Menopause... We often hear about this term, but do you really know what it is? Prevention, symptoms, causes, and consequences... We'll tell you everything!
Menopause is marked by the cessation of ovulation and consequently by the cessation of menstruation. In other words, menopause results from the complete cessation of hormonal secretion (estrogens and progesterones). It is an important period in a woman's life, generally occurring between 45 and 55 years of age, depending on the woman. A woman is said to be menopausal when she has not had her period for more than a year and can no longer have children.
Symptoms related to menopause vary from woman to woman. Some women may have 0 indicative signs while other women have to deal with very intense symptoms. Symptoms include:
- Absence of menstruation; a menopausal woman no longer has periods until the end of her life.
- Hot flashes, i.e., a sudden sensation of intense heat even if the temperature is not necessarily high. This can also result in profuse sweating, palpitations, chills, tremors, a sensation of dizziness, etc.
- Mood swings; emotions are amplified during this period. Nothing can be a cause for sobs or outbursts of laughter. Indeed, irritability and anxiety are often the keywords for many women.
- Decreased libido; unfortunately, this period also impacts a woman's sex life. Desire is often less present.
- Urinary problems, this results in irritation, urinary leakage, or urinary infections.
- Vaginal dryness; vaginal secretion is much less present in menopausal women due to the drop in estrogen levels in the blood.
- Other symptoms: frequent headaches, predominant fatigue, recurrent insomnia, excessive weight gain, heavy leg sensation, breast sensitivity, etc.
→ It is important to note that symptoms are individual; some women cope very well with menopause. Others experience it very badly because they have all the symptoms. Generally, symptoms subside over time.
Menopause can have serious consequences for women. Indeed, cardiovascular diseases are more common in menopausal women. Furthermore, the decrease in blood estrogen levels has consequences for the heart, blood vessels, and also bones, because after menopause, the risk of fracture in case of a fall is much higher as the bones are very fragile. This is referred to as osteoporosis.
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