Menopause
Menopause is a natural biological process. It is not a medical condition that can be cured. It happens due to the shift in hormones, estrogen and progesterone in the body, and is marked by a year without periods. Understanding that it is a natural event, rather than a medical condition that can be cured, helps manage the phase better.
The Three Phases of Menopause:
Menopause sets in slowly. Its timing is largely influenced by genetics, though lifestyle factors such as smoking can accelerate its onset.
Most people go through the following stages in the journey -
- Perimenopause: Also known as the "transition" phase, perimenopause causes the periods to become erratic or irregular, and certain symptoms like hot flashes might also begin during this stage. This can go on for several years before the actual menopause stage.
- Menopause: It’s the time when you haven't had your period for 12 consecutive months.
- Post-menopause: This is the next stage. Symptoms often ease, but bone and heart health become the new priorities.
The "Silent" Symptoms: Skin, Hair, and Oral Health:
There are certain changes that happen apart from just hot flashes due to the drop in collagen and moisture of the skin. Such as:
Skin & Hair Changes: It is during the first five years of menopause that your skin could lose up to 30% of its collagen. This may result in intense itching of the skin. As estrogen drops, the balance of estrogen and progesterone fluctuates, and one may experience thinning of the scalp and new coarse hair around their chin and upper lip.
Oral Health: Many women experience increased gum sensitivity as well as a metallic taste in their mouth, also known as Burning Mouth Syndrome.
Treatment and Intervention Options:
While they may look daunting, there are many ways to manage the symptoms, such as through lifestyle tweaks, non-hormonal medications, and nutritional support. Your doctor can give you a personalized treatment based on your diagnosis, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
What You Can Do While Following Your Doctor’s Advice:
- Track your cycle: You can use an app to note irregularities in your monthly cycle.
- Monitor Vitamin D & Calcium: Ensure you’re taking your Vitamin D and Calcium intake daily through diet or supplements.
- Keep Blood Pressure in Check: Monitor your blood pressure often, as it might fluctuate.
A note from your doctor:
“Menopause is a significant part of life, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Please know that it is manageable, and we will work together to find the right balance for your body. My team and I will support and guide you every step of the way.”
- Dr. Nisha Ohri
