Menopause (The Menopausal Transition)

Stages of Menopause

 

1. Perimenopause

 

๐ Early transition phase (2-3 years)

๐ Irregular periods

๐ Symptoms: hot flashes, dizziness, fatigue, mood swings

 

2. Menopause

 

๐ Defined as no menstruation for 12 consecutive months

 

3. Postmenopause

 

Begins after menopause

๐ Vaginal narrowing/dryness

๐ Bone loss (osteoporosis)

๐ Increased risk of chronic diseases

 

Common Symptoms

 

Short-Term Symptoms

๐ Irregular menstruation

๐ Hot flashes

๐ Insomnia

๐ Mood changes (anxiety, irritability, depression)

๐ Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse

๐ Decreased libido

๐ Skin dryness and wrinkles

๐ Breast sagging

 

Long-Term Effects

 

1. Cardiovascular Disease

 

๐ Increased risk due to decreased estrogen

๐ Higher LDL (“bad cholesterol”)

 

2. Osteoporosis

 

๐ Bone loss up to 5% per year

๐ Higher fracture risk (spine, wrist, hip)

 

3. Urinary Problems

 

๐ Burning during urination

๐ Urinary incontinence

 

4. Weight Gain

 

๐ Increased abdominal fat due to slower metabolism

 

Management & Treatment

 

1. Hot Flashes

 

๐ Avoid heat and spicy foods

๐ Reduce caffeine and alcohol

๐ Manage stress

๐ Take vitamin E and B-complex

 

2. Vaginal Dryness

 

๐ Use lubricants

๐ Use topical estrogen creams

 

3. Sleep & Mood Issues

 

๐ Antidepressants if needed

๐ Stress-relieving activities

 

4. Osteoporosis Prevention

 

๐ Calcium and vitamin D intake

๐ Avoid excessive physical strain

 

5. Hair Loss

 

๐ Estrogen therapy

๐ Proper scalp care and hygiene

 

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

 

HRT replaces declining estrogen to relieve symptoms and reduce disease risk.

 

Forms of HRT

 

๐ Oral tablets

๐ Injections

๐ Skin patches

๐ Implants

๐ Topical creams

๐ Vaginal creams

 

Benefits of HRT

 

๐ Reduces hot flashes

๐ Improves mood and sleep

๐ Prevents osteoporosis

๐ Reduces vaginal dryness

๐ Helps lower risk of heart disease

 

Who Should Avoid HRT

 

๐ History of breast or uterine cancer

๐ Liver disease

๐ Blood clots

๐ Unexplained abnormal bleeding

 

Side Effects

 

๐ Breast tenderness

๐ Bloating

๐ Vaginal bleeding

 

Risks of Long-Term Use

 

๐ Increased risk of breast and uterine cancer

๐ Risk of gallstones (especially oral form)

 

Important Advice

 

๐ Apply topical estrogen 1 g/day (if prescribed)

๐ Apply on thighs or arms

๐ Avoid breast, abdomen, and genital areas

 

Summary

 

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but it can affect physical and mental health.

 

 

 

 

 

source : Bangkok Hospital Phuket
**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team