Menopause

Menstruation ends permanently during the menopause. Every woman goes through this process naturally as they get older. Menopause typically starts at age 51, but it can start at any age between 40 and 60. A woman can no longer get pregnant after menopause.
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment

What are the symptoms of Menopause?

The cessation of menstrual periods is the most typical sign of menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, dry vagina, mood swings, and exhaustion are some additional signs and symptoms. Additionally, some women may put on weight and lose their hair.

What causes Menopause?

The ovaries' decreased ability to produce the hormones progesterone and estrogen is what leads to menopause. This decline typically takes place gradually over a number of years.

What are the treatments for Menopause?

There is no single menopause treatment that works for everyone, but there are many approaches that can reduce symptoms and ease the transition. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can help with hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, may be chosen by some women. A healthy diet and regular exercise are two additional possible treatments, as well as complementary therapies like acupuncture and massage.

Ask your doctor about the best course of action if you're exhibiting menopausal symptoms.

Research

Menopausal women who received hormone therapy for at least five years had a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, according to a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Over 27,000 postmenopausal women were tracked by the study for more than six years. The study began with women between the ages of 50 and 79, and it followed them until they were 85 years old. 1,438 women experienced the onset of Alzheimer's or another form of dementia during the follow-up period.

In comparison to women who never received hormone therapy, the researchers discovered that the risk of dementia was 24% lower in women who received hormone therapy for five years or longer. Even after the researchers took into account additional variables that may influence the risk of dementia, such as age, educational attainment, and medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, they still came to the same conclusion.

These results imply that hormone therapy may aid in preventing the onset of dementia and other brain disorders like Alzheimer's. It's crucial to keep in mind that since this research was observational, it cannot conclusively show that hormone therapy reduces the risk of dementia. These results need to be confirmed by additional research.

Discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of hormone therapy with your doctor if you're thinking about starting it during menopause.

Treatment at home

You can do a few things at home to lessen menopausal symptoms:

- Exercise frequently. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and fatigue can all be helped by exercise.

- Consume a balanced diet. To prevent weight gain and other menopausal symptoms, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

- Examine complementary treatments. Menopausal symptoms may be reduced with the aid of some complementary therapies, like acupuncture or massage.

Avoid being triggered. Avoid triggers like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and tobacco smoke if hot flashes are a problem.

- Remain calm. Wear layers of clothing so you can shed them if you start to get too warm. To help cool down hot flashes, keep a fan close at hand.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if your menopausal symptoms are making it difficult for you to go about your daily activities. He or she can assist you in identifying strategies to lessen your symptoms and make the transition more bearable.