Postmenopause in women: what is it, how does it manifest, how to treat

Postmenopause – Any woman wants to remain young, beautiful and healthy for as long as possible. But inevitable changes in the functioning of the body, one way or another, will affect everyone.

Therefore, one should not neglect knowledge about age-related hormonal “fading” and what it is – postmenopause.

Possession of this information will make it possible to avoid psychological disorders and learn to enjoy life at any age.

Why does menopause begin?

As a woman approaches 40 years of age, the concentration of sex hormones in a woman’s body decreases significantly, it becomes more difficult to get pregnant, the skin becomes more flabby and rough, and the reserves of follicles in the ovaries are depleted. It is the intensity of the decrease in the female hormone estrogen that determines how long the menopausal period lasts.

For each representative of the fair sex, this period is individual, so it is very difficult to say exactly when menopause ends.

Here are some general statistics:

• if menopause in women of your kind occurs, say, at 40-41 years old, then with a high degree of probability it is at this age that hormonal changes in your body can begin;
• During menopause, most women gain a lot of weight;
• very often women during menopause experience emotional disorders;
• Most often, menopause occurs in the period 47-53 years;
• On average, menopause can last up to one and a half years.

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Nutrition during menopause

Nutritionists and endocrinologists recommend that during this period the fair sex eat smaller meals, in small portions, and carefully monitor the caloric content of dishes. It is advisable to follow a rational diet with approximately equal content of proteins, polyunsaturated fats and complex carbohydrates in dishes.

Coffee, alcohol, pasta, white bread, fatty broths, marinades, overly fried and smoked foods should be excluded from the diet, while increasing the consumption of boiled light meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and dairy products.

How to understand that you have reached menopause?

Most women experience the onset of menopause without any special restrictions in their lives, 30% face problems accompanying hormonal changes in the body, and only 5% of the fair sex can be diagnosed with pathological menopause, which lasts for many years.

The most well-known and unpleasant symptoms of menopause are hot flashes, which cause intense heat, redness of the upper body and the release of large amounts of sweat. Whatever the duration of menopause in women, hot flashes will accompany them throughout the entire period of time.

They last from a quarter to one and a half minutes and are characterized by the following conditions:

• points before the eyes;
• increased sweating;
• redness of the skin of the face, neck, chest and upper extremities;
• numbness of the limbs;
• chills after sweating;
• cardiopalmus.

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The entire time menopause lasts, a woman’s psyche and her nervous system are in a “suspended” state; hormonal changes can cause the following disorders:

• problems sleeping, insomnia;
• increased fatigue;
• causeless attacks of rage, irritation and aggression;
• blood pressure may increase;
• migraine-like headaches;
• decreased libido.

Diseases associated with menopause may also occur - diabetes, hypothyroidism, ischemia, cardiomyopathy.

During the entire period of menopause in women, unpleasant, discomforting symptoms may occur in the reproductive and urinary systems:

• burning during urination;
• inflammation in the uterus;
• enuresis, both at night and with light physical activity;
• drying of the vaginal mucosa;
• itching and burning in the genitals.

If menopause occurs gradually and not abruptly, such as surgical menopause, then the symptoms of this condition do not bring much discomfort. In general, the duration of menopause in women depends on the complexity and intensity of its symptoms.

Let's look at the stages of menopause, their main symptoms and how long they all last.

Cause of menopause

Declining reproductive function. But the age of menopause is influenced by additional reasons: a genetic anomaly in which the ovaries stop working early; previous operations on the pelvic organs; treatment of oncological diseases; presence of autoimmune diseases; work involving heavy physical activity.

Medical research confirms that women who constantly experience nervous and emotional stress are more likely to experience early menopause.

The exact causes and factors that cause early ovarian failure have not yet been discovered. Doctors offer a wide list of possible conditions under which menopause begins, but none of them are reliable.

There are cases when women underwent operations and serious illnesses, but their menopause occurred at 55-60 years old. Genetic predisposition is a key factor in determining the cause of this condition.

Premenopause

This is the first period of menopause, its main symptom is an altered menstrual cycle. On average, the onset of this stage occurs at 40-45 years, and premenopause lasts 2-10 years , while the monthly cycle can behave completely differently all this time:

• The period between menstruation may increase, and discharge may also decrease;
• On the contrary, there may be more profuse bleeding during menstruation, which disappears in at least a week;
• the cycle may even end. This is a fairly rare case, but possible, when a woman suddenly loses her period.

How to deal with menopause symptoms?

Nowadays there are many ways to get rid of all these terrible manifestations. In most cases, doctors prescribe hormone replacement therapy. For example, Femoston tablets and other drugs are used. These medications must be taken daily. They compensate for the lack of estrogen and allow you to get rid of many unpleasant symptoms of menopause.

Doctors also recommend reviewing your diet. Give preference to vegetables, fruits and dairy products. Avoid fatty foods and alcohol.

If a woman wants to get pregnant, the best option is in vitro fertilization using a donor egg. In this case, a representative of the fair sex can carry and give birth to a baby, but she will have to take hormonal medications throughout the pregnancy.

If you have encountered any of the symptoms described above, visit a specialist who will select the appropriate treatment and get rid of all the signs of menopause and menopause.

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Menopause

The beginning of this stage is considered to be the last day of the last menstruation. In this case, the production of sex hormones will be irregular, and the function of the ovaries will be weakened. It is at this time that an exacerbation of symptoms occurs, lasting throughout the entire period, as long as menopause lasts, and this is on average 2-5 years , starting from the age of 55.

Whatever the duration of menopause, during this period a woman exhibits the following symptoms:

• hot flashes, accompanied by a short-term rise in temperature and profuse sweating. Usually the hot flashes end after 2-3 minutes;
• headache and insomnia occur. Most often, hot flashes occur at night, which causes sleep disturbances; they can also be caused by nervous tension and constant migraines;
• As long as menopause lasts, the fair sex will be accompanied by emotionality and excessive nervous excitability. Mood swings, tearfulness and irritability, and all this can last for years;
• gynecological diseases become more active and appear;
• throughout the entire period of menopause in women, they will be accompanied by problems with the cardiovascular system (heart rhythm failure, arterial hypertension);
• no matter how old a woman was at the time of menopause, she will definitely experience memory problems, excessive fatigue and decreased libido.

Only a doctor can tell you in more detail about the symptoms of menopause, how long this process lasts, and also prescribe medications to make you feel better, so at the first signs of menopause, you should go to an appointment with a gynecologist.

Is it possible to get pregnant after menopause?

Complaint statistics.

It is difficult to say at what age a woman will no longer be able to get pregnant. Many cases have been described around the world where women, despite early symptoms of menopause, over 55 years of age naturally became mothers. Even more women of this age became pregnant after hormonal activation of the ovaries.

Even after the cessation of menstruation, a woman’s ovaries can form follicles within 2-3 years, so the possibility of pregnancy remains. Unfortunately, there are often cases when 45-50-year-old women, having consulted a specialist about a long absence of menstruation, are surprised when the doctor informs them about pregnancy.

Most women by this age already have adult children, so very often such pregnancies end in abortion. To avoid ending up in a similar situation, it is necessary to use protection for several years after the cessation of menstruation.

Optimal protection during postmenopause is hormonal contraception. It also provides prevention of diseases that can develop due to a decrease in the level of sex hormones in the blood.

Postmenopause

No matter how long menopause lasts, eventually its symptoms should go away completely. This moment occurs with the complete cessation of ovarian activity and their drying out to a weight of 4 grams. To determine the onset of postmenopause, you need to know when menopause began, how long this final period lasts depends on this starting point. This usually takes 5-7 years.

Postmenopause continues until the end of life, and there are no special symptoms during this period; final hormonal changes occur, accompanied by age-related diseases:

• the likelihood of heart attack and stroke increases;
• vascular walls become thinner;
• calcium is washed out of the bones, contributing to the development of osteoporosis;
• Immunity and general tone of the body decrease greatly.

Possible complications

Indirect symptoms of postmenopause include various gynecological diseases . Their occurrence is due to a decrease in the function of natural defense mechanisms. In adulthood, the risk of tumors in the mammary glands . Therefore, during the postmenopausal period, it is especially important to undergo regular examinations by a gynecologist and mammologist. In addition, the risk of developing the following complications increases:

• dysfunction of the nervous system;
• cystic formations in the ovaries;
• osteoporosis;
• genitourinary infections;
• atherosclerosis;
• accumulation of serous fluid in the uterus.

How to prolong youth in the female body?

Despite the fact that with the advent of menopause, a woman’s reproductive function has ended, her life does not end there, which means that it is necessary to maintain the normal state of the body and help it cope with hormonal changes in every possible way. For this purpose, it is necessary to consult a doctor at the first symptoms of menopause, who will select the right therapy and, in addition to prescribing medications, will also tell you about alternative treatment methods.

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To ensure that menopause goes unnoticed for you, be sure to follow the following rules; they will also help you delay the onset of menopause if you start following them at the initial stage:

• make a balanced diet the norm, remove smoked foods from the menu, consume less salt, marinades and fast carbohydrates. You need to eat more fiber;
• you can resort to massages and therapeutic baths;
• you need to play sports, walk more, take the stairs rather than the elevator;
• use hormonal and herbal preparations;
• drink vitamin complexes, and also eat more foods containing vitamin E.

