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Menopause – how to deal with it?

Menopause is a natural process that occurs in middle-aged women and marks the end of the fertility period. This is the time when the ovaries stop producing eggs and the levels of female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone decrease. Menopause has a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, sleep problems, and vaginal dryness. Although every woman experiences menopause individually, most women go through it between the ages of 45 and 55. In this article, we will discuss in more detail what menopause is, what its symptoms are, and what treatment options are available to help women cope with this stage in life.

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in middle-aged women and marks the end of fertility. Menopause is defined as the moment when a woman stops menstruating for a period of 12 months in a row. This means that the ovaries stop producing eggs and the levels of female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone decrease.

Menopause usually occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, although this time may vary depending on individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle and health status. Menopause may occur earlier in women who have undergone ovarian removal or chemotherapy, or later in those who remain physically active and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Menopause is a natural process and is not a disease, but it can affect a woman’s health and well-being. Most women experience various symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Therefore, it is important for women to be aware of the symptoms of menopause and to know the treatment options available to help them cope with this stage of their lives.

What is the reason for its formation? A little bit about the biology of a woman’s body.

The cause of menopause is the natural depletion of ovarian stores in a woman’s body. At birth, each woman has about 1-2 million ovarian vesicles, of which only about 400-500 eggs are released during life. With age, the number of ovaries decreases, and the number of ovaries that are released from the ovaries also decreases.

As the number of ovaries in the body decreases, the level of female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, gradually decreases. It is the decrease in estrogen levels that affects the appearance of the characteristic symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings and sleep problems.

Menopause may also occur earlier in women who have undergone ovarian removal or chemotherapy, as these procedures may cause a sudden drop in female hormone levels in the body. In addition, genetic and lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, poor diet and lack of physical activity may affect the timing and severity of menopause.

What are the most common symptoms of menopause?

Symptoms of menopause can be different and occur in every woman individually. The most common symptoms of menopause are:

Hot flushes – a sudden feeling of heat, which is often accompanied by sweating, and then a feeling of cold.
Mood swings – you may experience mood swings, irritability, depression or anxiety.
Sleep problems – difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking at night or getting up early.
Vaginal dryness – a decrease in estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
Irregular menstruation – menstruation may become irregular before stopping completely.
Decrease in libido – decrease in sexual desire.
Problems with memory and concentration – Some women may experience memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
Joint pain and dryness – A decrease in female hormone levels can affect joint health, which can lead to pain and stiffness.
Skin lesions – the skin may become thinner and less elastic, wrinkles and discoloration may appear.

It is important to remember that not all women experience all the symptoms of menopause, and some may experience them to varying degrees. If menopause symptoms are bothersome and affect your quality of life, you should consult your doctor to discuss your available treatment options.

What are the main treatments for menopause?

There are many different methods of menopause treatment, and the choice of the right method depends on the individual needs and state of health of the woman. The most commonly used methods are:

Hormone therapy – involves taking estrogens or estrogens in combination with progesterone to replace missing female hormones in the body. Hormone therapy can help reduce hot flashes, vaginal dryness and improve mood. However, it requires a careful risk-benefit assessment, as it may increase the risk of certain diseases.
Over-the-counter medications – Some over-the-counter medications, such as herbal preparations and dietary supplements, may help relieve the symptoms of menopause. However, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine.
Lifestyle Change – A healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, can help relieve menopause symptoms and maintain overall good health.
Symptomatic treatment – For certain symptoms, such as sleep problems or depression, your doctor may recommend taking antidepressants or sleeping pills.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy – can help women cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of menopause, such as depression, anxiety and mood swings.

All methods of menopause treatment should be discussed with your doctor to choose the best option for your individual case.

What effect does menopause have on health?

Menopause affects women’s health in different ways. Here are some of the most common health effects of menopause:

Osteoporosis – A drop in estrogen levels can affect bone health, which can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of bone fractures.
Heart disease – Decreased estrogen levels may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and stroke.
Vision – Decreased estrogen levels can affect eye health, including impaired vision, dry eyes and the risk of cataracts.
Mental health – menopause can affect the mental health of women, including the appearance of symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Genitourinary system – a decrease in estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, urinary tract inflammation, as well as to an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
Sleep disorders – Menopause can affect the quality of sleep, and abnormal sleep can affect the overall health of the body.
Intimate health – menopause can affect the level of libido, as well as the ability to achieve orgasm.

