Ageing is a universal journey that touches every individual, regardless of gender. But what truly sets women on a unique path within this ageing odyssey is the phase known as menopause. So, what exactly is menopause?
A woman is considered to experience menopause when the menstrual cycle stops for 12 consecutive months.
Typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, this is the moment when a woman’s ovaries cease their estrogen production.
The hormonal shifts may affect the health and wellbeing of a woman physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially.
This phase leading up to menopause is known as the perimenopause. The perimenopausal phase can stretch over several years, during which women might start to experience menopausal-like symptoms.
These vital phases of a woman’s life are seldom discussed within families, communities, and workplaces.
Therefore, understanding these phases is the key to staying healthy while ageing and improving your quality of life.
Understanding Women During Perimenopause And Menopause
Perimenopausal women often experience a wider array of symptoms compared to those who already entered postmenopause, primarily attributed to the fluctuating levels of estrogen.
During perimenopause, women typically experience changes in their menstrual cycles.
These changes can start with shorter periods and then progress to longer gaps between periods. Some may also face issues like spotting and heavy bleeding with clots.
Hot flushes are a common symptom experienced by many women, where they described it as a sudden and intense feeling of heat, typically concentrated in the upper part of the body, such as the face, neck, and chest.
These episodes can be accompanied by redness of the skin, sweating, and rapid heartbeat.
Abdominal bloating during the perimenopausal phase is primarily attributed to hormonal fluctuations that influence alterations in intestinal motility.
These fluctuations may lead to the development of food sensitivities and intolerances.
Sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, and waking up very early in the morning are common during the perimenopausal period.
Women who experience sleep difficulties prior to entering perimenopause frequently notice a deterioration of these problems during this transitional period.
However, there is usually a subsequent period of stabilization and enhancement in sleep quality that occurs after menopause.
Perimenopause has also been associated with the onset of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Other symptoms that a woman may experience can be night sweats, headaches, breast swelling and tenderness, memory problems, dry or itchy skin, muscle and joint pain, weight gain, hair loss, and reduced sexual function.
What Help Can Be Offered To Women Undergoing Menopause?
First of all, consider reaching out to your supportive family or friends to engage in a conversation about your menopausal symptoms. This can foster their understanding of how menopause is impacting you.
If any of these symptoms are causing you distress, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with your doctor to explore potential treatment options.
These treatments may include hormone therapy, symptom-specific interventions, supplements, as well as herbal and alternative therapies such as hypnotherapy, relaxation techniques, and strategies for improving sleep hygiene.
Tan Cia Vei, Ruthashini Selvasingam and Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming are from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Ova.