Treatment during the final stage of menopause

Most of the signs of postmenopause are the result of hormonal changes in a woman’s body. The main goal of treatment during this period is to stabilize hormone levels. The attending physician does not always prescribe treatment with hormonal drugs. In some cases, phytohormones help alleviate a woman’s condition. These products are based on plant extracts that stimulate the production of estrogen.

A woman should adhere to the recommendations of doctors, since uncontrolled use of hormonal or hormone-like drugs can provoke the development of cancer or cardiovascular diseases. In addition to hormonal treatment, vitamins, calcium, cardiac and sedative medications are also prescribed.

You can also alleviate the condition with the help of folk recipes, which are based on taking decoctions of St. John's wort, ginseng, licorice, meadow clover and sage. To eliminate the unpleasant signs of menopause, you should spend more time in the fresh air and eat right.

Important! Excessive physical activity helps reduce estrogen, so exercise during menopause must be reduced.

Timing of the onset of menopause

As a rule, menopause occurs at the age of 50, in this case we are talking about its timely onset. With timely menopause, a woman can experience the first manifestations of menopause as early as 45-47 years old.

However, recently, more and more women are experiencing menopause at an earlier age. The reason for this may be poor environment, smoking, gynecological and endocrine diseases.

Depending on age, the following types of menopause are distinguished:

• premature – occurs before 40 years of age;
• early – up to 45 years;
• timely – 45–55 years;
• late – after 50 years.

However, menopausal symptoms usually begin several years before the cessation of menstruation.

Separately, artificial menopause is considered, the cause of which is not the extinction of the hormone-producing function of the ovaries, but the surgical removal of the uterus and appendages.

Diagnosis of menopause

A woman is given a certain period to give birth to children, which ends and menopause occurs.

The average age of menopause is 45-50 years, but, like everything in this life, it is often individual. There are women who experience menopause at 35, and some at 60.

Symptoms also vary from person to person, and whether they cause discomfort or pain depends on many factors. The attitude of the woman herself is also important. It is worth looking at the situation from a different angle. Menopause is not aging, it is your opportunity to live differently.

How long does menopause last in women?

The duration of menopause varies greatly depending on individual characteristics. The duration of menopause can be influenced by heredity, number of births, bad habits (especially smoking), concomitant diseases and the general condition of the body. On average, menopause lasts 5–8 years from the moment the production of estrogen by the ovaries begins to decline. The course of menopause can be divided into 3 periods - premenopause, menopause and postmenopause.

Premenopause

The first symptoms of menopause appear during the menopausal transition. At this stage, there is a decrease in the production of sex hormones by the ovaries, but estrogen deficiency is not yet very pronounced. A woman’s body is trying to adapt to changed conditions. The main manifestation of menopause is disruption of the menstrual cycle - its duration changes, periods become irregular. Other symptoms may occur, but in a mild form. Women usually experience premenopausal changes at age 45. The average duration of premenopause is 3–5 years.

Menopause

Menopause begins from the moment of the last independent menstruation and lasts 12 months. The fact of the last menstruation is determined retrospectively after 1 year. In most cases, menopause occurs at age 50. This stage is characterized by the extinction of the hormone-producing function of the ovaries, the level of estrogen in the blood is sharply reduced. Estrogen deficiency causes the development of menopausal syndrome. During the menopausal period, the early symptoms of menopause are pronounced - hot flashes, psycho-emotional disorders, weight gain, skin changes. Climacteric phenomena are more pronounced with the sudden onset of menopause, when the body has not yet had time to adapt to the deficiency of sex hormones.

Postmenopause

1 year after the onset of menopause, a new period begins in a woman’s life - postmenopausal. Postmenopause lasts until about age 75, when estrogen production stops completely. However, the symptoms of menopause disappear earlier. Hot flashes and emotional disturbances bother a postmenopausal woman for another 1–2 years, and then menopause ends. However, postmenopausal women are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Characteristics of the menopause

The decline of reproductive function is a long, gradual process. The female body is being rebuilt: the ovaries gradually stop functioning, infertility develops, and eventually a hormone deficiency state is established.

The cessation of menstruation is not the beginning of menopause, since this period begins much earlier. There are three climacteric phases:

• premenopause;
• menopause;
• postmenopause.

Premenopause is the period when the ovaries are preparing to complete their activity. This begins around the age of 45.

Hormonal concentration is reduced, which leads to disruption of the menstrual cycle. Periods come irregularly. The ovaries are still producing hormones.

Menopause is the shortest period that begins from the moment the menstruation completely stops. In order not to confuse the delay and the last menstruation, menopause is established only after a year has passed since the last menstruation. Occurs at approximately 50 years of age.

In medical practice, the term “perimenopause” combines the periods of premenopause and menopause.

The last stage of menopause is postmenopause, which means the complete cessation of ovarian function. They are not able to initiate changes in the endometrium, so menstruation is impossible.

How it manifests itself

In some women, menopause occurs physiologically, without any disturbing symptoms. But still, many women face manifestations of menopausal syndrome. The appearance of all changes is associated with estrogen deficiency; during menopause, all estrogen-dependent organs suffer - the uterus, mammary glands, genitourinary tract, brain, skin, heart and blood vessels, bones. All emerging symptoms can be divided into 3 groups: early, mid-term and late.

Early symptoms

Early signs of menopause appear already in premenopause. They include autonomic and neuropsychiatric manifestations.

The main symptom of autonomic disorders is hot flashes. Hot flashes are felt as a sudden feeling of heat, which is localized mainly in the upper half of the body. The feeling of heat during hot flashes may be accompanied by increased sweating. Other autonomic disorders include:

• blood pressure surges;
• orthostatic hypotension;
• dizziness, sudden weakness;
• increased sweating.

Early signs also include neuropsychiatric syndrome - mood changes and cognitive disorders. Menopausal syndrome is characterized by sudden mood swings, increased irritability and fatigue, and sleep problems. During this period, a woman begins to notice that some little things that were previously perceived completely calmly now bring her to tears or aggression. Cognitive functions are impaired: it becomes more difficult to concentrate and remember new information.

Medium-term symptoms

Medium-term symptoms include urogenital disorders and skin changes. Urogenital disorders are a complex of symptoms from the lower parts of the genitourinary system. Menopausal women may experience the following urogenital symptoms:

• vaginal dryness;
• dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse);
• burning and itching in the vagina;
• urinary incontinence;
• frequent urge to urinate.

The skin becomes drier and thinner, its elasticity decreases, and wrinkles appear. Due to metabolic changes, a woman can suddenly gain weight, with fat being deposited mainly in the abdominal area.

Late symptoms

Late symptoms can occur even 5-10 years after menopause. These include changes in the cardiovascular system and bone tissue.

In the first few years after menopause, bone loss occurs, which is associated with a deficiency of estrogen in the body. Bones become more fragile, leading to the development of osteoporosis and frequent fractures in old age.

In the postmenopausal period, the risk of cardiac pathology increases several times. Estrogen deficiency leads to loss of vascular elasticity, which is one of the factors in the development of arterial hypertension. Also, in postmenopause, the risk of developing atherosclerosis increases, which is associated with impaired lipid metabolism.

Diagnosis of the last period of menopause

The reproductive system in women is complex. Not every woman, knowing the individual characteristics of her body, and having reached the appropriate age, understands what is happening to her.

The stage of life in which ovarian activity declines is quite long. Therefore, in order to confirm the naturalness of the process and exclude pathology, it is necessary to diagnose postmenopause.

About uterine bleeding.

If a woman has not had menstruation for more than a year, she needs to:

• get tested for follicle-stimulating hormone - it is elevated during postmenopause;
• get tested for estradiol - it will be low;
• take a test for male sex hormones - their level in the blood will increase;
• undergo an ultrasound of the pelvic organs - the study will confirm the absence of follicles.

By passing tests and performing an ultrasound examination, the doctor will be able to confirm the onset of the last period of menopause.

If there are signs of deterioration in health, as well as in order to assess what damage has already been done to the body, the attending physician may additionally prescribe:

• general blood analysis;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
• endoscopic examination of the uterine cavity;
• non-invasive examination of the mammary glands;
• cytological examination of the cervical mucosa;
• osteodensitometry.

How to ease menopause

It is impossible to completely prevent the occurrence of menopause, since this is a physiological stage in a woman’s life. But it is quite possible to slightly delay the onset of menopause or make it easier. It should be understood that you need to start taking care of your health from reproductive age. It is important to visit a gynecologist regularly, lead an active lifestyle, exercise, and eat right.

Treatment may include several components: phytoestrogens, symptomatic treatment and hormone replacement therapy.

Some plants and foods contain phytoestrogens - plant estrogens. Taking them somewhat facilitates the course of menopausal syndrome, but phytoestrogens are not able to completely cover the body's needs. Phytoestrogens are found in flax seeds, whole grains and bran, peas, beans, and lentils.

Medications are prescribed to relieve some symptoms:

1. Antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) for depressive disorders and other psycho-emotional disorders.

2. Bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis.

3. Local estrogens for the treatment of urogenital disorders.

Hormone replacement therapy

In severe cases of menopause, systemic hormone replacement therapy is prescribed - internal administration of estrogens. Replacement therapy makes it possible to compensate for the deficiency of estrogen, which leads to the elimination of the symptoms of menopause. There are several types of hormonal drugs:

1. Monopreparations of estrogen - prescribed to women with artificial menopause (after removal of the uterus and appendages).

