Written by John Williams - January 12, 2023
Menopause is a natural transition in life experienced by most women. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive stage, and can bring with it some unique physical and mental health changes. While menopause is an unavoidable step of life, understanding how it affects us can help us manage its symptoms and keep our bodies as healthy and happy as possible.
One of the primary changes during menopause is a decrease in the body’s production of reproductive hormones — estrogen and progesterone. This decrease generally begins when menstrual cycles become more irregular, then eventually stop completely after 12 months without periods. Low hormone levels can cause physical symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and urinary incontinence.
Hormones not only affect the body but also play a large role in emotional wellbeing. When hormone levels dip during menopause so does serotonin—the neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness—causing an increase in feelings such as irritability or depression that may have been rare prior to menopause. It is important for women experiencing mood swings to seek out resources to help manage these emotions.
As estrogen levels decline during menopause many women experience weight gain due to slower metabolism rates. Not only can this be uncomfortable physically but it can also contribute to further distress regarding emotional wellbeing as hormonal fluctuations are already playing a role in mental health struggles. Working out at least 30 minutes per day is recommended to help maintain muscle mass which will raise your metabolism rate back up closer to pre-menopausal levels .
In addition to metabolic changes, decreasing estrogen levels make bones weaker due to decreased calcium absorption which puts post-menopausal women at risk for osteoperosis —a serious bone condition which if left untreated can lead to fractures or even death! Women should talk regularly with their healthcare providers about ways they can support their bone health throughout the transition process of menopause.
Heart Health Risks Increase
Estrogen depletion has also been linked with potential cardiovascular issues such as stroke or heart attack; making it all the more important for women entering into menopausal years to watch their diets, keep active and visit their physician regularly for checkups and nutritional advice catered toward supporting heart health.
Disrupted sleep patterns are another common symptom during menopause due primarily- though not exclusively -to night sweats caused by low levels of hormones that regulate sweat glands like those found in our extremities like hands and feet . In order for those suffering from this symptom to get through night time hours comfortably consider using special bedding that wicks away moisture from skin contact or cooling devices made specifically for this purpose .
Memory challenges accompany lapses in concentration or confusion over simple tasks could indicate changes in cognition occurring during sexual aging . Those battling cognitive challenges affecting work performance should consider talking to their primary care physician about treatment options available before hard evidence leads them down other paths such as Alzheimer’s disease screening processes
Maintaining better overall health while navigating through the stages of menopause may seem daunting – but there is hope! Hormone Treatment Center offers medical solutions tailored specifically toward helping women cope through this natural transition safely and securely; allowing them maintain an active lifestyle full of joy no matter what age they are!