Understanding Menopause and Perimenopausal Transition: Symptoms and Treatment

Introduction

Hello everyone, I am Dr. Sneha Deshpande, Senior Consultant at Momstory by Sahyadri Hospitals. Today, we will discuss menopause, perimenopausal transition, and the changes women experience during this phase. Let’s dive into what menopause is, how it affects women, and the available treatments.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is when a woman does not have her period for 12 consecutive months. This phase occurs due to a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones by the ovaries. As estrogen levels drop, women gradually enter menopause. However, before reaching menopause, women go through a transition phase known as perimenopausal transition.

What is Perimenopausal Transition?

Perimenopausal transition is the period leading up to menopause and can last anywhere between 1 to 10 years, with an average of 4 years. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, leading to several symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Perimenopausal Transition:

Perimenopausal transition typically begins after the age of 40. The most common symptoms include:

1. Vaginal Dryness and Itching:
   Due to decreased estrogen levels, the vaginal skin becomes thinner, leading to dryness and increased susceptibility to infections.
2. Hot Flashes:
   Women may experience sudden changes in body temperature, feeling cold or hot, especially around the chest and trunk areas.
3. Mood Swings and Irritability:
   Hormonal changes can lead to emotional instability, with severe cases resulting in depression.
4. Changes in Body Appearance:
   Women may notice changes in breast size and shape, fat deposits around the waist or abdomen, thinning of scalp hair, graying, and even unwanted facial hair growth on the chin or breasts.

When is it Menopause?

Menopause is diagnosed when a woman has not had her period for 12 consecutive months. Clinically, menopause can also be detected through a hormone test. If the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) level is higher than 40 mIU/mL, it is a sign of menopause.

Treatment Options for Menopause

The treatment for menopause primarily focuses on lifestyle modifications. Here’s how you can manage menopause effectively:

1. Exercise:
   Engage in daily exercises such as yoga or walking for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps in improving muscle strength and reducing fatigue during this phase.
2. Regular Bathing:
   Taking two baths a day can improve blood circulation, which may help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, irritability, and depression.
3. Lubrication for Vaginal Dryness:
   If you experience vaginal dryness, lubricants or estrogen creams may be recommended.
4. Hair Thinning Treatments:
   Minoxidil sprays or B-complex supplements can help with thinning scalp hair.
5. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
   In cases of severe symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, estrogen tablets may be advised. However, before starting HRT, your heart condition must be evaluated to ensure safety.