Before they begin, it is important to learn what the key symptoms of menopause are so that you can spot the signs early and navigate each stage of this natural life transition confidently.
What Is Menopause?
A woman is said to be in menopause after she has not experienced a menstrual period in the prior 12 consecutive months. It happens to every woman naturally when her ovaries begin to stop producing reproductive hormones. It can also occur after a woman has a medical treatment or surgery, but in that case, it is known as “induced menopause.”
Perimenopause or Menopause Transition
This is when the ovaries slowly start to produce fewer estrogen hormones. Most women begin this phase when they are in their 40s. It is a transition that can last several months or several years. A few symptoms of menopause appear at this time, such as mood swings, hot flashes and irregular periods.
Menopause
During menopause, the ovaries no longer release eggs, and they and the rest of the body do not produce as much estrogen. After 12 consecutive months pass without a period, a healthcare provider diagnoses women with “menopause.” This stage is described as a “defined moment,” so women do not remain in this stage.
Postmenopause
After menopause ends, you begin postmenopause, and you remain in postmenopause forever. The symptoms of menopause that were so troublesome begin to dissipate at this time. Even so, you may continue to experience symptoms of menopause for many years. This is the time when the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease increases significantly due to low levels of estrogen.
What Age Is Menopause?
On average, women in the United States enter menopause at the age of 52. However, the process begins in the mid-40s.
You are in menopause if your ovaries begin to stop producing hormones between the ages of 45 and 55. This is “natural,” but it can also occur before the age of 45. When it does, it is known as “early menopause.” Menopause can even begin at a younger age. If a woman enters menopause at the age of 40 or younger, she is diagnosed as being in “premature menopause.”
Sometimes, women enter menopause without ever having surgery or a medical procedure. This is referred to as “primary ovarian insufficiency.”
What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
Symptoms of menopause include the following:
- Irregular periods
- Urinary tract infections
- Urinary incontinence
- Decrease in bone density
- Increase in cholesterol levels
- Trouble sleeping
- Hot flashes
Menopause Weight Gain
Perimenopause is the time when the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen, and it can start eight to 10 years before menopause begins. This is typically when many women begin to notice that they are putting on a little weight. In most cases, women gain 1.5 pounds each year throughout their 50s.
The Cause of Menopause Weight Gain
Women ordinarily gain weight around their hips and thighs, but during menopause, the weight begins to be distributed around their midsections. This is related to hormonal changes, but it is also because of a woman’s genetics, her lifestyle and aging in general. In addition to that, women lose muscle mass as they age, and this loss leads to an increase in body fat due to a lower metabolic rate.
Is Menopause Weight Gain Dangerous?
Menopause weight gain is a very serious health condition for women. Gaining weight in the abdominal area leads to several conditions, such as the following:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart and blood vessel disease
- Breathing issues
The additional weight also increases the risk of endometrial, colon and breast cancers.
Supplements for Menopause
Supplements for menopause include bioidentical hormones that can relieve the symptoms of menopause. If you are interested in learning whether or not this is a possibility for you, contact Dr. Rajka today for a consultation.
