Menopause is a natural physiological process in a woman’s life, characterized by the definitive cessation of menstrual cycles and reproductive function. This is a period when the ovaries stop producing eggs, and hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone decrease.
Menopause officially occurs after a woman has missed menstrual cycles for 12 consecutive months. This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, although the individual onset of menopause can vary. If menstrual periods cease for any other reason (pregnancy or contraceptive use), it is not considered menopause.
List of issues associated with menopause and perimenopause
Before the final onset of menopause, there is a transitional phase called perimenopause. During perimenopause, the body begins to undergo changes associated with declining hormone levels. During this time, some of the problems listed below may start to arise. However, over time, as hormone levels remain consistently low, these problems can become more pronounced. Here is a list of the most common ones:
- Hot flashes: a sudden sensation of heat that can spread throughout the body, often accompanied by increased sweating, especially at night.
- Sleep disturbances: Hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms can disrupt sleep, causing insomnia and reduced sleep quality.
- Decreased bone density: Decreased estrogen levels can lead to reduced bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases: After menopause, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases can increase, as estrogen plays a significant role in heart protection. This is why women generally have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to men before menopause.
- Urinary problems: Lower estrogen levels can lead to weakened bladder and urinary tract muscles, resulting in urinary issues.
- Thyroid problems: Hormonal changes associated with menopause can impact thyroid function. Decreased estrogen can influence thyroid regulation, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances in the thyroid gland.
- Changes in weight: Many women may experience weight changes after menopause, often linked to shifts in thyroid hormone levels.
- Headaches and migraines: Decreased estrogen levels can affect the expansion and contraction of blood vessels in the brain, potentially triggering headaches.
- Memory and concentration issues: Some women may notice memory and concentration decline at the onset of menopause. Decreased estrogen levels can affect neurotransmitter levels.
- Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations can impact mood, causing irritability, apathy, anxiety, depression, and other mental-emotional symptoms.
- Arthritis and joint pain: Estrogen levels can influence joint health, leading to pain and inflammation.
- Gastrointestinal problems: Hormonal changes can also affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to issues such as constipation or heartburn.
- Reduced libido: Changes in hormone levels can impact sexual desire.
Please note that this information is provided for general understanding and should not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a personalized assessment and recommendations for managing these symptoms.
Menopause and Mucous Membranes
During menopause, significant hormonal changes can affect various tissues and organs in the body, including mucous membranes. Here are several common issues related to mucous membranes that can arise during menopause:
- Vaginal dryness: The decrease in estrogen levels, which helps maintain vaginal moisture and elasticity, can lead to vaginal dryness, discomfort, itching, pain during intercourse, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
- Dry mouth and eyes: Estrogen deficiency can also affect the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes, causing dryness, discomfort, vision changes, and increased sensitivity to irritants.
- Bladder and urinary tract: Decreased estrogen can influence the mucous membranes of the bladder and urinary tract, leading to frequent urination and other urinary dysfunction symptoms. Lower estrogen levels can contribute to recurrent urinary tract infections, which often occur without noticeable symptoms.
- Dental health: Estrogen levels can also impact gum health and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, increasing the risk of inflammatory diseases and other dental issues.
- Dry nose and throat: Mucous membranes in the nose and throat can become drier and more sensitive.
- Hair and skin changes: Hormonal changes can affect the condition of hair and skin, causing dryness, changes in skin texture, and hair loss.
Lichen Sclerosus and Menopause
Lichen Sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that can affect mucous membranes in the vagina and other areas. This autoimmune-related condition is not directly linked to menopause. However, in some women, the symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus may worsen during menopause due to the combination of both conditions.
Decreased estrogen levels can exacerbate the dryness, itching, pain, and other symptoms characteristic of Lichen Sclerosus. This can render the affected area more susceptible to irritants and increase the risk of infections.
Managing Menopause Symptoms
As you can see, the list of issues is quite extensive, and not all of these problems will necessarily be present in your case. This is why an individualized approach is crucial when choosing therapies. Moreover, if you have other existing health conditions, which are quite likely at this age, the diagnosis can be even more complex, and the treatment plan will need to address all your individual issues. For example, if you already have high blood sugar, but high estrogen levels were protecting you from the risks of heart attacks and strokes, these risks increase significantly with the onset of menopause.
Here are some of the most common, effective, and safest methods for treating and alleviating menopause symptoms:
- Relief for dryness symptoms: Moisturizing products, creams, eye drops, nasal sprays, and vaginal treatments can help eliminate discomfort and dryness in mucous membranes and skin.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, stress management, and sufficient sleep can reduce menopause symptoms and improve overall health.
- Nutrition: A healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and other nutritious foods can support overall health during menopause.
- Using naturopathic supplements: High-quality supplements can help reduce oxidative stress and improve the condition of skin, hair, and mucous membranes.
- Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT): These hormones are structurally similar to natural hormones and are used as an alternative to conventional hormone therapy. Here is an article that explains this therapy in detail: Bioidentical hormone therapy for hormonal problems.
Moisturizing Solutions
To address menopause symptoms, there are numerous options available. Here are some typical ingredients that may be present in moisturizing products:
- Hyaluronic acid: This ingredient helps retain moisture in the skin and mucous membranes.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera has soothing and moisturizing properties.
- Various oils: Natural plant oils such as coconut, almond, and olive oil can soften and moisturize the skin.
- Panthenol (provitamin B5): Panthenol helps moisturize and soothe the skin.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that supports hydration.
- Antioxidants: Some products may contain antioxidants like vitamin C and others, which help protect the skin from environmental damage.
- Plant extracts: Some moisturizing products may include plant extracts with soothing and moisturizing properties.
- Glycerin: Glycerin attracts moisture to the skin, providing hydration. Glycerin is hygroscopic, meaning it can draw moisture from the surrounding environment. Therefore, its concentration should be tailored to your skin’s needs to avoid the reverse effect.
Naturopathic Supplements and Menopause
During and after menopause, maintaining optimal levels of vitamins and minerals can help reduce certain symptoms and support overall health. Here are some important vitamins and minerals:
- Calcium and vitamin D: Calcium supports bone health, and vitamin D helps calcium absorption. This is essential to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which can worsen after menopause.
- Vitamin K: Vitamin K is also important for bone health and can improve calcium metabolism.
- Vitamin B6 and B12: These vitamins can help improve mood and manage emotional changes related to menopause.
- Magnesium: Magnesium can help reduce irritability, anxiety, and support healthy sleep.
- Iron: For some women, especially if they continue to have periods or have an iron deficiency, maintaining normal iron levels is important.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids support heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E can help reduce the intensity of hot flashes and sweating.
Before starting any of these therapies, it is recommended to consult with a doctor who understands menopause-related issues. They can help you undergo comprehensive testing and, based on the results, assess your individual needs and prescribe therapies that are most suitable for you to address your complex set of problems.
Conclusion
Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, accompanied by complex physiological changes and diverse symptoms. Coping with them can be facilitated through lifestyle adjustments, proper nutrition, naturopathic supplements, and moisturizing products. Additionally, complementary methods such as bio-identical hormone therapy can help alleviate symptoms and slow down aging processes.
Prior to initiating any of the mentioned therapies, it is recommended to consult a doctor well-versed in menopause and its associated processes within the body. A doctor can assist you in undergoing comprehensive assessments and based on those, evaluate your individual needs and prescribe therapies tailored to address these issues.