Some women may experience menopause even if they are under 45 years old. This is called a premature menopause. This can happen as a result of diseases, removal of the ovaries, cancer treatment (chemotherapy) or as a result of genetic causes. Women who smoke come earlier in menopause than women who do not smoke.
Transitional problems
Women's health is important throughout life. New phases can present new challenges. Do you have questions or ailments related to menopause? The gynecologist with us can listen and assist you in whatever you may be wondering.
During menopause, hormonal changes occur. The production of estrogen and progestogen gradually decreases, before it stops completely. Some may have few ailments or mild discomfort, but other women may have major ailments.
From puberty to menopause, the ovaries produce estrogen and progestin. The hormones are formed each month in a cycle of four weeks, where estrogen is produced in the first two, and progestogen in the last two weeks. The hormones are made for the eggs to mature. In addition, the hormones affect the urinary tract, uterus, vagina and bones. During menopause, eggs mature, but not enough hormones are produced. It is the lack of this that creates ailments one associates with menopause.
Menopause is defined as the period around your last period. The time you have your last period is menopause, the years around your last period are called menopause or menopause. Usually this time is approx. 1 year before and after your last period. Menopause can last a few months for some, but up to 10 years for others.
The time you reach menopause varies between 45-50 years, where the average has an age of 52.9 years. There are several factors that can determine when you reach menopause. These can be hereditary / genetic factors, body weight, age at first menstruation, smoking and any diseases. From most women, 55 start a new life without menstruation, and the hormones balance.
Early menopause
Symptoms and ailments
Symptoms of menopause can degenerate into both physical and mental symptoms. As many as 3 out of 4 women have ailments during menopause.
Physical symptoms can be:
- Dry sheath
- Hot flushes (80% of women get this!)
- Bleeding disorders
- Night sweats / sweating
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Sleep problems
- Osteoporosis
- Irregular menstruation and longer time between each menstruation
- Urine leakage / incontinence
From what you do not see, both the vagina and the uterus become smaller, and the cervix will close gradually. The mucous membranes of the uterus, bladder and urinary tract also become drier and thinner.
Mental symptoms can be:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Unrest
- Anxiety
- Concentration problems
- Low energy level
- Irritability
Decreased sex drive can also be a symptom, among other things as a cause of lower levels of estrogen and testosterone, drier vagina, but also mentally as a result of self-esteem during menopause.
Examination and treatment
If you go to a gynecologist with menopausal symptoms, the gynecologist will suggest a gynecological examination and a conversation where you map the cycle and any ailments. If you reach menopause earlier than 45 years, it may be relevant to have a blood test that checks hormone levels.
Some women use hormone supplements for a period of time. This can relieve hot flashes, night sweats and mucous membrane problems. There is some risk associated with estrogen therapy, and it is not recommended to go on this for more than 5 years due to the increased risk of breast cancer.
Treatment of local ailments can be treated with estrogen supplements in the form of vaginal suppositories, vaginal cream or hormone ring in the vagina which is changed every three months. This type of treatment does not help for hot flashes. There are options for women who can not tolerate estrogen therapy and hot flush medications.
If you receive treatment, you may want to go to the doctor’s check-up once a year to discuss the effect, whether to continue treatment or not, and assess the risk in consultation with the doctor.
Contact a gynecologist or doctor to discuss options that may be right for you.
