What is Menopause - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

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Are you in your late 40s and struggling with psychological issues such as anxiety, forgetfulness, and poor concentration? Additionally, do you often experience low confidence, bouts of depression, and irritability? These can be signs of menopause, even as early as 40.

As you enter midlife, or menopause, your body gradually undergoes age-related changes. This can lead to physiological symptoms, such as night sweats and vaginal dryness. Common causes of menopause include the natural decline of reproductive hormones with age, surgical removal of the ovaries, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Entering your 50s marks a significant shift in both your physical and mental state. To protect your well-being against potential medical emergencies during this time, consider a suitable Care Health Insurance Plan.

This article discusses what is menopause, its effects on mental health, and how to support a woman’s physical and emotional well-being during this transition.

What is Menopause?

Menopause refers to the natural process where the ovaries cease producing reproductive hormones. It happens when a woman reaches her late 40s or early 50s. Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

What are the Symptoms of Menopause?

There are common menopause symptoms that every woman has to go through after a certain age. They are mentioned below-

• Hot flashes or a sudden warmth that travels through your body.
• Cold flashes or night sweats with sudden chills or shivering at night.
• Frequent need to urinate
• Dryness in the skin, eyes, and mouth.
• Breast tenderness
• Irregular periods are often lighter or heavier than regular days.
• Vaginal dryness and irritation.
• Racing heart
• Headaches
• Temporary memory lapses
• Hair fall or thinning

Menopause brings not only physical symptoms like nausea, itchy skin, and anxiety but also significant mental and psychological impacts. These include mood swings, depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Hormonal changes during menopause can affect mental health, often leading to anger attacks, irritability, and emotional instability. Understanding these effects is crucial for managing overall well-being during this life stage.

How Long Can Menopause Symptoms Last?

Menopause symptoms typically last around seven years, though many women begin experiencing them up to 10 years prior. Symptoms can worsen if they are not recognized and managed. Women in their 40s or 50s should be aware of changes in their body's reactions to the environment. For example, hot flashes and sweating might make her want to avoid warm environments. If experiencing stress, yoga may be beneficial.

What Are the Causes of Menopause?

Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop producing hormones (estrogen and progesterone), leading to the end of menstruation. It can also result from surgical removal of ovaries, chemotherapy, or certain medical conditions affecting hormone levels. As the ovaries age, estrogen production decreases gradually, causing irregular periods and, eventually, their cessation. Factors like genetics, lifestyle, and certain medical treatments can also influence the timing and severity of menopause symptoms. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.

What are the Psychological Impacts of Menopause?

 Menopause age in India is typically 50. This is when Indian women begin to undergo reproductive ageing in addition to chronological ageing. Due to specific hormonal changes, women experience the following psychological symptoms and mental effects of menopause:

1. Loss of memory

Studies indicate that menopause can affect a woman's normal memory function. During their early midlife, i.e., after menopause, women undergo “reproductive ageing,” during which their ovaries stop secreting the vital hormone estradiol.

Estradiol, a primary form of estrogen, plays a role in brain function, including memory performance and reorganization. Its depletion during menopause can destabilize brain function and lead to memory loss.

2. Depression

While mood swings are common during menopause, persistent low mood for extended periods may indicate depression, a more serious condition.

Depression is commonly observed among Indian women after menopause. This condition is triggered due to low sex drive after hormonal changes. Besides, painful physical issues of menopause – such as irregular periods or hot and cold flashes – also increase the risk of depression. So, if you are constantly feeling low and experiencing bouts of depressed thoughts. In that case, you should immediately speak to your General Physician.

3. Anxiety

One of the most common menopause symptoms is anxiety and panic attacks. Women may experience sudden panic attacks during or after menopause.

Many people tend to confuse hot flashes with panic attacks. During a panic attack, individuals experience extreme anxiety, leading to sweating, trembling, and breathlessness. Panic attacks also cause a rapid heartbeat, known as palpitations, which can sometimes be mistaken for hot flashes.

Hot flashes are often preceded by a feeling of panic or unease, rather than a full panic attack. Additionally, hot flashes do not typically cause shortness of breath, while panic attacks often do. You should consult your General Practitioner if you experience any of these symptoms.

4. Anger and irritability

Sometimes, you might feel angry or frustrated for no reason. While compulsive anger is a normal feeling, as a woman, if you experience anger issues repeatedly in your late 40s, it might result from menopause. As you begin to face the bitter realities of getting older and moving into the later phase of your life — accompanied by lack of sleep and hot flashes, you start developing a sense of deprivation that makes your mood unstable.

However, this natural phenomenon affects everyone in early midlife, both men and women. Compulsive anger and irritability can be easily controlled with lifestyle changes such as meditation, yoga, and pranayama.

How to Deal with the Mental Effects of Menopause?

Regardless of how minor the psychological impacts of menopause may seem, it is important to address them and consult a physician for medical advice. These mental effects can negatively impact physical and mental health if left untreated.

Several menopause treatments can help alleviate the psychological symptoms of menopause, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and counseling.

Furthermore, adopting healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, can effectively mitigate menopause symptoms. Additionally, engaging in constructive activities that promote well-being, including yoga, meditation, and walking, is beneficial.

What Are Treatments for Menopause?

Menopause itself does not require treatment, but its symptoms can be managed or alleviated. Menopause treatment may include-

• Hormone Therapy: Treatment involving hormones to alleviate symptoms, often used in menopausal or perimenopausal women to address hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other related symptoms.
• Vaginal Estrogen: A form of estrogen applied directly to the vaginal area to treat symptoms like vaginal dryness, irritation, and discomfort from menopause.
• Prasterone (Intrarosa): A vaginal insert containing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor hormone, used to treat vaginal atrophy and discomfort associated with menopause.
• Gabapentin: A medication used initially for nerve pain, sometimes prescribed off-label to manage hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
• Clonidine: An antihypertensive drug that can also help reduce hot flashes by affecting the brain's body temperature regulation.
• Fezolinetant: A non-hormonal drug in development that aims to treat hot flashes by targeting the neurokinin-3 (NK3) receptor, a key player in regulating body temperature.
• Oxybutynin: A medication commonly used for overactive bladder symptoms, sometimes used to help with menopause-related urinary issues.
• Ospemifene: A selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat vaginal dryness and painful intercourse due to menopause.

Pause with Ease

All stages of life are important for a woman. They are not just phases of life but life-changing transitions. So, we recommend managing early menopause symptoms to avoid complications later on. What is menopause and how it affects a woman psychologically are two significant aspects of the transition you should comprehend. Additionally, you should take care of your health by adopting healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly to manage early menopause symptoms effectively. Besides, make constructive activities such as yoga, meditation, and walking a part of your life.

>> Also Read: Effective Ways to Get Relief from the 34 Symptoms of Menopause

Disclaimer: The above-mentioned information is for reference purposes only. Refer to your policy documents for more information.