Menopause

Definition of menopause

With the onset of puberty, women go through their menstrual cycle every month. Ovulation usually occurs in the middle of the cycle. During the fertile days around ovulation, there is a chance of getting pregnant.

The menopause (=climacterium) describes the transitional period in which the woman’s body realigns itself. With the onset of the climacteric, the menstrual cycle gets confused and irregularities in menstrual bleeding occur. In the course of time the period stops completely.

Menopause is divided into the following terms:

• Menopause refers to the woman’s last menstrual period, insofar as there is no more bleeding twelve months later. On average, this happens at around the age of 52, although there are individual differences.
• The time before the last menstrual period is called premenopause . It is characterized by an irregular cycle. The premenopause usually begins around the age of 40.
• Postmenopause begins 12 months after menopause .
• Climacterium praecox describes an early onset of menopause before the age of 40. This can be caused, among other things, by syndromic hereditary diseases, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes mellitus.

cause of menopause

If ovulation does not occur, the female hormones estrogen and progesterone decrease. The hormones perform a number of important tasks in the body and when they drop, they lead to the classic symptoms from which those affected suffer.

duration of menopause

The menopause process varies greatly from woman to woman. The first menstrual irregularities usually begin in the early 40s. It takes about ten to fifteen years for the body to adjust completely.

symptoms of menopause

Some women do not notice any physical abnormalities, while other women complain of very severe menopausal symptoms.

Typical symptoms at this time are:

• Irregular cycles with varying periods
• Depressive mood (lack of drive, sadness, listlessness, etc.)
• Difficulty concentrating, memory problems
• insomnia
• irritability
• Sweats, hot flashes
• racing heart
• dizziness, headache
• chest pain
• constipation
• vaginal dryness
• Loss of libido (The desire for sexual intercourse is lost.)

Vaginitis senilis describes an inflammation of the vagina that occurs frequently during menopause. Patients often notice severe itching, a dry vagina with pain during intercourse, and bloody discharge. In the context of these complaints, a presentation to the gynecologist should take place, since other reasons for the symptoms must be ruled out. Hormonal ointments are available as therapy.
In addition, the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and other diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome increases for women after menopause .

Therapy of menopause

In the case of severe physical complaints, hormone preparations may help. Since the symptoms are mostly caused by the hormonal changes, the substitution of the hormone estrogen can represent a therapeutic approach. Nevertheless, it should be said that these drugs also have side effects and, for example, increase the risk of breast cancer.

In addition, naturopathy offers various therapy options. In the case of severe symptoms, these can have a supporting effect in addition to hormonal therapy. As the only treatment, they may not be sufficient in their potency.

What can I do myself?

• For hot flashes , it helps to pull loose layers on top of each other. Quit smoking as this makes hot flashes worse.
• If you have insomnia , try to go to bed and wake up at the same time. Avoid afternoon naps and little naps in between. You should also avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks (in the afternoon).
• Joining a self-help group and talking to other affected women may help during a depressive phase . In the case of depression, there is also the option of undergoing psychotherapy and/or taking antidepressants. However, these drugs can have side effects and should only be taken in consultation with a doctor.

When to the doctor?

Are you suffering from the symptoms and would like to talk to someone about your symptoms? It often helps to consult a doctor who is familiar with the topic. There are different treatment approaches that he can explain to you.

pregnancy during menopause

It is entirely possible to get pregnant during menopause. Despite cycle irregularities, ovulation can initially continue to take place. It is recommended to consistently continue with contraception (the pill, condom, etc.). Only twelve months after the last menstrual period can you assume that you are no longer fertile and that you can no longer become pregnant. At best, you should discuss the topic with your attending gynaecologist.

How can Med-Healths help?

Do you have questions about menopause or suffer from severe symptoms? You can ask one of the doctors for advice via the Med-Healths app. They will be happy to help you and are always available to answer your questions. They can also write you a prescription and give you sick leave. If the symptoms are very severe, they will refer you to a specialist who will also help you further.