MENOPAUSE
Menopause is when menstrual periods have stopped for almost 12 months or to say come to an end in a female, it’s a natural aging process, it’s that time when our hormonal levels the estrogen and progesterone decreases due to the non-functioning of the ovaries, generally it also the end of the reproductive period of the female that is the ability to have children. It can happen anywhere around 40 -50 years of age.
Phases of Menopause
- Premenopause or perimenopause – 4-5 years before actual menopause
- Actual menopause – cessation of periods completely
- Postmenopause Though it’s natural to menopause, it has its troublesome symptoms. These symptoms could be of varying severity and sometimes they may hamper day-to-day activities.
- Hot flashes are the most common symptom, combined with profuse sweating and shivering in some cases
- Vaginal dryness decreased libido, or changes in the sexual drive are also experienced by many.
- Urinary incontinence or urinary infections increased the frequency of urination
- Osteoporosis (decreased bone density), due to decrease in estrogen level
- Disrupted sleep, night sweats, change in sleep patterns
- Anxiety, more irritability, mood changes, depression
- and wrinkling of the skin.
The Serious Ramification of Menopause
Osteoporosis -Decrease in estrogen levels causes a decrease in bone density, regular screening of bone density is a must after menopause. Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Scan (DEXA Scan) is recommended for post-menopausal females who are above 65 years of age, Post Menopausal females have an increased risk of osteoporosis and present with fractures.
Here at our clinic we commonly prescribe such females with calcium and Vitamin D supplements. Specific management is given as per recommendations.
Genitourinary symptoms are another set of symptoms experienced by PM females. Such females have vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, bleeding after intercourse, bleeding after menopause, recurrent UTI, pain while urination, or increased frequency of urination. Symptom-specific medications are given which may also include vaginal lubricants and estrogen creams for local applications.
How to deal with Menopause
- the key to dealing with menopause is to be positive, with the help of family, people around you, and your gynecologist, it’s important to understand what to expect when you are going through menopause, so you are mentally ready.
- Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT)
In this, we give estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progesterone depending upon the guidelines. We at Renew Health Care, prescribe HRT judiciously as it is a double-edged sword.
HRT is only indicated for females with severe hot flashes i.e a female experiencing excessive heat and sweating, palpitations, and anxiety which is restricting daily routine activities. HRT is given for a short time of 3-5 years and within 10 years of menopause. It is contraindicated in breast cancer, uncontrolled hypertension, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, history of thrombosis, cardiac disease, migraine, liver disease, dyslipidemia, and diabetes vasculopathy.
We do understand the inconvenience caused by Menopause to some females but, our team is here to hold your hand and lead you through graceful aging.