What is Menopause? Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
What is menopause?
Menopause is a life stage where menstrual periods permanently cease, and ovarian reproductive functions naturally decline.
Menopause is diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, and this is not due to another cause.
Menopause is not a disease, but a natural phase of life. However, symptoms that arise during this process can affect quality of life and can be managed with appropriate treatment.
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At What Age Does Menopause Begin?
Natural menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 in most women.
In Turkey, the average age of menopause is around 47–49 years.
The age of menopause can be influenced by factors such as:
● Genetic characteristics
● Smoking
● Certain chronic diseases
● Cancer treatments
● Ovarian surgeries
can be influenced by factors such as.
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What is Early Menopause?
The permanent cessation of ovarian function before the age of 40 is called early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.
This condition differs from natural menopause and must be evaluated by a gynecologist and obstetrician.
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Stages of Menopause
Premenopause: These are the years leading up to menopause. Hormone levels begin to change, but periods continue.
Perimenopause: This is the transition period to menopause.
During this period:
● Menstrual irregularities
● Hot flashes
● Night sweats
● Mood swings
may begin.
Menopause: Defined by 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period since the last period.
Postmenopause: This is the life stage after menopause. During this period, protecting bone and heart health becomes important.
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What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
Symptoms can vary in each woman.
The most common symptoms are:
● Hot flashes
● Night sweats
● Menstrual irregularities
● Sleep problems
● Vaginal dryness
● Pain during sexual intercourse
● Emotional fluctuations
● Irritability
● Difficulty concentrating
● Fatigue
● Palpitations
● Urinary tract complaints
The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
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How is Menopause Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is often made based on;
● Age
● Menstrual history
● Symptoms
is often made based on.
In cases where deemed necessary:
● FSH
● LH
● Estradiol
● Thyroid tests
may be requested.
Hormone testing is not necessary for every woman.
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Long-Term Effects of Menopause
Due to decreasing estrogen levels, some long-term health risks may increase.
Bone Loss (Osteoporosis)
Bone mineral density may decrease.
Therefore:
● Calcium
● Vitamin D
● Regular exercise
are important.
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Cardiovascular Health
The risk of cardiovascular diseases may increase after menopause.
Healthy lifestyle habits become even more important during this period.
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Urogenital Changes
Some women may experience:
● Vaginal dryness
● Recurrent urinary tract infections
● Urinary incontinence
● Pain during sexual intercourse
may experience.
These symptoms are treatable.
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Menopause Treatment
Treatment is individualized.
Not every woman needs hormone therapy.
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Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
In suitable patients, hormone therapy can:
● Reduce hot flashes.
● Alleviate night sweats.
● Improve sleep quality.
● Reduce vaginal dryness.
● Slow down bone loss.
The decision for treatment should be made by evaluating the patient’s age, complaints, medical history, and potential risks together.
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Non-Hormonal Treatment Options
In cases where hormone therapy is not suitable or preferred:
● Lifestyle adjustments
● Vaginal moisturizers
● Lubricants
● Certain medication therapies
can be considered.
It is recommended to consult your physician before using herbal products or supplements.
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Lifestyle Recommendations During Menopause
● Engage in regular walking and resistance exercises.
● Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium.
● Monitor your vitamin D levels.
● Avoid smoking.
● Limit alcohol consumption.
● Maintain a healthy weight.
● Do not neglect your regular gynecological check-ups.