May 18, 2021
Menopause: what it is, what is happening physiologically? - Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor
As a woman, you get to a stage when your menstruation ceases. Yes, that’s a new phase of life called MENOPAUSE. It doesn’t mean you have a health problem, it is just a natural biological process.
What is menopause?
Menopause is a stage that signifies the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. This transition stage typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. It is characterized by some changes that progress until the final menses and end of your reproductive years.
However, menopause can occur earlier in life due to your genes, some immune disorders, and medical treatments, such as the removal of ovaries. Also, early menopause is often seen among smokers and women with chronic diseases.
Women tend to experience many physical symptoms around the time of menopause, and these symptoms include:
- Night sweats and sleep disturbances
- Hot flashes
- Reduced sex drive
- Vaginal dryness
- Lower fertility
- Irregular menstruation
- Trouble focusing and learning
- Emotional changes
Menopause can also lead to anxiety and changes in mood. You may start experiencing these symptoms before your menstruation ends, and they can last for years.
However, note that each person experiences menopause differently. Some women have full, active lives throughout this period of transition. But some others may feel worse during this period.
A simple way to feel better and boost your overall health during this stage is to maintain a healthful diet and get regular exercise.
What is happening physiologically during menopause?
Menopause is characterized by a reduced production of circulating estrogen. This is as a result of reduced sensitivity of the ovaries to circulating gonadotropins (FHS and LH) caused by a decrease in the available binding sites.
The level of FSH and LH increases during menopause due to the low level of estrogen, and this removes negative feedback on the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
The endometrium lining breaks down when ovulation does not occur, and this is termed “estrogen breakthrough bleeding.” You experience this in the perimenopausal stage and it can happen as frequently as every 2 weeks.
However, bleeding gradually ceases as levels of estrogen decrease.
Generally, menopause has three stages:
Perimenopause: This stage begins many years before menopause when your ovaries produce less estrogen. This period includes the 12 months that follow your last period. It can last until your ovaries stop releasing eggs.
Menopause: This is the stage when your last period is over a year. Your ovaries have stopped producing estrogen and releasing eggs.
Postmenopause: This a period after menopause. The symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats, usually ease. But as you grow older, you become more prone to health risks related to the loss of estrogen
Menopause diagnosis and treatment
You might suspect you’re going into menopause when you keep track of your periods and chart them as they become irregular. This helps your doctor determine if you’re menopausal. There are other blood tests your doctor may also carry out to diagnose menopause.
Note that menopause is a natural process every woman must go through, and most symptoms often go away with time.
But when problems arise during menopause, there are some medical treatments available, including hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), topical hormone therapy, medication for osteoporosis, and others.
However, lifestyle changes are often recommended as an effective way to deal with menopause symptoms:
- If you have hot flashes, you can sleep near a fan, drink cold water, or dress in layers.
- If you experience vaginal dryness, you can use over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers
- If you have sleep problems, you can try exercising more often.
- Avoid smoking
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Stay mentally and socially active to prevent memory problems
- Eat a variety of healthy foods to maintain a healthy weight
You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC to learn more about other natural methods you can follow to deal with menopause symptoms