2. Two- and three-phase combination drugs containing estrogens and gestagens are prescribed to women in the early period of menopause.

Menopausal syndrome

Menopausal syndrome in the general understanding is a set of negative manifestations and special changes in the conditions of organs associated with the work of estrogens that accompany menopause. The most typical manifestations are sweating, hot flashes, insomnia, and severe irritability. Representatives of the fair sex first partially and then completely lose the ability to conceive children; the menstrual cycle is disrupted, lengthened, and then disappears altogether, appearing only sporadically.

In most cases, women perceive the transition to menopause normally, but some of them still experience serious health problems, expressed mainly in nervous breakdowns and disturbances in normal blood pressure levels. To adapt and eliminate negative manifestations, since the 50s of the last century, they began to use hormone replacement therapy, which was canceled after stabilization of the patient’s condition.

Mechanisms of menopause

Menopause is an age-related decline in female reproductive function. Due to the aging of the body, the ovaries do not produce enough inhibin, which affects the increase in the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and subsequently lutsinizing hormone (LH), which leads to the appearance of anovulatory cycles and complete atresia (reduction in size, reverse development without maturation) of the follicles .

In simple terms, a woman’s menstrual cycle is disrupted: there is no bleeding from the uterus and no ovulation.

This phenomenon is often called ovarian sclerosis, when the cyclic secretion of progesterone and estradiol is disrupted. Obvious age-related changes usually begin after 35 years, when the time interval between menstruation increases and the scarcity of discharge is noticed. The older a woman gets, the more clearly the symptoms of menopause manifest themselves. This process is also called androgenization, when the level of testosterone and other male hormones prevails over estrogen.

The reduction and cessation of the production of sex steroids by the ovaries leads to functional and organic changes in organs and systems:

• uterus,
• mammary glands,
• urethra,
• Bladder,
• brain cells,
• myocardium,
• vessels.

In more than 50% of cases in a woman, a change in the secretion of sex steroids causes the so-called climatic syndrome, when age-related changes become a pathology.

In this case, an androgenic effect on the main body systems is observed:

Menopause is a natural process that changes the female body. The condition during this period will not necessarily be depressive and painful. There are ways to help your body cope with menopause and avoid climatic syndrome.

When should you sound the alarm?

• If the discharge occurs after a year without menstruation
• Heavy periods (when you need to change your pad every hour)
• Large clots appear during bleeding
• The woman’s well-being worsens (high temperature, chills, weakness, rapid pulse)
• Duration of menstruation more than 7 days
• Blood appears from the vagina after sexual intercourse

Unfortunately, 85% of women have a difficult time going through menopause. Changes in the hormonal state, changes in the genital organs and other organs and systems of the female body are significant.

The central nervous system can provide us with terrible headaches and migraines, hot flashes, increased sweating, and itching in the genital area. The psyche “pleases” with irritability, touchiness, fatigue, insomnia, and aggressiveness.

Severe depression may occur. Weight fluctuations can occur, both positive and negative. Pre-existing heart disease, diabetes, liver and kidney disease may worsen. And much more individual.

There is a test to determine the severity of menopause, this is the so-called Cooperman Menopausal Index:

You need to prepare for menopause in advance. Lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Do not be overweight, if any, go on a diet. Exercise at least 2 times a week.

To refuse from bad habits. Regularly do medical examinations to identify and prevent the early stages of various diseases. In a healthy body healthy mind.

Symptoms

During menopause, the female body loses its ability to conceive. Reproductive function is disrupted: from a decrease in the functioning of the ovaries to their complete extinction. In rare cases, the period of age-related changes passes smoothly and without symptoms.

Menopause is stress for a woman’s body. Psychological depression and physiological signs are more often observed. Symptoms manifest individually: gradually or abruptly. Much depends on the genetic predisposition and medical history of the patient.

The first symptoms of the onset of menopause:

• dysfunction of the ovaries;
• a rush of cold and heat, which are most often observed in the face and neck;
• increased sweating;
• causeless irritability, frequent mood swings;
• general depression, development of depression;
• insomnia and other sleep disorders;
• chronic headaches;
• scanty vaginal discharge;
• itching and burning in the urethral canal;
• disturbance of the urination process, the appearance of false urges;
• constant fatigue and general weakness.

These are the main symptoms that a woman describes at a doctor’s appointment. However, there are also external changes: the appearance of more wrinkles on the face, loss of firmness and elasticity of the skin, dry and brittle hair, loss of shape of the mammary glands. The loss of external charm becomes a psychological trauma for a woman.

Additional signs of menopause:

• decreased level of sexual desire, vaginal dryness;
• the appearance of dandruff, hair loss and a complete change in structure;
• digestive problems: bloating, flatulence;
• urinary incontinence, nocturnal enuresis;
• dermatitis and the appearance of allergic reactions;
• lack of skin hydration;
• disruption of the cardiovascular system;
• high blood pressure.

In addition, the patient may experience problems with the liver, kidneys and pancreas. The endocrine system also suffers, and thyroid diseases develop. Certain foods may cause symptoms such as epigastric pain, discomfort or spasms in the right hypochondrium.

Pigment spots appear on the face, which no longer go away. This is due to a violation of melanin levels. Wrinkles, pigmentation, hair loss have a negative impact on psychological health. A woman’s self-esteem decreases, she loses interest in life, even shopping and other pleasures are not able to restore a good mood.

• apathy;
• irritability and nervousness;
• development of a depressive state;
• decreased self-esteem;
• tearfulness.

Migraines often develop against the background of menopause, leg cramps and painful sensations in the joints appear. This occurs due to a lack of calcium in the body. During hormonal changes and cessation of the production of antiandrogens, dizziness, deterioration in the quality of memory and concentration are observed.

Vitamins for menopause

During menopause, a woman needs to consume the following vitamins in sufficient quantities:

1. Retinol. An antioxidant that prevents the development of tumors and slows down the aging of the epithelium;
2. Vitamin E. Stimulates the activity of the ovaries, prolonging their work, participates in the formation of female hormones;
3. Ascorbic acid. Prevention of complications after menopause;
4. Vitamin B1 and B6. Regulate the functioning of the nervous system, ensuring its normal functioning against the background of hormonal changes;
5. Vitamin D. A catalyst for calcium absorption, which helps fight osteoporosis, a common concomitant complication of menopause.

In addition to vitamins, a woman’s body during menopause requires increased doses of microelements - magnesium, calcium and zinc.

Stages of menopause

Age-related changes occur to the patient suddenly. None of the experts can say exactly when menopause will begin and how quickly it will progress. This process is lengthy, sometimes it can take 10 years.

The development of stages depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. Pay attention to how the women on the maternal side of the family aged, how they behaved and reacted to changes. Each patient will go through three menopausal stages.

Premenopause

Eggs gradually begin to be produced in smaller quantities after age 35. However, a woman under 45 is still able to bear and give birth to a healthy child. It will be more difficult for her to do this than for a young girl; she will need strict adherence to the doctor’s recommendations and more frequent laboratory monitoring.

Perimenopause is a process of decline in a woman's reproductive function. This period begins after 45 years. At the same time, the ovaries produce female sex hormones, but in smaller quantities. The duration of the cycle can increase, vary from 30 to 90 days.

Main signs of premenopause:

• the time interval between menstruation lengthens;
• there is scarcity and less intensity of discharge;
• color changes to brown;
• Estrogen levels decrease.

In this way, the body prepares for the next stage - menopause. A gradual decrease in hormones helps to avoid hyperandrogenism - a sharp drop in androgens. Jumps in testosterone and estrogen in the analysis results confirm the beginning of the premenopausal stage.

Menopause

The full climacteric period is often called menopause. However, this is only the main phase, the middle of the stage. The period of menopause begins in a woman at approximately 50-55 years of age. Few people know how long menopause lasts - the duration of the stage usually does not exceed more than 1 year.

Menopause is the complete cessation of ovarian activity and the development of ovarian dysfunction. A woman’s periods completely disappear, conceiving a child becomes impossible. Even the skeletal system can be changed.

• complete absence of menstruation;
• pain in bones and joints;
• the appearance of cramps in the lower extremities;
• tachycardia and other cardiovascular abnormalities.

Diabetes and obesity often accompany menopause. However, by monitoring sugar levels and correcting nutrition, the occurrence of pathologies can be prevented. The menopausal transition is also characterized by urogenital problems and the appearance of VSD syndrome (vegetative-vascular dystonia).

Postmenopause

The final stage of a woman’s age-related changes is postmenopause. This is the end of the stage of hormonal restructuring of the body systems. At the same time, the estrogen level drops by 2 times, most of the unpleasant signs of menopause disappear.

The last period is a kind of resignation to the inevitability of life. The woman becomes more emotionally stable, headaches go away, and general fatigue is eliminated. Often representatives of the fair sex feel a new surge of strength and thirst for life.

Symptoms of the final period of menopause

The beginning of the postmenopausal period can be established no earlier than 12 months after the end of menstruation.

In addition to the absence of menstruation, there are other symptoms of postmenopause:

• brittle bones;
• hair loss;
• dryness and decreased elasticity of the skin, the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots;
• overweight;
• deterioration of memory, vision and hearing;
• possible development of cardiovascular diseases;
• the woman becomes irritable, absent-minded, suspicious, and is often bothered by insomnia;
• Digestion is disturbed, constipation occurs;
• age spots appear and moles change.

