Menopause is a period of change in a woman’s life that is filled with concerns, because hormonal changes can cause bothersome menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, and vaginal dryness, which affect both the body and the mind. Therefore, knowing and understanding menopause and coping in the right way can help you live a happier life.
What is female menopause?
Menopause is a condition in which a woman’s ovaries stop functioning and permanently stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, leading to changes in both the body and the mind. In cases where the ovaries have been surgically removed, premature cessation of menstruation can also cause menopause.
At what age does female menopause begin?
Women typically enter menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, but a woman is considered to have fully entered menopause when her menstrual period has been absent continuously for 1 full year.
What are the stages of menopause?
- Perimenopause The ovaries begin to function less; menstrual periods become irregular.
- Menopause (Menopause) The ovaries stop functioning completely; counted when menstruation has been absent for 1 full year.
- Postmenopause (Postmenopause) The remaining stage of life after 1 year has passed since menopause.
How can menopausal symptoms be recognized?
Menopausal symptoms can be observed through physical symptoms and mental/brain symptoms, including:
- Physical symptoms
- Hot flashes (Hot Flushes) Heat in the chest, neck, and torso; sudden facial flushing; disrupts sleep.
- Night sweats Resulting in insufficient rest.
- Changes in the reproductive system Vaginal dryness, itching, pain during intercourse, frequent urination or urinary incontinence, frequent urinary tract infections.
- Muscle and joint symptoms Muscle and joint pain.
- Skin and body shape Dry skin with reduced elasticity; increased tendency for abdominal obesity.
- Mental and brain symptoms
- Mood swings Easily irritated, overly sensitive, or depressed.
- Brain fog (Brain Fog) Frequent forgetfulness, reduced concentration.
- Sleep problems Difficulty falling asleep or waking up frequently during the night
How is menopause diagnosed?
- Medical history Reviewing age, menstrual pattern, and presenting symptoms.
- Blood test for hormone levels (FSH & Estradiol) To confirm that the ovaries have truly stopped functioning.
- Related health checkups
- Breast cancer screening To prepare before hormone therapy is given.
- Reproductive organ examination Such as a pelvic examination to screen for cervical cancer, and an ultrasound to assess reproductive organ conditions.
- Bone density scan (Bone Density Scan) To check for osteoporosis, especially in those who reach menopause before age 45 or have other risk factors for osteoporosis.
Does menopause need treatment?
Menopause does not necessarily require treatment, but if symptoms interfere with daily life, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment approaches for female menopause include:
- Hormone replacement therapy This is the most effective method to reduce hot flashes and vaginal dryness and to prevent osteoporosis, and must be under a doctor’s supervision only.
- Non-hormonal medication treatment
- Medications to reduce hot flashes Such as certain antidepressants, Black Cohosh.
- Medications to reduce neurological symptoms and insomnia Such as anti-anxiety medications or sleep aids.
- Vaginal moisturizing gel
- Lifestyle adjustments Avoid triggers for hot flashes such as spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, caffeine; avoid staying in hot, stuffy environments.
How to take care of yourself during menopause
- Diet Focus on calcium and vitamin D, such as milk, small fish eaten with bones, and leafy green vegetables; avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Exercise Focus on weight-bearing exercise such as brisk walking and light jogging to maintain bone strength.
- Stress management Such as meditation practice, yoga, and doing hobbies you enjoy.
- Environment Wear breathable clothing and stay in a cool, comfortable place to reduce hot flashes.
Factors that cause earlier-than-normal menopause
- History of ovarian surgery If both ovaries are removed, menopause occurs immediately.
- History of hysterectomy The ovaries remain and can continue to function, but ovarian function may tend to decline sooner.
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy May damage egg cells and ovarian tissue, causing menopause earlier than normal.
- Chronic stress Disrupts hormones, causing imbalance and abnormal ovulation cycles.
- Smoking Because nicotine interferes with the production and function of estrogen; toxins in cigarette smoke stimulate egg-cell damage, reducing the number of eggs, resulting in smokers entering menopause 1–2 years earlier than normal.
- Genetics and chromosomes Family history, such as a mother, older sister, or younger sister having early menopause, may increase the risk of entering menopause earlier than normal; or in cases of chromosomal disorders such as Turner syndrome or Fragile X, menopause occurs early.
- Low body weight or excessively low body mass index (BMI) Too little body fat may be insufficient for estrogen production and may cause missed periods.
- Certain chronic diseases Such as thyroiditis, adrenal insufficiency, and lupus.
Does drinking coconut water really help relieve menopause?
Coconut water contains plant hormones (phytoestrogens) that may help with menopause to some extent, but in a very small amount and cannot fully replace the primary hormones.
Does everyone in menopause need calcium supplements?
Women in menopause should get enough calcium: 1,000–1,200 milligrams per day. If you get enough from food, calcium supplementation is not necessary; but if dietary intake is insufficient, calcium should be supplemented to ensure adequate intake.
After menstruation stops, is pregnancy still possible?
Women in the perimenopause stage, when periods are irregular, can still become pregnant. However, if menstruation has been absent for more than 1 year, the chance of pregnancy is almost none.
If you suspect that you may be in menopause or not, it is recommended to complete the preliminary menopause assessment here.
Hospital specialized in menopause care
Women’s Health Center, Bangkok Hospital is ready to care for women’s health at every stage of life, especially women in menopause who experience many changes in both body and mind. If it affects daily life, the specialist physicians and multidisciplinary team at the Women’s Health Center, Bangkok Hospital are ready to provide close care, treatment, and consultation.
Physician specialized in menopause care
Dr. Wanicha Panyakhamlerd, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, specialist in women’s health care, Women’s Health Center, Bangkok Hospital
You can click here to make an appointment yourself.
