What does menopause do to you?
Don't know why menopause is happening to you? Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life that marks the end of menstruation and reproductive capacity. However, the changes it brings with it go far beyond what many imagine.
For example, from physical symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances, to emotional impacts such as mood swings and anxiety, menopause is a complex process that affects overall well-being.
For this reason, understanding what triggers this transition and how to deal with it can make the difference in living this stage with greater fullness and health.
So, read on to understand more about how menopause can impact your life and the best ways to adapt to these changes.
What problems can menopause cause?
Menopause can cause a range of problems that vary in intensity and duration, and can affect both physical and emotional well-being. Some of the main problems associated with menopause include:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Hormonal changes can cause sudden increases in body temperature, accompanied by intense sweating, which can interfere with sleep and rest.
Insomnia and sleep disorders
Hot flashes and anxiety can lead to problems falling asleep or getting restful sleep.
Mood swings and depression
Hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritability, anxiety and, in some cases, depression. These emotional changes affect stability and mood.
Loss of bone density
Decreased estrogen can cause bones to become more fragile, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Weight gain and metabolic changes
Many women experience weight gain or changes in body fat distribution, which can affect self-esteem and overall health.
Decreased libido and vaginal dryness
Hormonal changes can reduce sexual desire and cause vaginal dryness, causing discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Memory and concentration problems
Some women report difficulty concentrating or remembering details, which is associated with hormonal variations.
Cardiovascular problems
Decreased estrogen levels may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, as this hormone plays a protective role in heart health.
How does menopause occur?
Menopause occurs as a result of a natural process in a woman's body that marks the end of the reproductive phase. In other words, it is officially defined as the time when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without menstruating, and usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although the age can vary.
In other words, this process occurs through a gradual decrease in the production of female hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and fertility. Therefore, this transition to menopause occurs in several stages:
Perimenopause (or premenopause)
This is the stage before menopause and can last from a few months to several years. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate and menstrual cycles become irregular.
As a result, it is common to experience some symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disturbances.
Menopause
This is the point at which a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without menstruation. Consequently, this phase marks the end of ovulation and fertility.
Postmenopause
This is the period following menopause. Symptoms that developed during perimenopause may usually continue, although they tend to decrease over time.
At this stage, hormone levels stabilize at a low point, and women may be more prone to certain health problems, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
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What diseases does menopause bring?
Menopause itself is not a disease, but the hormonal changes that come with it can increase your risk of developing certain health conditions. Some of the diseases and problems associated with menopause include:
- Osteoporosis : Decreased estrogen levels affect bone density, which can lead to more fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures.
- Cardiovascular disease : Reduced estrogen also affects the health of the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems.
- Metabolic problems and weight gain : Menopause can lead to a slower metabolism and changes in body fat distribution, which increases the risk of obesity and, therefore, type 2 diabetes.
- Genitourinary syndrome : Vaginal dryness and tissue atrophy can cause discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse, as well as an increased risk of urinary tract infections and incontinence problems.
- Mental health : Hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, as well as increase the risk of mood disorders.
- Skin and hair problems : Reduced collagen production can result in drier, thinner skin as well as hair loss.
It is important for women going through menopause to have regular medical check-ups and adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, exercise and, when necessary, medical treatments to mitigate these risks and maintain a good quality of life.
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What pains does menopause cause?
Menopause can be associated with various types of aches and pains that vary from woman to woman. Some of the most common pains include:
Joint and muscle pain
Hormonal changes can lead to inflammation and pain in joints and muscles. Many women report stiffness and discomfort, especially in the mornings.
Headaches
Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly decreased estrogen, can trigger frequent migraines and headaches.
Breast pain
Some women experience breast tenderness and pain during perimenopause due to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Abdominal pain
Discomfort or pain may occur in the lower abdomen, usually related to recent changes in menstrual cycles or to the uterus and other pelvic organs.
Pain in the pelvic area
Vaginal dryness and atrophy associated with menopause can cause pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse.
Backache
Hormonal changes can affect muscles and bones, which can contribute to back pain, especially if there is loss of bone density or muscle weakness.
Neuropathic pain
Some women report tingling or burning sensations, which may be related to hormonal changes and nerve health.
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Conclusion on what causes menopause
Menopause is a natural process that undoubtedly marks a significant change in the lives of women, affecting both their physical and emotional well-being.
Due to the decrease in female hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone, this transition can bring with it a variety of symptoms and health problems.
Although the effects may vary from woman to woman, it is essential to understand and address these changes with self-care strategies, medical support, and a healthy lifestyle.
In short, with the right approach, it is possible to minimize symptoms and maintain a good quality of life during and after menopause.