Postmenopause entails many changes in the female body, which are caused by constantly decreasing levels of female hormones. During this period, the risk of tumors in the breasts and genitals increases.

The appearance of menstruation may indicate polyps or tumor formations. Therefore, if you have your period during this transition period, visit your doctor immediately.

During the postmenopausal period, the norm is colorless discharge in small quantities that is odorless. If the discharge has changed color or smells unpleasant, this means that the woman has thrush or an inflammatory process in the genitals.

Important! In women who smoke, who are too thin or too fat, the symptoms of deteriorating health are more pronounced. A sedentary lifestyle also contributes to the occurrence of diseases.

It is impossible to get rid of all the unpleasant signs of postmenopause, but inaction can cause the development of many diseases. It will not be superfluous to visit a doctor to find out your current health status and select suitable medications to alleviate the condition.

Period length statistics

How many years menopause can last is an individual figure. The process of turning a woman into a grandmother takes about 10-20 years. Pay attention to your female relatives, how they look and feel. From hereditary factors, one can presumably calculate the course of one's own menopause.

Approximate periods of how long menopause lasts in women:

1. Premenopause. It occurs after 40-45 years, the duration of changes lasts a long time - from 2 to 10 years.
2. Menopause. It is observed after 50-55 years, lasts about 12 months.
3. Postmenopause. Begins after age 55 and continues until the end of life.

Change your appearance

We have already said that the age of menopause in women can be different. If a lady is over 40 years old, then she will most likely take all the changes happening to her skin for granted. In the case when this condition occurs much earlier, the fair sex is surprised at how quickly her appearance changes.

To begin with, it is worth saying that estrogens, which are produced by the pituitary gland, play a significant role in maintaining skin elasticity. When the ovaries stop working, this substance ceases to be released. This process greatly affects the condition of the skin. The clear oval of the face becomes blurred, wrinkles appear under the eyes and in the nasolabial area. Previous care products turn out to be completely ineffective. A woman is forced to resort to more serious procedures and potent cosmetics. With loss of elasticity, skin also loses moisture. It becomes dry and constantly peels. This irritates the woman, and she becomes even more withdrawn and secretive.

Factors influencing duration

The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can last about five years until menopause. This time is necessary for the female body to adapt to new conditions. The doctor will suggest undergoing body diagnostics to confirm the suspected diagnosis.

The slower the ovaries reduce estrogen levels, the easier it is tolerated by the body. The period of adaptation to a new hormonal level is difficult. The process can be accelerated by concomitant chronic diseases, psychological instability or hormonal disorders.

It will also be difficult for smokers and people with other bad habits. Alcohol and drugs not only have a detrimental effect on health, but also provoke the development of early aging. Women who have not given birth are also at risk.

Most of all, the duration of menopause and other stages depends on hereditary predisposition. Many gynecologists believe that the earlier a girl’s first menstruation begins, the faster menopause will come. However, this theory has not received scientific confirmation.

Negative environmental factors affecting the duration of the menopausal period:

• the influence of stress and nervous work, a tense environment at home;
• presence of psychosomatic diseases;
• lack of weight;
• number of pregnancies and births;
• bad habits;
• ecology.

The development of the aging process of reproductive function ahead of time is called premature ovarian failure. This pathology can occur even by the age of 36, if the woman’s mother had a similar syndrome.

Early menopause lasts against the background of a young, adequately functioning female body. Sudden estrogen deficiency causes a kind of shock, so it is important for a woman to take annual hormone tests and undergo medical examinations. The body is not ready for such changes, which is accompanied by severe symptoms.

What else affects the duration of menopause and its onset:

• concomitant chronic diseases;
• metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes);
• heredity;
• endocrine diseases (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism);
• brain injuries;
• mental and psychosomatic disorders;
• lack of vitamins and minerals;
• cancerous lesions of internal organs;
• surgical intervention, surgical treatment of the ovaries;
• severe intrauterine infections.

Among the chronic diseases that can affect premature aging are serious pathologies of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. With inflammatory processes in the ovaries at a young age and with untimely treatment of the problem, there is a risk of early development of menopause.

Prevention of ovarian cancer

The best treatment is prevention.
During menopause, the best methods of prevention would be timely treatment of possible infectious and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, and examination by a gynecologist at least twice a year. If a tumor is detected, treatment is prescribed - chemotherapy or surgery, which consists of complete removal of the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes and cervix.

During menopause, the female body is vulnerable, so the risk of ovarian cancer is high.

With insufficient attention to the disease, negative consequences are possible, such as extensive metastasis with dysfunction of many organs.

Ways to delay the onset of menopause

How to fight aging - an effective way has not yet been found. While cosmetic procedures can help increase skin elasticity, it is impossible to cope with the decline of fertility. This is an inevitable process of aging.

But there are methods that help women delay ovarian failure and stay young and happy longer. This is a normal lifestyle adjustment. Proper nutrition and light exercise will help you not only stay in shape, but also live long.

Methods to help delay the onset of menopause:

1. Vitamin E: It improves skin elasticity and helps produce more collagen. It is found in cereals, nuts, salad and greens.
2. Cellulose. Intestinal slagging is a contamination of the entire body. Bran bread, cereals, fruits and vegetables help normalize the digestion process and get rid of excess.
3. Refusal of salt. It is also recommended to remove sausages, smoked meats and other harmful semi-finished products from the diet.
4. Reducing carbohydrates. This technique will help avoid the development of diabetes and excess weight.
5. Walk more. Don't forget that movement is life. Daily walks help keep your metabolism high and speed up blood circulation in the pelvic organs.
6. Compliance with doctor's recommendations. A specialist may recommend taking estrogen-progestin drugs that maintain hormonal stability.
7. Emotional stability. It is necessary to avoid stressful situations and look for a positive emotional state.

A woman should not perceive menopause as the end of her life. Psychologists recommend finding a hobby, going on a trip, or simply changing your environment. To feel attractive, you need to go to spas and go shopping.

A man should give a woman more compliments so that she always feels desired and loved.

What to do

But, due to physiological changes during menopause, some discomfort is created. By understanding what is happening, you can improve these years of a life that is not alien to you.

It is not surprising that most women, long before the onset of symptoms, wonder how to delay the onset of menopause, and during its onset they are often confused and do not know what to do.

After menopause occurs, the issue of childbearing becomes closed, but it is quite possible to cope with the listed symptoms and continue to live a full life.

By consulting with your doctor or deciding on your own, hormone levels can be controlled using bioidentical hormone replacements. These are: vaginal suppositories, tablets, creams.

By combining estradiol and estriol, you can relieve hot flashes. Various food additives are also used, such as: flax oil, primrose oil, vitamin E, vitamin A, folic acid.

Women who are now at this age realize that life does not end there. Most likely, this is the path to a new life. Everything needs to be done for internal and external development, and not get hung up on delicious buns in front of the TV.

The exact time of menopause is established one year from the last menstruation. The next period is postmenopause. This is an inaccurate count, and many of the unpleasant symptoms that existed before will still persist.

Estrogen and progesterone have also decreased, which means you have lost your protection against them.

In pursuit of the idea of ​​how to delay menopause, you must remember that this is not for life. Modern medicine can ensure a fairly comfortable course of menopause and minimize the likelihood of complications.

The main thing is the right psychological attitude and keeping yourself in shape.

Relief of unpleasant symptoms

In the postmenopausal stage, there are no longer constant headaches, frequent occurrence of cramps and other unpleasant menopausal symptoms. Such symptoms manifest themselves individually; some patients do not even feel changes in the body.

However, most women have a hard time with menopause. Relatives and friends can help you get through this time by supporting you and helping you distract from negative thoughts. Often, severe depression develops against the background of menopause.

How to relieve menopausal symptoms:

1. Reducing meat consumption. This rule especially applies to red varieties. It is better to enrich your diet with fresh vegetables and fruits.
2. Avoiding caffeine. Replace your usual morning coffee and strong tea with a herbal decoction with honey and lemon. This method will also help increase the immune defense of the human body.
3. Rejection of bad habits. It is quite difficult for older people to quit smoking, so try to at least reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke.
4. Consumption of dairy products. Include cottage cheese, kefir, yoghurts and fermented baked milk in your diet. Pure milk also contains calcium, which helps relieve bone pain.
5. Daily regime. If a woman is not yet retired, then she should rest longer. Avoid physical overload and enjoy your free time.
6. Physical activity. Age is not a barrier to sports, but it is better to consult a doctor or work with a personal trainer. Also additionally monitor your pulse and blood pressure levels.

Such methods help relieve the symptoms of menopause and mitigate its manifestations. For severe headaches, you can take an Ibuprofen tablet. Treatment of migraines, joint diseases and other associated pathologies is carried out under medical supervision.

Medication methods for relieving menopausal syndrome:

1. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This is an individual treatment method, which is selected based on the results of laboratory tests. After undergoing a complete diagnosis, the gynecologist assesses the degree of deficiency of certain hormones, prescribes estrogen-gestagen drugs and progesterone-based drugs.
2. Non-hormonal treatment. This is the use of dietary supplements, herbal tablets, vitamin-mineral complexes and other means that can affect the reduction of the severity of menopause symptoms. In most cases, these supplements are an addition to hormone therapy.
3. Sedatives. They help eliminate tachycardia, cardiovascular disorders and stabilize the emotional state. In complicated cases, the patient is prescribed antidepressants, tranquilizers or antipsychotics.
4. Psychotherapy. Don't underestimate verbal support. Sometimes an explanation of elementary physiological processes helps to accept the changes that are occurring. Especially if they happen to all representatives of the fair sex. Seeing a psychologist or psychotherapist helps you understand your own body.

