MENOPAUSE – A PHENOMENAL PHASE OF A WOMAN’S LIFE

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her menses stops. It does not mean a woman has an ailment.  It only means she will begin to experience some changes in her body which were not present before. A woman reaches menopause around 50 years of age. It is important to note that before this part of a woman’s life, she may begin to notice some changes in her menstrual pattern. This may be in the form of frequent menses, changes in the number of days she sees her menses, and reduction or increase in the number of sanitary pads or towels needed to contain her menstrual blood. Although these changes may be normal as they are pointers to a woman approaching menopause, a situation that is termed pre- or peri-menopausal, it is often advised that a woman should see her doctor for advice.

 

What are the changes that may occur when menses cease or is about to cease?

• Hot flushes/flashes: This is when a woman suddenly feels intense heat within herself. This usually occurs at night. She may experience some sweating and coldness during this period. A woman who experiences this may improve her symptoms through life style changes like; avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, avoiding smoking or alcohol. Exercise reduces these effects.
• Sleep disturbance: May result from hot flushes. A woman experiences changes in the quality of her sleep. She may wake up several times during the night and may feel very tired every morning.
• Vaginal dryness, sexual discomfort and change in sexual drive: there is reduction in the quantity of hormones during menopause. These hormones help lubricate the vagina and aid in sexual satisfaction. In the absence of these hormones a woman feels dry, some discomfort and sometimes may experience bleeding. There is reduced need for sex and overall sexual satisfaction.
• Urination problems: A woman may experience increase in the number of times she passes urine during the day and night. She may experience pain while urinating. It is also important to see the doctor to ensure that there is no ongoing infection.
• Mood changes: Around the time of menopause, a woman may experience mood swings or changes in the form of sadness, anxiousness, easily getting upset or tiredness. It is important to see the doctor so that other psychiatry problems are ruled out.
• Learning difficulties: A woman may experience problems with her memory and concentration. This may be quite distressing.
• Changes in her body: There are usually changes on the skin in the form of wrinkles, with loss of skin smoothness and moisture. There may be abnormal weight gain. She may have some laxity within the private part and may observe swelling coming through her private part.

Is there a treatment for menopause?

As earlier highlighted, menopause is not a disease. There are medications and activities that can be offered to reduce the effects of menopause and to improve a woman’s quality of life. These include:

• Menopausal hormonal therapy: This involves the use of medicines that supplement the reduced level of hormones. To start hormone therapy a woman needs to visit her doctor to discuss the available options and assess her fitness for these medications.
• Use of topical hormone creams: Just like menopausal hormonal therapy, there are certain creams that contain hormones which may be applied directly to the private part to relieve symptoms like urination problems and vaginal dryness.
• Regular exercise: Exercise is a low-cost means of improving symptoms of menopause. This may be in the form of walks, jogging, skipping and Yoga.
• Avoiding smoking, alcohol or caffeinated drinks.
• Regular health assessment with a doctor, which involves blood pressure checks, eye or ear checks, and Pap smear (screening test for cancer of the mouth of the womb-cervical cancer).
• Develop hobbies and remain positive.

Problems that require quick attention

• Vaginal bleeding: having vaginal bleeding after a woman has reached menopause requires the doctor’s attention as this may be a pointer to cancer of the womb with its accompanying parts.
• Chest pain with difficulty catching your breath may be a pointer to an ongoing heart problem.
• A woman may easily fracture her limbs, a condition known as pathologic fracture usually resulting from depletion of calcium which is needed for healthy bone development.

Conclusion:

It is important to note that menopause is not the end of life but a phase in life that can be overcome with knowledge, patience and a positive outlook that enhances overall wellbeing and functionality as the age progresses.