Menopause is natural, and almost all women must undergo it. However, there are many things that doctors try to convey to their patients going through menopause. Here are 5 things your doctor wants you to know about menopause.
- Symptoms are not always the same
Most women have heard of hot flashes and the new ability to suddenly get real clumsy and forgetful… yeah, but most women haven’t yet understood that menopause symptoms are not necessarily the same across the board.
Likewise, they may even come around earlier. Some women may show symptoms of hot flashes way before menopause happens. This is a period called perimenopause.
It is a time frame when the body is being led to menopause. In some women, perimenopause could last for years.
On the other hand, although many women report bothersome clumsiness and forgetfulness, not all women are bound to struggle with such symptoms.
For example, menopausal women who regularly read and socialise may not experience forgetfulness as much; or those who exercise regularly may still be not as clumsy.
At the end of the day, symptoms differ from person to person according to personal lifestyles, too.
- Get social and don’t isolate yourself
When a woman is experiencing menopause, she may struggle a lot with the usual symptoms and subsequently feel lazy to get around and about.
However, doctors have advised women to continue to maintain social interactions with other people. This is because keeping in touch with those you care about can lessen the gloomy feeling one may feel when having menopause.
On top of that, keeping social interactions alive can also reduce the chances of forgetfulness and clumsiness.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, research has indicated that having social support during the menopausal transition can be beneficial in multiple ways. Social support can lead to reduced stress levels and improved overall mental health during this phase. It can also aid in alleviating both acute and chronic symptoms associated with the menopausal transition. Women who have a strong social network tend to have a more positive outlook on menopause and are less likely to experience feelings of depression.
During the days you can’t socialise much, it would still be a good idea to indulge in reading good books rather than just watching TV or YouTube. If you’re into puzzle games or board games, you can also engage in such activities.
Even better, invite your friends and family to a get-together and play traditional games together. All of this will help the transition into your next phase of life.
- Hormone therapy does help, and it’s not as bad as you think
In recent years, there have been a lot of talks regarding the side effects of using hormone therapy for menopausal women.
In essence, this kind of therapy uses synthetic hormones that mimic the behaviours of female hormones, thus lessening the unpleasant symptoms of menopause.
A lot of people have been advising against the use of hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women due to fear of side effects.
However, doctors have revealed that the amount of hormones used in hormone replacement therapy is far lesser than those contained in birth pills. Still, the possible side effects are roughly the same.
Just as pills for birth control are imperfect, hormone replacement therapy is also like that. But the health benefits are far greater as women can experience fewer pains throughout their perimenopausal period.
If your symptoms are really hard to deal with, don’t be shy about getting hormone therapy.
According to a research review published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and reported by Medical News Today, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is recommended as a first-line treatment for menopausal women who do not have risk factors. Hormone therapy (HT), which includes either estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progesterone, is utilized to increase hormone levels in women and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- The symptoms you are dealing with occur during perimenopause
When talking about menopause and its symptoms, most people are actually addressing the phenomenon wrongly.
What you are dealing with are actually perimenopause symptoms rather than menopause itself. You are in your menopausal period if you haven’t had menstruation for more than a year.
However, the years leading to that last drop of blood during your last menstruation are called perimenopause.
And yes, it is this transitional period that offers you a plethora of bodily discomforts such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, general dizziness, clumsiness, and forgetfulness.
It is all hormonal though. Meaning, that all the issues are caused by your changing hormones and are not necessarily a sign of a serious ailment.
Sometimes, extreme forgetfulness makes women worry if they are developing dementia, but after you reach menopause and the symptoms stop, you will feel like you are back to normal—except for the fact that you don’t bleed anymore.
- You don’t have to endure painful sex
Due to vaginal dryness, many women who are undergoing perimenopause or are already in menopause report painful sex.
Well, although your bodily changes are a very natural part of ageing, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to endure having painful sex.