The main thing is to accept yourself as you are. A real man will love a woman with her wrinkles, short hair and even slight vulnerability. In the eyes of a loved one, his companion will always remain young and beautiful.

Treatment of individual symptoms of menopause in women

There is no systemic therapy for menopause - menopause is an irreversible phenomenon, so treatment is aimed at eliminating the negative manifestations of the syndrome and combating possible complications.

The list of basic activities includes:

1. The use of symptom-suppressing drugs to stabilize the patient’s condition - analgesics (headache), antipyretics, cystostatics (problems with urination), sedatives, antipsychotics, tranquilizers (neurological manifestations), a variety of external creams (skin changes), intravaginal suppositories (combat dryness and infections of the uterus), calcemin with D3 (fighting osteoporosis), other drugs as prescribed;
2. Physiotherapy and exercise therapy for comprehensive support of the whole body;
3. Taking vitamin-mineral complexes.

Hormone therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is considered one of the most effective mechanisms for comprehensively combating the negative symptoms of menopause. Its essence is the introduction into the body of estrogen and progestin, which are no longer produced in sufficient quantities by the woman’s body. Mainly used in the postmenopausal period, it allows you to partially restore normal hormonal balance and reduce the potential risks of complications, as well as significantly mitigate the clinical manifestations of menopause. Typical representatives are Divitren, Klimen, Livial, Femoston, Klimonorm.

An alternative to replacement therapy is the use of selective estrogen receptor modulators. SERM therapy is used in cases where women are diagnosed with breast cancer or are at high risk of developing it, when the administration of progestin and estrogen is prohibited, to increase bone mass, reduce calcium loss and other positive effects. Typical representatives are Tamoxifen and Raloxifene.

Choice of drugs for menopause

The choice of suitable drugs, both for the symptomatic treatment of manifestations and possible complications of menopause, and as the basis of replacement therapy, should only be carried out by an experienced doctor. It is he who selects the medicine of first choice, monitors the patient’s condition, and then, if necessary, selects alternative options.

Independent selection of medications for menopause can not only increase the symptoms of the syndrome, but also lead to a number of serious complications of the widest spectrum!

Treatment for menopausal syndrome

To alleviate the symptoms of menopause, you need to know what to take when you have a headache, how to relieve hot flashes or other unpleasant symptoms, and stop uterine bleeding. One of the frequently used drugs in the treatment of menopausal syndrome is homeopathic tablets "Remens". A woman, after consulting a doctor, will be able to choose which means are best for her to use.

Homeopathy for menopause offers remedies in the form of tablets or drops. During the menopause, a whole range of health problems appear, based on vegetative-vascular symptoms - hot flashes, increased sweating, rapid heartbeat, and psycho-emotional - irritability, insomnia, increased fatigue.

A complex of problems during menopause can be solved using the natural components in the composition of the drug Klimaktoplan. The action of the drug is aimed at eliminating two main problems: manifestations of autonomic dysfunction and neuro-emotional discomfort. The drug is of European quality, does not contain hormones, is available without a prescription, is well tolerated, and is produced in Germany.

Hormonal therapy is used only after a medical examination of a woman and as prescribed by a doctor, since it has a number of contraindications. But if complications such as obesity, osteoporosis, or cardiovascular diseases occur during menopause, additional hormone intake is necessary. The doses of hormones contained in the preparations “Klimonorm”, “Femoston”, “Cliogest” replace the missing production of the body’s own hormones.

Herbal medicines

During menopause, herbal-based medicines are also used, for example, Inoklim, Klimadinon, Feminal, and in addition, vitamin-mineral complexes can be used independently or as part of hormonal therapy. The composition includes phytoestrogens - substances similar in structure and functions to female sex hormones, but phytohormones have a much less pronounced effect on the female body. Vitamins and microelements have a strengthening function and help relieve the negative manifestations of age-related metabolic disorders.

Vitamins

A woman is always pleased to know that she is taken care of. It's even more pleasant to feel it. In the field of caring for women's well-being, Lady's Formula Menopause Strengthened Formula has proven itself ideal. A well-known complex of traditional vitamins, the most important minerals and extracts of rare medicinal plants effectively helps women cope with the problems that arise during menopause.

When taking Lady's Formula Menopause Enhanced Formula, you will no longer be bothered by hot flashes, tachycardia, irritability, insomnia, you will say “no” to excess weight and frequent urge to urinate. In addition, you will enjoy a healthy, fresh complexion and skin elasticity, hair shine and strength.

Lady's Formula Menopause Enhanced Formula will step by step restore high vitality, good health and excellent appearance.

The use of any of the following recipes to eliminate the symptoms of menopause must be previously agreed with your doctor!

Herbs

1. Sage decoction. Take dried chalked herbs sage, horsetail and valerian in a ratio of 3/1/1, respectively. Mix them thoroughly in a container. Brew 1 tablespoon of the mixture per glass of boiling water for 10 minutes. Let it brew and cool, strain and drink ½ glass 2 times a day. The course lasts 2 weeks, after which you need to take a month break. Use this decoction regularly and you will be able to get rid of unpleasant symptoms during menopause;
2. Wellness mix. Take equal proportions of calendula flowers, tricolor violet leaves, licorice roots and anise fruits. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, pour 5 tablespoons of the product into a container and pour one liter of boiling water. Leave for 20 minutes, then strain and consume ½ glass 3 times a day for 3 weeks. The break between courses is 1 week;
3. Calming collection. Take rose hips, lemon balm, mantle grass and hop cones in equal proportions. Pour 4 teaspoons of the product into a liter of boiling water, let it brew for 15 minutes, strain and cool. Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture 4 times a day, half an hour before meals for 2 weeks, after which take a month's break.

Therapeutic baths

A medicinal bath is an excellent remedy to help overcome many of the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. In order to get the desired effect, ordinary water must be saturated with a decoction of the herbal collection.

Take 1 part each of oregano, calamus, yarrow and creeping thyme. Add 2 parts each of sage, forest pine buds and wormwood to the mixture. Move this mix carefully. Pour 10 tablespoons of the resulting product into 3 liters of boiling water and place in a water bath - they should simmer for about 40 minutes.

What Causes Perimenopause

1. Every woman is endowed at birth with a certain number of eggs in each ovary. As a girl enters adolescence, the brain centers responsible for the onset of puberty begin to function in a coordinated manner.
2. Menstrual cycles begin, and once a month, one of the ovaries releases an egg that can be fertilized.
3. If fertilization does not occur, the single-cell egg degenerates and dies in the abdominal cavity. Without fertilization of an egg, the lining of the uterus is shed approximately two weeks after ovulation (i.e. the release of an egg by the ovary). This cycle is repeated monthly unless pregnancy occurs.
4. As you age, the ovaries produce fewer and fewer eggs. Ovulation becomes erratic and irregular monthly bleeding is possible, which can be heavy and heavy.
5. Changes occur in the amount and frequency of ovarian hormone production, which can lead to numerous physical signs and symptoms.

The period of time when a decrease in the ovaries' production of eggs leads to irregular periods and other related symptoms is considered "perimenopause."

Other measures to help the body during menopause include:

• following a diet based on fruits, vegetables and grains;
• maintaining physical activity as much as possible in the form of walking, daily exercises;
• using gentle natural remedies to eliminate individual symptoms. For example, to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of vaginal dryness, special moisturizing gels Ginocomfort are often used. Their high efficiency and complete safety make it possible to quickly get rid of the unpleasant feeling of dryness. Also, such gels have an enveloping effect, preventing the disruption of microflora and the appearance of the inflammatory process.

To improve the quality of life of a woman during menopause, specialists from the pharmaceutical company VERTEX have developed a dietary supplement GINOCOMFORT® Climafemin, which has a full list of necessary documents and certificates. Thanks to its natural, carefully balanced composition, this product helps alleviate the intensity of the symptoms of menopause and helps preserve the beauty and youth of a woman for as long as possible.

Symptoms during menopause

GINOCOMFORT® intimate moisturizing gel eliminates dryness, itching and burning in conditions of hormonal imbalance, including during menopause.
It has a long-lasting moisturizing effect on the vaginal mucosa and has a softening and anti-inflammatory effect. GYNOCOMFORT® helps you forget about unpleasant sensations and improve your quality of life. Sources:

1. MODERN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE USE OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY IN MENOPAUSED WOMEN. Grigoryan O.R., Melnichenko G.A. // Diabetes. – 2004. – No. 4. – p. 56-59.
2. INFLUENCE OF OSTEOPOROSIS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF WOMEN DURING MENOPAUSE. Trushina A. S. // Journal of the Grodno State Medical University. – 2010. – No. 3. – P. 27-30.
3. ANXIETY-DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN. Lareva N.V., Govorin A.V., Kalinkina T.V. // Kazan Medical Journal. – 2008. – No. 4. – P. 432-437.
4. Optimization of treatment of menopausal syndrome. Abdulkadyrova M.N. // Author's abstract. diss. Ph.D. honey. Sci. - M, 2003. - P. 21.
5. Psychiatric aspect of menopausal syndrome: clinical picture and treatment. Tyuvina N.A. and others // Obstetrics and gynecology. - 1993. - No. 4. - P. 34–37.
6. Grandaxin in the correction of psychoemotional and neurovegetative disorders during menopause and surgical menopause. Dobrokhotova Yu.E. and others // Probl. reproduction - 2005. - No. 6. - P. 67–69.