It is important to remember that the impact of menopause on women’s health is individual and depends on many factors, including overall health and lifestyle. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding cigarette smoking can help alleviate some of these menopause impacts on women’s health.

Diet and lifestyle changes and menopause

Menopause is a period in a woman’s life that is associated with many changes in the body. One way to alleviate the symptoms of menopause and prevent related diseases, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, is to change your diet and lifestyle. Here are a few ways women can use to help themselves during this period:

Increasing the intake of calcium-rich foods – menopausal women have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, it is important to increase your intake of calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, hard cheese, spinach and broccoli.
Increasing the intake of foods rich in vitamin D – Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and can help prevent osteoporosis. Sources of vitamin D are oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna, as well as eggs and sunshine.
Avoid highly processed products – Highly processed products often contain a lot of trans and saturated fats, sugar and salt. They can lead to obesity and heart disease, which are more common in women during menopause.
Increase fiber intake – Fiber can help maintain a healthy weight and regulate blood sugar levels. Sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seeds.
Regular physical activity – Regular physical activity is important for bone, heart and overall health during menopause. Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling or swimming are recommended, as well as strengthening exercises such as weight lifting.
Healthy sleep habits – abnormal sleep can worsen menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and fatigue. It is important to get enough sleep and avoid stress before bedtime.

In conclusion, menopause is a period in women’s lives that requires attention and lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, regular physical activity and healthy sleep habits are key factors that help menopausal women stay healthy and improve their quality of life.

Psychological aspects of menopause

Menopause can affect the mental health of a woman and lead to the occurrence of various emotional and psychological symptoms. Here are some of the most common psychological aspects of menopause:

Depression – Menopausal women are more likely to develop depression than premenopausal women. Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping, and lack of interest in life.
Anxiety – menopause can lead to feelings of anxiety, anxiety and uncertainty. Menopausal women often fear aging, loss of health, infertility and other life changes.
Hot flushes – Hot flushes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause and can lead to psychological problems such as irritability and frustration.
Mood swings – Menopausal women often experience mood swings such as irritability, ease of crying, anger and susceptibility to stress.
Memory and concentration problems – Some menopausal women experience memory and concentration problems. They may have difficulty remembering new information and finding it difficult to focus on tasks.
Decreased self-esteem – menopausal women may feel anxious and doubtful about their appearance and sexual abilities. They may also have a sense of loss of value, which may lead to lower self-esteem.

All these symptoms can affect the quality of life of a woman during the menopause. Therefore, it is important for women during this period to be aware of these psychological aspects and seek help if they experience disturbing symptoms. Support from family, friends and a specialist can help menopausal women cope with emotions and improve their well-being.

Menopause eye nutritionist

Menopause is a period when women experience various hormonal and physiological changes that can affect their health and well-being. One aspect that can help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause is diet. Here are some dietary tips for women during menopause:

Increasing protein intake – during menopause, women lose muscle mass, so it is important to consume more protein to increase muscle protein synthesis. Good sources of protein are meat, fish, eggs, legumes and nuts.
Eating calcium-rich foods – bone loss is a common problem during menopause, so it is important to eat calcium-rich foods such as dairy, spinach, kale, broccoli, sardines and salmon.
Avoiding Highly Processed Products and Sugar – Highly Processed Products and Sweets can lead to weight gain and increased blood sugar, which can lead to heart disease, diabetes and other health problems.
Consuming Fiber – Fiber can help regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol and improve digestion. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seeds.
Eating healthy fats – Fats are important for hormone production, but it is important to choose healthy sources of fats such as fish, olive oil, nuts and seeds.

Remember that diet is only one aspect that can help alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Regular exercise, stress control and good sleep are also important. If you have problems with your diet or symptoms of menopause, you should consult a dietitian or a women’s health specialist.