Everything You Need to Know About Menopause: All Important FAQs
A woman’s health and menopause are deeply connected on multiple levels. Therefore you experience a lot of body changes during menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain are some well-known symptoms. This article answers some of the most frequently asked questions about menopause and provides critical tips for coping with this significant life change.
A woman’s health and menopause are deeply connected on multiple levels. Therefore you experience a lot of body changes during menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain are some well-known symptoms.
However, there are many other things that women in menopause go through, but you may not be aware of them.
This article answers some of the most frequently asked questions about menopause and provides critical tips for coping with this significant life change.
What Is Menopause?
Before revealing other vital facts about menopause, let’s start with the fundamental question – what is Menopause? It is a natural biological process. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
During menopause, your ovaries stop making eggs and produce less estrogen and progesterone—hormones that play vital roles in reproduction, heart health, sexual function, bone health, and more.
As a result, you may experience menopausal symptoms like unbearable hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and weight gain.
At What Age do Women Go Through Menopause?
Menopause can start as early as 40 or as late as 55. The average age for women to reach menopause is 51. But again, it differs from person to person.
How Long Does Menopause Last?
The process of menopause doesn’t happen overnight. It is a gradual process that can last for several years. But generally, it lasts for 7 years.
Do Menopause Symptoms Differ from Person to Person?
There are numerous symptoms of menopause, but not all women experience all of them. Some women may only experience a few menopause changes, while others may experience many.
Your symptoms may differ from your mother, sister, or other women in your family. This is because the rate of decline in the ovary differs from person to person.
Can You Get Pregnant After Menopause?
It is not impossible to get pregnant after menopause but it can be an extremely rare occurrence. The chances and possibility of getting pregnant during menopause decrease as a woman gets older. After menopause, the ovaries stop producing eggs. Without eggs, it is difficult to get pregnant.
What’s The Difference Between Perimenopause And Menopause?
Perimenopause is the transition time leading up to menopause. It usually starts in a woman’s 40s. During this time, the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen. This can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, hot flashes, and mood swings.
Menopause is the time when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs. This usually happens around age 51.
Is Weight Gain Eminent With Menopause And How To Lose Weight During Menopause?
Weight gain is a common symptom of menopause. Estrogen helps to regulate metabolism and fat storage. When estrogen levels decline during menopause, metabolism slows, and fat is more likely to be stored, leading to weight gain.
There are a few things you can do to lose weight during menopause.
- Exercise: Exercise can help to boost metabolism and burn calories.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help promote weight loss.
- Reduce stress: Stress can lead to weight gain. Try to find ways to reduce stress in your life.
Is Heart Disease Linked To Menopause?
Menopause can increase the risk of heart disease. This is because menopause can cause changes in cholesterol levels and blood pressure. But why this happens?
Estrogen helps to protect the heart. When estrogen levels decline during menopause, the risk of heart disease increases. The weight gain during menopause also contributes to increasing the risk of heart issues.
How Does Menopause Affect My Bone Health?
Osteoporosis is a common complication of going through menopause. This is because menopause can cause a decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen helps to keep bones strong by producing enough amount of calcium.
When estrogen levels decline, bones can become fragile. This can lead to an increased risk of fractures.
You can do a few things to prevent your bone health from the effects of menopause. They are:
- Quit smoking
- Take vitamin D supplement
- Exercise regularly and include weight training in your exercise routine
- Consume a lot of dairy products or dark leafy greens. They are rich in calcium
- Avoid alcohol
- You can take prescription medications if your symptoms are not manageable otherwise
Are There Any Treatment Options For Menopause?
Gynaecologists generally prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to manage the severe symptoms of menopause. But there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for menopause. Your treatment option will depend upon your health condition.
You can safely say that you are well-equipped with the necessary information regarding what happens when a woman goes through menopause after reading this blog.
And learning about menopause is the first and most crucial step to defeating its severe complications. All the best for the new phase of your life where you are wiser and calmer!
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