What Most Women Don’t Know About Menopause—But Should
Menopause is a significant milestone in a woman's reproductive journey, marking the cessation of menstrual periods and the end of natural fertility. While this transition is natural, it often brings about various symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
While some women may find solace in the office of their healthcare professional, others may not find concrete answers to their pressing menopause questions. Below are some details you might not know about menopause and strategies to help ease your symptoms.
What Is Causing Your Menopause Symptoms?
Menopause is the natural end of a woman's menstrual cycle and is typically diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. While the average age of menopause is 51 years, some women may experience menopause symptoms at other times or due to other causes. For example:
- Premature or Early Menopause: Menopause that occurs before the age of 40.
- Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy: Cancer treatments that can induce menopause.
- Surgical Interventions: Procedures like an oopherectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries) that may lead to menopause.
If you're experiencing symptoms of menopause and are uncertain about their cause, it's essential to consult your healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Supporting Healthy Hormones as You Age
Estrogen and progesterone are the two primary hormones that regulate a range of bodily functions in women. During menopause, the levels of these hormones decline, leading to the symptoms commonly associated with this stage of life (1).
Hormonal imbalances during menopause can result in symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. Implementing certain lifestyle changes can help manage these symptoms and promote overall well-being. Consider the following strategies (1):
- Nutritious Diet: Consume a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress.
- Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
- Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: These substances can exacerbate menopausal symptoms.
Implementing these lifestyle changes support overall health and may help to alleviate some menopausal symptoms.
Prescription Support for Menopause Symptoms
In addition to lifestyle modifications, several prescription treatments can help manage menopause symptoms. It's important to discuss these options with your healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate approach for your individual needs.
- Hormone Therapy (HT): Hormone therapy is considered the most effective treatment for relieving vasomotor symptoms (e.g., hot flashes) associated with menopause. HT involves the administration of estrogen alone or in combination with progestin, depending on whether a woman has undergone a hysterectomy (removal of her uterus). The decision to use HT should be individualized, taking into account the potential benefits and risks (2).
- Non-Hormonal Prescription Medications: For women who cannot or prefer not to use hormone therapy, several non-hormonal medications have been shown to be effective. These include both Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs).
Drug Free Support for Menopause Symptom Relief
Equelle, a dietary supplement powered by plant-based S-equol, has been clinically studied to provide menopause symptom relief † . It is associated with fewer hot flashes and more sleep ⁋|| . Equelle relieves muscle aches associated with menopause and helps to support healthy bones. †
Next Steps to Take
The onset of menopause can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including hot flashes, muscle discomfort and poor sleep quality. If you are experiencing menopause symptoms, it's crucial to speak with your healthcare professional to determine whether these symptoms are due to declining hormones or another cause. Based on the evaluation, your healthcare professional can discuss the best course of action to help you feel better and more like yourself.
References
- The Menopause Years | ACOG. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-menopause-yearsACOG+2ACOG+2ACOG+2
- Hormone Therapy for Menopause - ACOG. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hormone-therapy-for-menopause
⁋ Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
|| Significant vs. baseline and not placebo.
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