The menopause, it is a natural stage of your life. But this transition period is often accompanied by hormonal changes, physical and emotional symptoms that can unsettle you.
You may be wondering: how to better understand what is happening to me?
The key is to understand the mechanisms behind menopause to live it better. Together, let's discover what is happening in your body and how to move forward calmly. 🤗
Summary
What is menopause?
You are wondering what menopause really is and what if what you feel is normal? 🤔
This is an important milestone that brings many uncertainties. Between the irregular cycles, the sometimes random symptoms and preconceived ideas, it is easy to to feel a little lost !
The menopause corresponds to the permanent cessation of menstruation for more than one year. It most often arrives between 45 and 55 years old, with an average age of 51 years in France.
Before that, you often go through a transition period: the perimenopause.
The cycles become irregular. You may be feeling some breast pain, from irritability… It happens to all of us!
Now that you have a better understanding of what menopause is, let's look together at its main stages and what characterizes them.
The 3 phases of menopause
You have noticed that your cycles change, but you don't know exactly where you stand? 😟
These steps are sometimes unclear, between a slightly irregular cycle, perimenopause, and menopause, it is difficult to pinpoint.
In identifying these different steps, you will be able to better understand what is happening in your body and anticipate the changes your body is undergoing.
Perimenopause
It's the time when your cycles are starting to change. They can be shorter, longer, your periods heavier or lighter.
Your hormones fluctuate a lot. And you may start to feel some hot flashes or of irritability.
Menopause
This step starts after 12 months without periods. Your ovaries have stopped producing hormones who regulate your cycles. You are not more fertile, and the symptoms may worsen.
Late menopause is when it occurs after the age of 55.
Postmenopause
After menopause, symptoms may persist, but often, they fade. You must especially take care of your bone and cardiovascular health.
These steps lay the foundation, now, let's understand together Where does menopause come from and why does it occur.
Where does menopause come from? Focus on the cycle and the ovaries
Are you wondering why this stage of life exists? 🤷♀️
Know the menstrual cycle and ovarian mechanisms helps to better accept this upheaval. Don't panic: we explain everything to you, simply!
It is a natural phenomenon that can be simply explained by the functioning of your ovaries.
At your birth, your ovaries contain a limited stock of oocytes. This stock decreases over the years. Between the puberty and menopause, your body lives on menstrual cycle rhythm, which allow fertilization. Each month, the same steps occur: menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase.
Over time, this stock runs out. And when the oocytes run out, your cycles stop : this is what triggers menopause.
💡 Good to know: some medical treatments, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or surgery of the ovaries, can cause menopause earlier than expected. We then speak ofe iatrogenic or medically induced menopause. If this is your case, know that you are not alone: medical support helps you get through this stage well!
So now, let's focus on what what happens in your body when hormones decrease.
The effects of hormonal deficiency on our body
The estrogen decrease, this is what causes the symptoms. Are you afraid of the consequences on your health? 😥
Rest assured: knowing them allows you to act better.
When the estrogens decrease :
- Your bone mass decreases: beware of osteoporosis (bone disease with decreased density and weakening of the structure) 🦴
- Your heart is more exposed to the cardiovascular diseases ❤️
- Your mood, your sleep, your memory can be affected 🧠
These hormonal effects explain the symptoms you are experiencing. Let's look at them in detail now!
The symptoms of menopause: recognizing them to better manage them
You are experiencing changes in your body and wondering: is it related to menopause? 🤔
You are not the only one wondering: 87% of women experience at least one symptom in addition to the cessation of menstruation. And for 20 to 25% of you, these troubles are strong enough to impact the quality of life.
What are the first signs?
Often, it is the irregularity of cycles who alerts. Then, other symptoms appear over time. Rest assured: these manifestations are common and there are solutions to better cope with them!
The physical symptoms of menopause
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Hot flashes and night sweats 🌡️: you suddenly feel intense heat in the upper body, often followed by sweating and redness. These episodes can occur several times a day, including at night.
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Vaginal dryness and urinary disorders 💧: the drop in estrogen dries out the mucous membranes, which can cause discomfort, itching, or pain during intercourse. The muscles also relax, promoting urinary leakage.
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Weight gain ⚖️: Metabolism slows down during menopause and fat tends to be stored more easily around the belly. This change is common, but not inevitable!
