As we enter middle-age, there is another stage of life in store for people with uteruses. The transition to menopause typically begins between the ages of 45 and 55; it is the point in life that marks your last period. This transition is called perimenopause and can last anywhere from 7 to 14 years. That’s a hefty amount of time to deal with an array of symptoms that can pose inconvenience to one’s personal and professional life, so it’s important that you have the information and tools needed to navigate these changes.
Common Symptoms
- Changes in Your Menstrual Cycle: During perimenopause, you are likely to see changes in the length and regularity of your period, in the level of pain you experience during your period, and in its flow.
- Incontinence: You are also likely to experience changes in your bladder control, feeling the urge to urinate more frequently like when you exercise, sneeze, or laugh. You may also experience bladder infections.
- Hot Flashes: You may experience hot flashes as often as multiple times in an hour, or as little as once a week, and they can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. These sudden rises in feelings of heat can happen all over the body, or in just the upper areas, like your face and neck. Hot flashes can come with red blotches that may appear on your skin, and are often followed by heavy sweating or cold shivering. They can also occur at night, and wake you from your sleep.
- Vaginal Health: You may also find that your vagina has become drier. This can lead to discomfort during sexual intercourse, as well as general discomfort throughout the day.
- Changes in Sexuality: During the transition to menopause, you may experience changes in your desire to have sex, including an increase or decrease in it.
- Mood Changes: Menopause can also pose a threat to your mental health, including an increase in anxiety and/or depression.
- Body Changes: Everyone’s weight changes as they age, but menopause also tends to lead to a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in fat. These changes are often very slight, but vary between individuals.
Given how long the transition to menopause can be, you may want to investigate treatment plans to help you manage its symptoms. It’s important you consult with a trusted medical practitioner about any treatment. This phase of life is deeply personal and different for everyone, so be sure to find out what plan is right for you.
Treatments to Ask Your Doctor About
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Usually coming in the form of a daily pill, these are prescription drugs that can help to lessen the symptoms of menopause. There are also patch forms available. Your ovaries produce lower levels of the estrogen and progesterone hormones, and these therapies are used to help compensate for this decrease.
- Low-Dose Hormone Birth Control: These prescribed medications have also been known to lower hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. However, individuals who smoke are advised not to take this treatment for menopause, due to a heightened risk of blood clots and high blood pressure.
- Low-Dose Antidepressants: Some may use antidepressants to deal with mood changes during menopause, however they have also been prescribed to treat hot flashes. In the case of hot flashes, patients generally take a lower dosage than they would to treat anxiety or depression.
- Vaginal Moisturizer: There are many over-the-counter products to help treat vaginal discomfort, dryness, and pain. However, some individuals find that these products are not enough to alleviate their symptoms, and resort to prescribed medications in the form of creams or tablets.
Sources:
“Menopause.” The Office on Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause
“What is Menopause?” Health Topics. The National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/what-menopause#treating
“Menopause,” Newsroom. The World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause
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