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Menopause, which is officially defined as having gone a full 12 months without menstruating, typically occurs between the late 30s and late 50s, with the average age being 52. The period leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, can bring about many changes, and lasts on average for four years. Even after menopause is over, symptoms may continue for years.
One major change during menopause is a decline in estrogen levels. These levels will fluctuate early on, then gradually drop. As Erin Manning, a gynecologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, put it: 'Menopause is the backside of puberty.'
The reduction in hormone levels triggers a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and a higher risk of osteoporosis. As Manning explained, 'If you think about some of the mood symptoms that go along with puberty, some of the same things come along with the perimenopausal transition.'
Menopause symptoms often left unsaid
Alongside the discomfort of hot flashes and night sweats, menopause brings with it a range of other bothersome symptoms, such as vaginal dryness or irritation, painful intercourse, hair thinning, dry mouth, insomnia, and cognitive issues like brain fog or trouble concentrating. In the years leading to menopause, menstrual cycles can become erratic or unusually heavy.
Many women also experience weight gain, often due to a reduction in lean muscle mass, which is known to lower metabolism. Menopause can also trigger a variety of mood changes, increasing the likelihood of developing anxiety and depression. 'The weight gain and mood changes are usually what is least talked about and can be the most problematic,' said Manning.
Critical menopause symptoms that are often overlooked
While hot flashes and night sweats can be uncomfortable, they don't usually impact your health significantly. However, the decrease in estrogen levels can make you more susceptible to serious health conditions, including an increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Estrogen plays a protective role in both osteoporosis and heart disease. 'When estrogen levels drop, the risk of heart attack increases,' explained Michael Adler, an ob/gyn at UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann Hospital.
Menopause marks the time when bone loss begins to accelerate, which can result in osteoporosis. 'Osteoporosis is rarely seen in premenopausal women,' Adler noted. To counteract this bone loss, it's crucial to engage in regular weight-bearing exercises, such as strength training, to help fortify the bones.
Don’t skip your yearly wellness check-ups
After menopause, it can be tempting to skip your annual visit to the ob/gyn. 'Sometimes my patients neglect themselves,' said Adler. However, avoiding a yearly exam means 'there might be some serious conditions we could miss,' such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, or the early signs of bone loss. 'We want people to live long, healthy lives,' Adler emphasized.