- Fatigue and sleep disorders 💤: Night sweats disrupt your sleep and cause insomnia. Result: you feel tired and less energetic during the day.
Psychological symptoms of menopause
- Irritability and mood swings 😠: your hormones affect your emotions, it is common to feel more nervous, irritable, or sensitive.
- Anxiety and depression 😟 : hormonal variations can increase stress and sometimes lead to a drop in mood.
- Decrease in libido ❤️: with fatigue, vaginal dryness, and hormonal changes, sexual desire can decrease. This is normal and can be gently worked on with your partner.
But good news: there are solutions to help you live through this stage with more comfort.
The solutions and treatments for better living with menopause
You know it now: the menopause is an inevitable stage and natural part of your life. But how can you regain balance despite the symptoms? There are simple, natural or medical solutions, to help you to get through this period smoothly. 🤗
Lifestyle: your best ally every day
Adopt a balanced diet is essential.
Prefer the calcium-rich foods (dairy products, almonds, broccoli) and in vitamin D to protect your bones.
Limit sugar, alcohol, and saturated fats : it helps to better manage your weight and energy.
The sport 🤸♀️, even gently (brisk walking, yoga, swimming), helps to preserve your muscle mass, to boost your metabolism and improve your mood. You don't need performance, just consistency!
Finally, take care of your sleep 💤.
A good rest helps to do better support hot flashes and reduces fatigue.
Tip : establish a calming bedtime ritual (herbal tea, reading, breathing) and if you can't get a good night's sleep, allow yourself naps (either a long one or several short naps depending on your schedule).
Hormonal treatments: an option to discuss with your doctor
The hormone replacement therapy (THS) combine estrogen and progesterone to compensate for the hormonal drop. It is very effective in reducing hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and preventing osteoporosis.
Today, only 6% of women take hormone replacement therapy for menopause.
This treatment must be prescribed and monitored by a professional. It is not suitable for everyone: for example, it is contraindicated if you have had hormone-dependent cancer or a stroke. ⚠️
This treatment can prove to be very useful if menopausal symptoms strongly impact your life. It will help you regain a certain balance to maintain your job or family life.
Natural Approaches: Gentle Options to Support the Transition
Do you prefer hormone-free solutions? It's possible! 🤗
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Phytotherapy 🌿: Some plants like sage or chasteberry can help reduce hot flashes and improve hormonal balance.
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Aromatherapy 💧: essential oils (e.g., clary sage, lavender) provide emotional and physical support.
- Acupuncture and homeopathy : these approaches can relieve certain symptoms by targeting specific points (such as those on the kidney or liver meridian).
These natural solutions do not replace medical advice, but they can be a real complement to help you better live through this period.
All these solutions are even more effective with appropriate medical supervision. Let's talk about it now!
Prevention and medical follow-up: your health ally after 45 years
Are you hesitant to consult? Are you wondering if an assessment is useful? 🤔 A simple medical follow-up can really make a difference in preventing complications and supporting you through this stage.
The The diagnosis of menopause is primarily based on the observation of symptoms : cessation of menstruation for 12 months, hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness... In the vast majority of cases, this is enough to guide your doctor towards this diagnosis!
Even if these signs are quite characteristic, a medical opinion remains important to confirm menopause, check your general health status and discuss solutions tailored to your needs. 😊
Blood tests are rarely necessary, except in cases of doubt (for example, if symptoms appear before the age of 40: early menopause).
If necessary, your doctor may request:
- a FSH dosage (follicle-stimulating hormone): it increases after menopause,
- a estrogen dosage : it is lower,
- one TSH test if a thyroid issue is suspected (which can cause similar symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, sleep disturbances, or mood changes).
In summary, a simple medical follow-up, adapted to your situation, is often enough to confirm the diagnosis and to prevent long-term complications. 🤗
The menopause is a natural stage which marks a major change in your life. It is accompanied by physical and emotional symptoms, but understanding what is happening in your body helps you to experience it better.
You now have the keys to recognize the signs, adopt a healthy lifestyle, consider medical or natural solutions, and seek support through appropriate medical follow-up.
Remember: you are not alone. Take care of yourself and move forward with confidence into this new phase. 🌸
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