When we think of menopause, it’s often the mood swings and hot flashes that come to mind, and for good reason - menopause is no walk in the park!
But rather than merely marking the end of menstruation, menopause signifies a profound transformation in a woman’s life journey. Making its grand appearance on the scene sometime between 45 to 56 years of age, menopause represents not just a biological shift but an opportunity for personal growth and thriving.
Follow along as we explore what menopause really is, and more importantly, how to work through the many symptoms with more comfort and confidence. With the right support and strategies, including professional guidance and lifestyle adjustment, menopause can be managed effectively.
Menopause, occurring typically between the ages of 45 and 56, marks a critical life transition for women, bringing a host of physical, emotional, and psychological changes.
The natural decline in ovarian function, leading to a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones, marks a natural shift from menstruation to menopause. This usually arises roughly 12 months after a woman’s final menstrual period, signalling the end of their reproductive years.
Menopause may also be triggered earlier in women, such as in cases of a hysterectomy or surgical removal of ovaries.
While a decrease in hormones might sound like a small change, it can lead to various symptoms that impact a woman’s daily life and overall well-being.
Common symptoms of menopause include some or all of the following:
Similar to how women experience varying levels of cramping during their menstruation, menopause symptoms severity can differ from person to person.
Factors that are involved in symptom experiences include one’s diet, smoking habits, ethnicity, medical history, exercise habits, weight, and overall reproductive health.
Perimenopause is a fancy word used to describe the time during which our body makes the natural transition into menopause. This ‘leading up to menopause’ phase is characterized by the woman’s body making a gradual adjustment to the end of her reproductive years.
The perimenopause phase begins when a woman’s menstrual cycle becomes irregular and continues up until the point of menopause. Women tend to experience perimenopause for about four years and is accompanied by many similar symptoms as menopause.
When it comes to women's health, the facts matter! Menopause is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can lead to unnecessary confusion and anxiety.
We are here to debunk the five most common myths!
Contrary to popular belief that our symptoms begin the second our ovaries stop producing estrogen, menopause is more of a gradual process.
It begins following an adjustment phase, known as perimenopause, where symptoms appear gradually once menstrual cycles become more irregular.
Symptom type, severity, onset, and duration all vary widely among women. While some women may only get a few hot flashes and heightened irritability, others may experience more profound disruptions to their sleep, muscle aches, or changes in their weight.
No matter your experience with menopause, treatment is all very similar (more on this in a moment).
Menopause is linked to several changes to a woman’s sexual health – from lowered libido to increased vaginal dryness. However, it does not mean we need to say goodbye to intimacy.
There are a number of beneficial treatments and lifestyle changes that can help to improve and maintain a fulfilling sex life.
Though hormonal changes can cause weight gain in some women experiencing menopause, there are a number of ways to combat this in a healthy way.
Changes in weight can be managed with certain lifestyle factors, such as getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and prioritizing sleep hygiene.
Menopause symptoms can lead to changes in mood and symptoms of depression due to hormonal fluctuations. However, not all women will experience depression.
When it comes to our mental health, it's important to recognize that menopause is just one of many factors that can influence our mood.
Making therapy a part of your wellness routine can be incredibly beneficial, offering support and strategies to manage the emotional and psychological changes during this transition.
Menopause, with its challenging physical and emotional symptoms, can make women feel like a different version of themselves.
There is no need to try to navigate this critical life stage on your own. Here are some supportive outlets to look into to help you manage your symptoms, connect with others, and find relief.
You may begin to feel a whole host of emotions, such as feeling less capable, more dysregulated, irritable, and angry – to name a few. This can make being happy with yourself challenging, and can greatly affect your relationships with others at work and in your personal life.
A trained clinician can help you navigate the physiological, psychological, and emotional aspects of menopause. From a place of compassion, you will gain support with symptom management strategies and holistic approaches to client care.
Click here to receive a free 30-minute consultation with a therapist today.
Healthcare providers can play a crucial role in addressing symptoms of menopause by offering specialized care and guidance. Providers may include your family doctor or nurse practitioner, a naturopath, or a gynecologist.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be an option to consider. Though not for everyone, HRT can be an effective way to reduce menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life. Speak to your healthcare provider for more information on the risks and benefits.
In recent years, many experts have found effective strategies to help women find relief from their menopause symptoms.
The top three categories of alternative strategies include:
Remember, everyone is unique, so not every strategy may be effective for you. It's important to explore these options and find what works best for your needs and management requirements.
Being mindful of certain lifestyle habits, such as our diet and stress levels, can significantly impact the severity of menopausal symptoms we experience.
Some important tips to help manage menopause include:
Menopause can be a major turning point in a woman’s life, often bringing a number of unexpected challenges. Without knowing what to expect or how to manage it, this transition can feel incredibly overwhelming.
You are not alone!
By learning about your options, from medical treatments to lifestyle changes, you can handle menopause with confidence and make this phase of life a time for positive change and self-care. Connect with a professional to explore personalized strategies and gain support through this uncharted chapter of your life.
Written by Julie Stevenson, MSW, RSW