Reducing symptoms

In 45% of women, postmenopause occurs without significant symptoms. It is not possible to cure postmenopause, since this age period in a woman’s life is not a pathology. Treatment in the postmenopausal period is used only to eliminate unwanted symptoms when the body is unable to adapt to estrogen deficiency.

Drug therapy

Both hormonal and non-hormonal drugs are used. In particular, drugs are used that suppress excessive excitability of the emotional sphere and the autonomic system. B vitamins and antidepressants have a good effect.

To eliminate the symptoms of estrogen deficiency, Tibolone is used, which is considered a progestin drug. Tibolone has no effect on the endometrium, so there are no cyclic discharges. The drug prevents the development of osteoporosis.

Hormone therapy in the postmenopausal period is a subject of controversy among specialists. It should be noted that hormone replacement therapy can alleviate postmenopausal symptoms in women, however, there is no anti-aging effect.

Hormone therapy in the postmenopausal period is prescribed only if there are strict indications. The use of hormonal drugs is possible only after a preliminary thorough examination. Many hormonal therapy drugs have significant side effects and cannot be prescribed for some somatic diseases.

Phytoestrogens and traditional methods

Phytoestrogens are an alternative to hormonal drugs in the postmenopausal period. Unlike the latter, phytoestrogens have a mild effect, and the development of side effects is rare. Gynecologists use various phytoestrogenic drugs to eliminate postmenopausal symptoms, in particular, Klimadinon, Klimaktoplan.

Many medicinal herbs have proven their effectiveness and have been recognized as traditional medicine. In particular, to eliminate pronounced symptoms of disorders from various organs and systems in the postmenopausal period, plants such as hogweed, red brush and yarrow can be used.

Nutrition and exercise therapy

The severity of symptoms in the postmenopausal period often depends on the woman’s lifestyle, her adherence to work and rest schedules, and her abandonment of bad habits. Good eating habits and physical activity are essential.

In the postmenopausal period, metabolic processes slow down, which requires a review of the diet. It is advisable to consume as many vegetables and fruits as possible. Lean meat and sea fish are beneficial. The way food is prepared also affects a woman's well-being. Fatty, salty foods and smoked foods should be limited as much as possible in the postmenopausal period. Frequent consumption of confectionery products negatively affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing stool disorders.

Adequate physical activity in the postmenopausal period prevents congestion in the pelvis and helps fight diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is advisable to choose types of physical activity in postmenopause after examination. For example, abdominal tension exercises are contraindicated for uterine tumors.

Treatment of symptoms and medications

Treatment of premenopause, as already mentioned, is impossible, since it is a natural physiological process, but its symptoms can be treated if they interfere with the usual way of life. Treatment of symptoms depends largely on their severity. However, there are certain risk factors that may indicate that a woman is susceptible to more serious problems. If she is in one of these high-risk groups, she should seek medical help as soon as any of the perimenopausal symptoms begin. These include:

1. Smoking: Carbon dioxide from cigarette smoke is found in high concentrations in the blood when you smoke. This compound causes a net loss of bone calcium. If a premenopausal woman smokes, the risk of osteoporosis increases significantly.
2. Steroid use: Many women use steroids to treat many conditions (such as asthma). Steroids affect bones by depleting calcium. This in turn increases the risk of osteoporosis, especially with estrogen surges.
3. Family History: If there is a family history of early menopause, it may be wise for a woman to seek medical help soon after perimenopausal symptoms begin.
4. Low weight: If a woman is thin with small bones, her bone mass contains little calcium. A doctor's consultation is necessary to prevent further skeletal depletion.
5. In addition to the high-risk groups listed above, a woman should consult a doctor if she experiences extremely heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding. Sometimes uterine cancer occurs when ovarian function is impaired.

Today, there are several methods of treating premenopausal symptoms:

• Vasomotor symptoms
  . The first rule is to avoid possible hot flashes, which include high temperatures, hot drinks and spicy foods. You should dress in such a way that you can easily remove clothes as needed. There is clear evidence that deep breathing techniques help relieve hot flashes. The most effective treatment for severe hot flashes and night sweats is estrogen. If you haven't had a hysterectomy, you may need to take a progestin to reduce your risk of endometrial cancer. Low-dose estrogen in tablet or patch form—for example, doses that are less than or equal to 0.3 milligrams (mg) of conjugated estrogen, 0.5 mg of oral micronized estradiol, 25 micrograms (mcg) of transdermal (patch) estradiol, or 2.5 mcg ethinyl estradiol - works for many women.
• Hormonal disorders
  . If you need contraception and don't smoke, you can take low-dose birth control pills until you reach menopause. Another benefit of these pills is that they regulate menstruation and suppress the erratic hormonal changes of perimenopause; some women report feeling more balanced when taking them.
• Strong tides
  . Women with severe hot flashes who are unwilling or unable to take hormone therapy may find some relief from new antidepressants such as Effexor (Venlafaxine) or certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac (Fluoxetine) and Paxil (Paroxetine) ); the epileptic drug Neurontin (Gabapentin) or the blood pressure drug Clonidine. Some of these medications have side effects that may limit their usefulness. In addition, some SSRIs may affect the metabolism of tamoxifen in some women.
• Irregular periods and heavy bleeding
  . In this case, low-dose birth control pills are the best choice unless pregnancy is planned. By suppressing ovulation, they modulate menstrual flow, regulate the cycle and stabilize endometriosis. They also protect against endometrial and ovarian cancer, prevent hot flashes, reduce vaginal dryness, and prevent bone loss. If there is abnormal bleeding, you should consult a gynecologist. Oral contraceptives can be taken until menopause. To determine whether you have reached menopause, your doctor will order an FSH blood test taken after seven days of taking the pill. But the only reliable measure is a 12-month abstinence from hormones without a menstrual cycle.
• Vaginal dryness
  . Low-dose contraceptives or vaginal estrogen (in the form of a cream, ring, tablet, or gel) can help relieve vaginal dryness, but hormonal treatment is not the only approach. Vaginal moisturizers such as Replens, applied twice a week, increase vaginal moisture, elasticity and acidity. Continued sexual activity also improves vaginal tone and helps maintain an acidic environment, which protects it from infections. Lubricants such as KY Jelly, Astroglide, and KY Silk-E can make intercourse less painful.

Helping a woman’s body after menopause, video

https://youtu.be/yZ9dAYddAd8
is not responsible for the accuracy of the information presented in this video clip. Source – JitZdorovo

Modern medicine offers a number of measures to help a woman’s body after menopause.

This includes taking calcium and vitamin D regularly, which will help prevent osteoporosis.

Also, in case of severe disturbances in the body and severe menopause, doctors can prescribe hormone therapy, artificially increasing the level of estrogen in the body. This treatment has minimal side effects, so it is often prescribed in the absence of contraindications, which may include poor heredity for cancer of the female organs.

Treatment options for menopause symptoms

Physiological changes

The only reason for all changes in any phase of menopause is the cessation of ovarian function. It is noteworthy that the functioning of the ovaries is almost static throughout the reproductive cycle. The exception is during pregnancy and childbirth.

During the intrauterine formation of the ovaries, follicles are formed, which are spherical formations in the form of vesicles. Each follicle can become a source of a mature egg.

The ovaries usually function alternately each menstrual cycle. During the cycle, several follicles begin to actively grow, changing structurally. As a result, the follicles turn into a kind of hormonal gland that can produce hormones. Then, as a result of “natural selection,” only one, the most viable follicle develops, which can ensure adequate functioning of the egg. The remaining follicles undergo reduction before the end of maturation.

At the end of the first phase of the cycle, the follicle membrane ruptures, which ensures the release of a mature egg beyond the boundaries of the ovary. This process is called ovulation. If fertilization does not occur, the egg dies on the second day. The so-called luteal phase begins. In place of the elements remaining from the follicle, the corpus luteum is formed, which is a temporary hormonal structure. The corpus luteum produces progesterone and stops functioning before menstruation.

The functioning of the ovaries is controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. The maturation of the follicle and egg is ensured by FSH produced by the pituitary gland. LH directly affects the corpus luteum.

The cyclic hormonal activity of the ovaries not only implements the reproductive function, but also affects the entire woman’s body. Thus, the completion of the hormonal function of the ovaries causes, in addition to the occurrence of infertility, various symptoms associated with the adaptation of organs and systems.

The functioning of the ovaries does not stop suddenly. Nature has programmed a fairly long transition from normal concentrations of sex hormones to their complete absence. This transition usually takes about ten years.

Postmenopause is a kind of final stage of menopause, during which the maximum severity of all symptoms is noted. This is due to the complete absence of estrogen in the postmenopausal period. If symptoms are severe in postmenopause, the patient is prescribed medications. Treatment is often carried out within the framework of symptomatic therapy.

The postmenopausal period is the longest in menopause and lasts until old age. Postmenopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, therefore, cannot be considered a pathology. Healthy women usually enter postmenopause with good compensatory capabilities. While the presence of pronounced symptoms indicates compensatory dysfunction. This means that the body cannot adapt to changing conditions. Estrogen deficiency disrupts the functioning of the entire female body.

