menopause
The menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life, yet it is often met with doubts and fears.
What is the menopause?
The menopause, often perceived as a single event, is in fact a transition that unfolds over a period of several years.
The term ‘menopause’ refers to the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle, due to the depletion of ovarian follicular function, which generally occurs around the age of 50, with a normal range between 45 and 55 years of age.
Factors such as smoking or never having been pregnant (nulliparity) can bring forward its onset.
The loss of reproductive capacity, known as the climacteric, is a gradual process involving physical and psychological changes, which vary from woman to woman.
Three main stages can be identified:
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Pre-menopause (or perimenopause): begins months or years before the menopause and is characterised by irregular menstrual cycles, hot flushes, headaches and fatigue.
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Menopause: defined as the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle for at least 12 consecutive months, with no other underlying causes.
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Post-menopause: the period following the cessation of menstruation. Although symptoms may subside, new risks emerge, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, linked to the decline in oestrogen levels.
The menopause can occur naturally or be induced by drug treatments, radiotherapy or surgery.
What are the symptoms of the menopause?
The most common and characteristic symptom of the menopause is a hot flush, a sudden and temporary sensation of heat affecting the face, head and chest, often accompanied by flushing and sweating.
These hot flushes, which generally last a few minutes, can occur at night (night sweats), affecting the quality of sleep, or during the day, causing discomfort. Triggers include stress, hot environments and hot drinks.
Another common symptom is genitourinary syndrome, which includes conditions such as vulvovaginal atrophy and urinary problems. Vaginal dryness is the most frequent symptom, often accompanied by pain during sexual intercourse, itching and irritation. These conditions result from a reduction in oestrogen, which makes the vaginal lining thinner, less elastic and more prone to infection.
Other symptoms include:
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Changes in body weight: a slower metabolism can also affect one’s psychological well-being and self-image.
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Emotional and psychological disturbances: anxiety, mood swings and insomnia are common during this transitional phase.
How can you manage the symptoms associated with the menopause?
Each symptom requires targeted management. Although the menopause is not a disease, the drop in oestrogen increases the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
It is essential to take early action through prevention and treatment strategies, particularly in those most at risk.
Support from the Metica Medical Centre
The Metica Medical Centre offers comprehensive care thanks to a highly qualified multidisciplinary team.
As well as the gynaecologist, the team includes specialists in:
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Cardiology and vascular surgery
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Endocrinology
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Orthopaedics
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Pelvic floor rehabilitation
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Nutrition
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Psychology