area during menstruation, through the bloodstream, or during a caesarean section. Another theory explains this disease by a decrease in immunity.

Who is at risk for endometriosis?

Endometriosis is more common in the following women:

• Age 30-40,
• Did not have children,
• Period longer than 7 days,
• Menstrual cycles shorter than 28 days,
• Menstruation started before age 12,
• Have a mother or sister who has had endometriosis.

If you have one or more risk factors, you should see a professional gynecologist for a complete examination and treatment. With a timely diagnosis, endometriosis can be completely cured, however, with a chronic long course of the disease, irreversible changes occur, leading to the surgical removal of the affected organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, etc.).

Take care of your health! Book a consultation with our specialists

Risks and prevention of stroke in menopause > Rehabilitation Center

Menopause is the period of time before aging, which, depending on the cessation of menstruation, is divided into three stages: premenopause, menopause and postmenopause. Menopause is a normal state and is characterized by the appearance of pronounced signs of aging. Among the pathologies of the climacteric period are the syndrome of the same name, osteopenia, cardiovascular disorders, osteoporosis, hypotrophic manifestations in the genitourinary system, etc. Pathologies are usually caused by the shutdown of ovarian function and aging of the body.

Almost a third of a woman’s life goes through menopause. Studies conducted in recent years have shown that it is possible to significantly improve the quality of a woman’s life during this period with the help of hormone replacement therapy. This method of treatment makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of developing cardiovascular pathology, urinary incontinence and osteoporosis by 40-50%.

Pre-menopause

Premenopausal period, which is manifested by psychological and somatic changes caused by ovarian failure. Early detection of such changes makes it possible to prevent the development of a pronounced climacteric syndrome. As a rule, premenopause begins after the age of 45 and first manifests itself with minor symptoms that are associated with mental stress.

The most characteristic manifestation of premenopause is menstrual disorders – during the 4 years preceding menopause, this symptom is observed in 90% of women. Also, hypoestrogenism should be excluded in all patients who complain of weakness, fatigue and irritability.

Menopause

Part of the natural aging process which is characterized by the cessation of menses as a result of ovarian failure. The average age of menopause is 51 years. The condition does not depend on nationality and nutritional habits, but it is noted that in nulliparous and smoking women, menopause occurs earlier.

Post-menopause

The period following menopause and lasting on average about a third of a woman’s life. The consequences of hypoestrogenism are quite serious, in terms of their significance for health, they are similar to the consequences of adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism. Despite this, doctors often do not pay due attention to hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women, although it is one of the most important components in the prevention and treatment of various pathologies in older women.

Most likely, this state of affairs is due to the fact that the consequences of hypoestrogenism develop rather slowly, they are often attributed to natural aging.

Cardiovascular diseases are pathologies with a large number of predisposing factors, the most important of which is the age of the patient. As men and women age, the risk of stroke increases, but there is an important caveat. It has been proven that the risk of death from a stroke in women of childbearing age is on average three times less than in men of the same age group. As a postmenopausal woman enters, the risk increases dramatically.

Previously, the increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease in general and stroke in particular in the postmenopausal period was explained only by age. Today, it has been proven that hypoestrogenism plays an important role in the development of stroke – this is one of the easiest risk factors for atherosclerosis to eliminate.

According to a study conducted by the authors of the Hopkins University, women whose first phase of menopause begins before the age of 46 suffer from cardiovascular disease twice as often.

American doctors also analyzed the health data of 2,509 women who participated in a multinational study aimed at studying atherosclerosis. Participants ranged in age from 45 to 84 years old and data were collected between 2000 and 2008. Factors such as diet, bad habits, ethnic diversity and physical activity were taken into account.

The results of the study showed that in 28% of patients menopause began before the age of 46. At the same time, 18% of them underwent surgery on the genitals, and the remaining 10% smoked. A stroke developed in 37 women, and 50 had beginning problems with the work of the cardiovascular system. The authors argue that despite the relatively low actual number of stroke cases among study participants, the risk of developing this acute condition in menopausal patients remains high.

The head of the study, Prof. Danavai Vaidai, states the following:

“ The association between early onset of menopause and the development of cardiovascular disease is becoming increasingly clear, especially when other risk factors are taken into account. Unfortunately, most young women do not pay due attention to the prevention of such pathological conditions, believing that the likelihood of cardiovascular disease occurs only in old age. In this regard, doctors need to conduct explanatory work among women, and also, if a patient has an early menopause, give her recommendations on preventing the development of coronary diseases “.

Hormone replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective way to prevent these and other menopausal complications. In postmenopausal women who receive estrogen, the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction is reduced by more than 50%. A doctor observing a postmenopausal woman must necessarily inform her about cardiovascular diseases and the need for their prevention – this is especially important if the patient refuses hormone replacement therapy.

In addition to treating hypoestrogenism, other risk factors for atherosclerosis should be addressed to reduce the risk of stroke. The most significant of them are smoking and arterial hypertension – cigarette consumption increases the chance of developing a stroke by 3 times, and arterial hypertension by 10 times. Also among the risk factors should be noted a sedentary lifestyle, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus.

Climacteric syndrome, which is most often observed in the perimenopausal phase, is characterized by neurological, vegetative-vascular, neurological and metabolic manifestations. Mood instability, hot flashes, a tendency to depression are observed. Type 2 diabetes mellitus often progresses, hypertension worsens, exacerbations of lung pathologies and peptic ulcers occur. Hypotrophic processes of the urethra, vaginal mucosa and bladder gradually progress, the risk of vaginal and urinary infections increases, and the likelihood of fractures increases. Atherosclerosis progresses, the risk of stroke increases significantly.

Hormone replacement therapy, started at the first manifestations of menopausal syndrome, shows good results in 80-90% of cases. The course of treatment halves the risk of stroke and increases life expectancy, even in patients with narrowing of the lumen of the coronary arteries, determined by angiography. Estrogens effectively prevent the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques. Also in recent years, a beneficial effect of HRT on Alzheimer’s disease has been identified.

It is important to note that HRT also has a negative effect on the body: estrogens increase the risk of developing uterine cancer and hyperplasia, but the simultaneous administration of progestogens to the patient can prevent the development of these diseases.