Perimenopausal period:
It is the period that begins when signs and symptoms are first noticed and ends one year after the last menstrual period. It can last for several years before menstruation stops permanently, as hormone levels change; Which causes menopausal symptoms to appear unexpectedly:
- The menstrual cycle comes at irregular intervals during this time, for example, it comes every five to six weeks instead of four, because ovulation may not occur every month.
- The menstrual cycle may be longer or shorter than usual, a few months may be absent, or the menstrual cycle may be unusually long or short.
- Blood flow during menstruation may be heavier or lighter than before.
Menopause:
It is the stage where the menstrual cycle stops permanently as a result of the ovaries stopping producing eggs. It usually occurs between the ages of 45-55 years, and at this stage the woman is unable to become pregnant again.
Symptoms:
Menopause symptoms may begin suddenly and be very noticeable, or they may be very mild at first. Symptoms occur as a result of low estrogen levels in the body, and they include:
- Hot flashes (a sudden feeling of heat for a few minutes in the upper body along with a feeling of intense sweating or cold chills).
- Night sweats, which result from hot flashes during sleep and lead to waking up from sleep.
- The menstrual cycle may not come as regularly as it was before, and it may last longer or be shorter.
- The period may be heavier or lighter than before.
- Sleep problems (such as: insomnia or difficulty falling asleep).
- Mood changes, depression and/or anxiety.
- Vaginal dryness, and sex may be uncomfortable or painful.
Other possible changes that are not noticeable:
- Loss of bone density.
- Raising cholesterol levels and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Use of contraception during menopause:
True menopause does not occur until one year after the last menstrual period, which is why a woman who does not want to become pregnant should continue to use birth control for at least 12 full months after her last menstrual period, as ovulation, or the release of an ovule, may still occur for a few months, and it is impossible to know when ovulation will occur with certainty.
What happens after menopause:
After menopause, a woman will not be able to get pregnant and her menstrual cycle will stop, but if you notice any type of vaginal bleeding after menopause, you must consult a doctor immediately, as vaginal bleeding after menopause is not normal and could be due to a health problem.
Post-menopausal guidelines:
- Continue to follow your diet and make sure you get enough calcium for optimal bone health.
- Exercise regularly, including weight-bearing activities that support the feet and legs (such as: walking or running).
- Avoid potential triggers for hot flashes (such as: spicy foods, caffeine, stress, or being in a hot place).
- Drink cold water, take a cold bath, or sit in a cool place when you feel a hot flash.
- Lose excess weight and maintain a healthy weight.
- When feeling vaginal dryness, it is preferable to use a medical lubricant during intercourse.
- Get enough sleep, and talk to your doctor if you have sleep problems.
- Avoid eating, especially large and heavy meals, and smoking before bed.
- Minimize watching screen when close to bedtime.
- Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool, avoid taking naps during the day, and try to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day.
- Relieve daily stress, try relaxation techniques, read a book, spend some quiet time outside, or other healthy ways to relax.
- Talk to your doctor if there are other problems affecting daily life or about other ways to relieve symptoms.