Understanding Menopause

Menopause is the end of a women’s menstrual cycle. And even though menopause is a natural stage in any woman’s life, many still struggle to find help when going through the majority of the symptoms. Are you aware of the changes that you go through before, during, and after menopause? Here we are breaking the taboo surrounding the enigma that is menopause.

What is menopause?

Menopause represents the end of a women’s reproductive system. For some, it might be a blessing, especially if you no longer want to have children and don’t happen to share great feelings about your menstrual cycles. But for others, it might be the emotional end of an era. Menopause can begin when a woman reaches her 45 to 55 years old, but the average age is 51 years old. Did you know that menopause has three stages?

The three stages of menopause:

– Perimenopause: This stage typically begins many years before menopause, when your ovaries gradually produce fewer amounts of estrogen. This stage can go on for up to 4 years. In the last 1 to 2 years of this stage, estrogen levels drop faster. You will also experience less frequent menstrual cycles.

– Menopause: This is when you have been without your period for a year.

– Postmenopause: This last stage can last for up to 4 years, but some women have it for 12 years after menopause. Menopausal symptoms usually ease but health risks linked to a lack of estrogen rise as you get older.

How does menopause affect women’s physical and psychological health?

Every woman will be impacted differently by menopause, and then some lucky ladies will show no symptoms at all. Early symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sore breasts, dry skin, eyes, or mouth.

Physical Symptoms: 

– Sore breasts
– Increased urination
– Headaches
– Racing heart

Psychological Symptoms: 

– Mood disorders
– Anxiety
– Irritability
– Lack of concentration
– Reduced or lack of sexual desire

How does menopause impact productivity and wellbeing?

When women reach the phase of menopause, the decrease in vital hormones will impact your physical and psychological health. For example, the drop in estrogen during menopause can provoke a lack of concentration and memory. But the lack of estrogen can also have physical implications that can impact your wellbeing. You might endure other symptoms such as; insomnia, headaches as well as stiff or joint ache. Anxiety and mood disorders may also affect you, and leaving you more prone to feel lonely and encourage you to isolate yourself from others.

It’s crucial that you seek professional help, even if you are not sure that you are going through menopause just yet. Professionals like therapists and psychologists can help you to get through the challenging phases of menopause. The best part is that even if you don’t have the time to do it in person, they are online consultations that you can take advantage of, as well as online therapy. Both can support you with whatever struggles that you might be experiencing.

Conclusion:

Menopause is not a curse, and you don’t have to feel ashamed or to go through it alone. Often misunderstood, menopause can also be confused with depression.

First: get a check-up with a medical doctor.
If you find it difficult to handle some the above symptoms alone, reach out to one of our therapists.