Painful sex is never a good thing and you should not continue with it if it makes you experience pain. Your partner needs to accommodate your natural changes and instead spend more time getting you wetter.
Your body is not the same now and your partner needs to understand that. Likewise, you also need to develop high enough self-respect to know that you deserve no less than awesome sex.
It’s just that now awesome sex takes more time, and maybe needs the assistance of more tools. Try to use a water-based lubricant, and bring in some toys to keep the excitement in the bedroom.
As per WebMD, there are various ways to address and alleviate discomfort experienced during menopause. For painful sex caused by menopause, potential treatments include using vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, considering hormonal treatments, engaging in pelvic floor exercises, and exploring new experiences and approaches in the bedroom. These options can help improve comfort and enhance the overall sexual experience during this life stage.
To conclude, we provided ladies with five things their doctors are trying to tell them about menopause. We recommend that ladies read more about menopause, as learning more about menopause can help ladies communicate more openly with their doctors.
What Questions Do You Pose To A Doctor About Menopause?
Menopause is a natural process that all women go through as they age. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and can bring about various physical and emotional changes. As a woman approaches menopause, it is important to have open and honest communication with her doctor to better understand this transition and how to manage any symptoms that may arise. In this paper, we will discuss the questions that a woman should pose to her doctor about menopause.
1. What are the signs and symptoms of menopause?
One of the first questions a woman should ask her doctor is about the signs and symptoms of menopause. While most women are aware of the common symptoms such as hot flashes and irregular periods, there are many other symptoms that can occur, such as mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. It is important to have a comprehensive understanding of these symptoms to better identify and manage them.
2. How long does menopause last?
Menopause can last for several years, and the duration can vary from person to person. It is essential to ask your doctor about the typical length of menopause and what factors may affect its duration. This information can help you better prepare for the changes that may occur and plan for potential management strategies.
3. What are the risk factors for menopause?
There are certain risk factors that can affect the timing and severity of menopause. For instance, women who smoke or have a family history of early menopause are more likely to experience menopause at a younger age. It is crucial to discuss these factors with your doctor to determine your personal risk and develop a plan for managing any potential complications.
4. Are there any treatments available for menopause symptoms?
Many women experience bothersome symptoms during menopause, and it is important to know what treatment options are available. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment for menopause symptoms, but it may not be suitable for everyone. It is essential to discuss all available treatment options, including non-hormonal alternatives, to find the best approach for managing your symptoms.
5. What are the potential risks and benefits of HRT?
If you and your doctor decide that HRT is the best treatment option for your menopause symptoms, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits. While HRT can effectively alleviate symptoms, there are also potential risks, such as an increased risk of breast cancer. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of these risks to make an informed decision.
6. What lifestyle changes should I make to manage menopause symptoms?
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes can also help manage menopause symptoms. These may include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management techniques. It is important to discuss these lifestyle changes with your doctor and develop a plan that works best for you.
7. Are there any screenings or tests I should undergo during menopause?
Menopause can increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease. It is essential to discuss with your doctor if you need any screenings or tests during this time to detect and manage these conditions early on.
8. Can I still get pregnant during menopause?
While menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, it is still possible to become pregnant during perimenopause (the transitional stage leading up to menopause). It is essential to discuss birth control options with your doctor to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
9. How can I maintain my sexual health during menopause?
Menopause can affect a woman’s sexual health, causing symptoms such as vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and painful intercourse. It is crucial to discuss these issues with your doctor and explore potential treatments to maintain a healthy sex life.
10. What can I do to stay healthy and prevent complications during menopause?
As women age, they become more susceptible to certain health conditions. It is important to discuss with your doctor what steps you can take to stay healthy and prevent complications during menopause. This may include maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and getting regular check-ups.
In conclusion, it is essential to have open and honest communication with your doctor about menopause. Asking the right questions can help you better understand this transition and develop a plan for managing any symptoms or potential complications. Your doctor is your best resource for information and support during this time, so do not hesitate to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have.