After the cessation of reproductive function, the synthesis of estrogens has an extraglandular origin.

There are several important estrogens:

• estradiol;
• estrone;
• estriol.

A significant amount of these hormones is synthesized in the ovaries. These hormones can also be produced by the adrenal glands and adipose tissue. Estrogens have the ability to self-convert. That is why a deficiency of one hormone can be replenished at the expense of another. For example, estradiol is converted to estrone. It is noteworthy that this so-called interconversion occurs in various tissues of the woman’s body. The site of estrogen disposal is the liver.

The normal amount of hormones in postmenopause has not been established. This is due to changes in perimenopause and menopause.

During menopause and postmenopause, there is a lack of follicles in the ovaries. This helps to increase the concentration of FSH by 10-20 times. In turn, LH production increases 3 times. In postmenopause, estrogen synthesis is carried out not by the ovaries, but by peripheral structures. The concentration of estradiol decreases and estrone increases. The ratio between androgens and estrogens also changes in favor of the former.

ethnoscience

Medicinal herbs do not eliminate the cause of poor health during menopause, but help relieve its symptoms. Effective herbal sedatives include hops, valerian extract and St. John's wort . Motherwort and hawthorn help normalize blood pressure and improve well-being . Borage oil fights dry skin and the first signs of aging.

An infusion of red clover helps increase sexual activity during the postmenopausal period . Royal jelly in combination with beebread and honey has a positive effect on the functioning of the endocrine and genitourinary systems. Taking herbal tea from oregano is important if a woman has bleeding.

Duration

In reality, the duration of menopause can vary. Menopause is a multi-stage process that lasts many years. The duration of menopause is individual. There is no universal time for the onset of menopause. The occurrence of menopause depends on the following factors:

• heredity;
• gynecological diseases;
• extragenital pathologies;
• environmental conditions.

It is generally accepted that menopausal changes usually occur after 45 years. Adaptation of the body during menopause takes at least 8-10 years.

According to the age from which menopause lasts, it is conditionally differentiated as:

• early;
• physiological;
• late.

In addition, gynecologists distinguish phases of menopause, which have different durations.

Premenopause

This is the first stage of menopause, the symptoms of which usually go unnoticed by a woman. Perimenopause lasts several years. During this period, there is a gradual decrease in the production of sex hormones, in particular estrogen. Disorders of menstrual function are observed, for example, shortening or lengthening of the cycle, scanty or profuse discharge.

Pregnancy during premenopause is possible if spontaneous ovulation is observed. Perimenopause lasts until the last menstrual period.

Menopause

The stage lasts about a year. Menopause begins on the day of your last period and lasts for the next year. Some experts believe that the duration of menopause should be increased to two years after the end of menstruation.

Pregnancy during menopause is impossible. This is due to the lack of ovulation and menstrual cycles. It is noteworthy that many women equate menopause with menopause, which is not entirely true.

Postmenopause

The menopause stage begins with menopause and lasts until approximately 65-69 years. There are two periods of postmenopause:

• early, which lasts for the first five years;
• late, lasting up to ten years.

Premenopause and menopause are combined under the term “perimenopause.”

This duration is conditional. Menopause lasts for different women in accordance with individual characteristics. It should be borne in mind that spotting in any quantity after postmenopause does not constitute menstruation. If bleeding occurs, consult a doctor.

Pregnancy during menopause is only possible during premenopause. The cessation of menstruation divides menopause into two periods during which the woman’s body functions:

• with estrogen deficiency;
• in conditions of complete absence of estrogen.

Estrogens, which affect the entire female body, are synthesized by the ovaries. Gynecologists emphasize that estrogens:

• influence the functioning of the mammary and reproductive glands, in particular, the secretion of mucus of the cervical canal, which moisturizes the vagina;
• regulate the activity of skin glands;
• support and accelerate metabolism;
• prevent excess cholesterol accumulation;
• provide bone strength;
• stimulate the immune system;
• affect the tone of smooth muscles, the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, and the process of thermoregulation.

The influence of estrogens on a woman’s emotional sphere is known. This explains the mood swings, irritability and tearfulness of women during menopause, which is associated with a decrease in hormone levels.

Each woman experiences menopause differently. This is due to individual characteristics, heredity and medical history in general. Symptoms can vary dramatically, which explains the variation from mild malaise to menopausal syndrome.

Menopause can also be artificial in some situations:

• against the background of drug therapy;
• after removal of the ovaries.

After surgery, which is accompanied by removal of the ovaries, the duration of menopause is reduced due to the early onset of menopause. In such cases, there is a need for hormone replacement therapy.

Menopause refers to the age-related natural conditions of a woman. His treatment is impossible. However, in some cases there is a need to adjust symptoms if menopause occurs with concomitant pathologies.

It is noteworthy that on average menopause occurs at 51 years of age. According to statistics, menopause usually lasts from 48 to 55 years. However, a small percentage of women experience the first symptoms of menopause before the age of 40.

Age of women

Perimenopause is also called the “transition period” or the road to menopause.
Since the average age of menopause is 50 years, perimenopause usually begins a little after 40 (average 45 years) and lasts from 4 to 8 years (sometimes 2, sometimes 10). However, age is far from being an indicator here. Sometimes the first symptoms appear earlier - after 30 (the so-called early or premature menopause) or at 40. During this time, a woman may exhibit a number of symptoms, which are largely due to abnormal hormonal fluctuations. During premenopause, and especially at its beginning, you can easily get pregnant - the ovaries, although not as active, still produce eggs.

Perimenopause can be a difficult period in a woman’s life, as the ovaries begin to produce hormones in low quantities, and any hormonal fluctuations immediately affect both appearance and well-being. At this stage, it is important that every woman understands and accepts the changes that her body is experiencing. Moreover, you should not try to hide your feelings and symptoms from loved ones, as this can lead to misunderstandings and disappointments. However, everything is far from so bad.

What is menopause?

The menopausal period is nothing more than the gradual completion of the reproductive mission. Under the influence of biological mechanisms in the body, the production of female sex hormones is gradually reduced. This provokes a decrease in the intensity of the ovaries. Due to the fact that the follicles in them stop maturing, ovulation does not occur, and menstrual bleeding gradually disappears. And then we can say that menopause has arrived, and the ability to bear children is completely lost. However, this process is quite lengthy; its progression involves the passage of several stages, characterized by their own distinctive features and time frames.

For many women, menopause becomes a difficult ordeal, accompanied by many unpleasant symptoms, but this is not always the case. About 30% of women overcome this period of life with minimal discomfort. One way or another, the onset of menostasis is inevitable, so it is highly advisable to arm yourself in advance with comprehensive information about the possible “pitfalls” of this stage of development.

Let's talk in more detail about the age at which menopause begins and what features mark its onset.

Can menstruation return after menopause?

If a woman is experiencing menopause, menstruation should not resume. If the extinction of ovarian function occurs as a result of surgery, taking medications that inhibit the functioning of the female reproductive system, radiation or chemical therapy, restoration of their functions occurs after 6-12 months.

After a year of menopause, my periods started

If menstruation resumes a year after menopause, this is considered a pathology. Particular attention should be paid to symptoms such as:

• scarlet color of discharge;
• large blood loss;
• presence of clots.

Such cases require immediate contact with a gynecologist. The cause of menstruation after menopause may be hormonal imbalance, inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs or other systems.

Menstruation during menopause after two years

The second stage of menopause is characterized by the absence of menstruation for a year. However, during perimenopause they may come irregularly. The duration of this period may vary among women. Most often it reaches 2-3 years.

After 5 years of menopause, my periods started

With a longer period of premenopause, menstruation can occur even after 5 years of menopause. They fade away gradually, followed by menopause.

Menstruation after menopause 10 years later

During perimenopause, there is a gradual decrease in estrogen production. The duration of this period varies individually, sometimes it reaches 10 years.

Reviews

After the onset of menopause, I noticed a significant deterioration in my condition. My mood constantly changed, my appetite disappeared. The doctor prescribed hormonal pills. I took Femoston for 2 months. After the course it became much easier.

Marina, 53 years old.

Remens helped me with severe signs of menopause. She constantly suffered from lack of normal night sleep and developed heart problems. I completed the course for 3 months, all symptoms disappeared and did not appear again.

Tatyana, 49 years old.

During menopause, she did not take any medications; she was afraid of negative reactions. A balanced diet and yoga classes in the gym helped ease the condition. The instructor recruited a group of women my age. Now I can’t live without training, and I forgot about menopause.

Valentina, 55 years old.

https://youtu.be/zjFtDG-1vxQ

Features of menstruation before menopause

Experts disagree on how menstruation should proceed when menopause occurs. However, there is a list of symptoms that most women experience before menopause.

How do your periods go before menopause?

Regarding the menstrual cycle, the following changes may be observed before menopause:

• increasing the period between menstruation;
• reduction in the volume of discharge;
• cycle irregularity;
• the presence of mucus in the discharge (considered normal when the color of the blood is not scarlet or brown).

Important! During perimenopause, menstruation occurs irregularly and the volume of discharge decreases.

In addition to the above symptoms, a woman may feel unwell, emotional instability, dizziness, and pain during menstruation.

Long periods in premenopause

As a result of hormonal imbalance in the female body, the duration of menstruation changes. It can either decrease to 2-3 days or increase to 7-10 days.

Heavy periods before menopause

In practice, there are 4 types of menstruation at the premenopausal stage. In some cases, scanty discharge is replaced by abundant discharge. With this course of premenopause, a large amount of blood is not considered a pathology.

However, if before menopause your periods become more frequent and are accompanied by heavy discharge, this may indicate uterine bleeding. It is characterized by symptoms:

• blood loss volume up to 80 ml per day;
• duration up to 7 days.

Important! If you suspect uterine bleeding, a woman should immediately consult a doctor.

Losing a large volume of blood can lead to iron deficiency anemia.

Introduction

Menopause (menopause) is not a disease, but a natural phase of life that every woman goes through at a certain age. However, menopause can cause symptoms that sometimes require treatment.

During menopause, a woman moves from the stage of puberty to so-called aging. For most women, menopause lasts between 45-70 years. During menopause, a woman undergoes a restructuring of hormones (hormonal levels):

• During menopause, the body constantly loses estrogens (female sex hormones),
• as a result, menstrual bleeding is becoming increasingly rare,
• until, finally, the last menopausal period occurs - the so-called menopause.

Estrogen deficiency can cause menopausal symptoms.

Typical symptoms of female menopause are hot flashes, sweating and dizziness. However, most women do not need treatment: about a third of all women remain unaffected during menopause, only the remaining third of women over 50 experience any minor health problems.

Only during the last menopause can you notice very severe symptoms that may require therapy.

To relieve severe menopausal symptoms, hormonal medications with estrogens and/or progestins are primarily used: this so-called hormone therapy (sometimes also called hormone replacement therapy) is the most effective method of treating menopausal symptoms in women.

However, in some cases such therapy during menopause is out of the question, including:

• breast cancer;
• uterine cancer;
• persistent arterial hypertension (high blood pressure).

Hormone therapy can cause side effects—so a woman should consult with her doctor to determine which procedure is best to treat her menopausal symptoms. During hormone therapy, regular examinations by a gynecologist are recommended.

In the long term, the estrogen deficiency typical of menopause in women leads to changes in the body: the uterus, vagina, vulva and mammary glands are primarily affected, and they begin to weaken. In addition, during menopause, the skin and mucous membranes suffer: the skin becomes thinner and less elastic. This can lead to pain during intercourse (dyspareunia).

Without treatment, approximately one in four women will develop postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, hormone therapy can at least partially offset these effects of menopause.

What is menopause?

The term menopause or menopause refers to the entire transition period from the end of full puberty to the so-called aging of a woman. This transitional phase begins several years before the last menstrual period - the so-called menopause.

At what age does menopause begin and how long does it last?

On average, menopause occurs and lasts from 45 to 70 years.

Menopause

Menopause occurs at different periods of time. Their designations indicate a temporary connection with menopause - “pre” (premenopause) means before the onset of the last menstrual period, “post” (postmenopause) - after it, “peri” (perimenopause) means the period during menopause:

• Perimenopause: refers to the period 2 to 7 years before menopause. Menstrual bleeding becomes irregular and mild menopausal symptoms may be detected.
• Menopause is the last menstrual period, spontaneously controlled by the ovaries, after which bleeding stops. This occurs on average at the age of 51.
• Postmenopause is the period after menopause. Postmenopause lasts from 10 to 15 years, ending at the age of 70 years.
• Perimenopause: refers to the period of about 2 years before and after menopause, which is usually between 49 and 53 years of age.

As a woman ages, estrogen and progesterone levels drop.
During the onset of menopause, estrogen levels can vary greatly. On average, the menopause lasts from 10 to 15 years. During the various transitional phases of menopause, the level of female sex hormones is constantly changing. This can lead to complaints that are summarized under the term menopausal syndrome.

Brief description of the menopause period

We have already described how menopause occurs. Natural menopause, or, as it is correctly said, menopause, never begins unexpectedly. It is preceded by the premenopausal stage with characteristic symptoms. If a woman does not have all the manifestations of this period clearly expressed, then the onset of menopause can be determined by menstrual irregularities.

The onset of menopause is the last independent menstruation. How can you tell if your period is going to be your last? This can only be done after the fact. A woman should keep a menstrual calendar and mark all bloody discharge in it. If there has been no menstruation for one year, then gynecologists diagnose menopause.

The question is often asked: “How long does menopause last?” The answer is obvious - 12 months. Menopause is the only stage in the menopause that has the same duration for all females. Then, as perimenopause, it has an individual character.

There is no clear answer as to how long premenopause lasts. For all women it takes a different period of time. For some, the duration of this phase of menopause is 2 years, while for others it is 5 years or even more. Knowing how long menopause lasts, every woman can diagnose it for herself.

What to do during menopause? It is important to understand that menopause is not a disease, but a natural physiological period in the life of every woman. This means that it is not menopause that requires treatment, but its intensely manifested symptom, which interferes with the woman’s active life. For example, insomnia or dry mucous membranes, which causes discomfort. Also, it is necessary to begin treatment of the emerging disease on time. For example, cystitis.

Why does early menopause happen?

We have already looked at what early menopause means. Let us remember that this is menopause in women under 40 years of age. Does this mean that menopause can occur in a girl at 20 years old?

For many, the answer will probably be unexpected. Yes maybe. Medical statistics show that cases of early menopause have been recorded at the age of 23.

Experts identify several reasons for the onset of early menopause:

1. Hereditary predisposition to early depletion of the natural reserve of eggs. Then, menopause at 30 years of age is provoked by a hereditary defect of the X chromosome.
2. Pathologies in the functioning of the thyroid gland and disruptions in the functioning of the immune system lead to the premature decline of a woman’s hormonal function. As a result, menopause occurs at 40 years of age.
3. Strict diets and fasting can lead not only to anorexia, but also to menopause at the age of 20.
4. The result of rapid acceleration was early puberty. In girls, their first periods come at 10-11 years old, and menopause - at 35 years old.
5. An unhealthy lifestyle, accompanied by bad habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, lead to an earlier onset of menopause.
6. Obesity can trigger menopause at age 45.

Women who uncontrollably take hormonal contraception or hormonal medications can learn from their own experience what early menopause is. Doctors include numerous abortions, severe stress, chronic lack of sleep, and poor environmental conditions as risk factors.

In case of cancer, undergoing treatment courses of radiation or chemotherapy leads to a side effect - premature menopause. Before the prescribed time, a woman may be forced to undergo artificial menopause with medications before surgery to remove the mammary gland, uterus with ovaries, or just the uterus.

Diagnostics

Is it easy to determine whether a woman has started menopause? Decisive for the diagnosis are the woman’s complaints and age, as well as a gynecological examination.

The last menstrual bleeding, spontaneously controlled by the ovaries (called menopause), can be diagnosed retrospectively if the last bleeding occurred a year ago.

If two or more of the following factors are present simultaneously, this may be a sign of menopause:

• age 45 years or older;
• hot flashes;
• menstrual irregularities;
• changes in the uterus, vagina or breasts.

A blood test can also be useful to diagnose menopause; it will help determine the concentration of various female sex hormones, such as FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and estradiol, which belongs to estrogens. Among other things, estradiol is responsible for regular menstrual bleeding.

Hormone levels typically change during menopause:

• estradiol decreases;
• FSH increases.

Typical hormone levels after menopause

Explanation:

• IU (International Unit), sometimes - ED (Action Unit);
• ml = milliliter;
• ng = nanogram (10-9 grams, 1 billionth of a gram);
• pg = picogram (10-12 grams, 1 trillionth of a gram).

Bottom line

Every woman will experience postmenopause sooner or later. It is impossible to avoid this condition, but it is quite possible to reduce the intensity of its manifestation. Her health in the near future depends on whether a woman follows the doctor’s recommendations or not. The pharmaceutical market is filled with a large number of drugs designed to eliminate the symptoms of menopause. They can be taken only after the approval of a gynecologist.

With the right approach, it is possible to slow down the aging process and avoid the consequences of menopause.

Prevention of complications in the presence of postmenopausal symptoms

By following the recommendations of doctors, a representative of the fair sex can not only reduce the manifestation of this period, but also avoid possible complications. Prevention includes the following principles:

1. You should visit a gynecologist, mammologist, therapist, and also have an ultrasound of the pelvic and breast organs at least twice a year.
2. It is imperative to carry out oteodensitometry to check the condition of the bones. This will help prevent the development of osteoporosis in time.
3. It is advisable to limit or completely stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
4. You should regularly check your cholesterol levels to rule out the possibility of developing diabetes.
5. Controlling your own weight will help avoid unnecessary stress on your internal organs.
6. It is recommended to take care in advance of selecting hormonal medications.
7. Playing sports and regular walks in the fresh air will help keep your body in good shape. During this period, yoga, Pilates and stretching are considered the most suitable types of physical activity.

What is perimenopause

The stage preceding the main period of menopause is premenopause. It can begin as early as 40 years of age. The main symptom of premenopause is a decrease in the level of female reproductive hormones. At the same time, connective tissue grows in the appendages, replacing the resulting follicles.

The first indicator of premenopause is a disruption in the menstrual cycle. At first there is a long delay, then menstruation may be completely absent for three or more months. Some women experience scanty discharge in the intervals on the days when they had menstruation.

The duration of premenopause can reach several years. All this time, in addition to problems with menstruation, other signs of menopause are observed.