Menopause Symptoms and Hormonal Balance: What to Know
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of menstrual cycles and the hormonal changes that come with it. For many women, the transition can lead to various menopause symptoms which impact their physical, emotional, and mental health. Knowing what to expect, recognising the signs early, and how to manage them can help in easing the transition. With technology such as Cellmaflex, the experience is even easier. Navigating menopause has become significantly easier. You can book appointments with specialists online without waiting on hold during phone calls, access your complete medical history anytime, anywhere, and find nearby doctors, pharmacies, labs, or imaging centres quickly. In this blog, you will learn everything you need to know about menopause including what is menopause, menopause symptoms, health implications, lifestyle and medical management and how Cellmaflex will help to empower you to feel proactive and in control of your hormone health. Menopause – What You Need To Know about the Transition Menopause signifies the cessation of monthly periods and can happen anywhere from ages 45-55. Menopause is a natural process that occurs when the ovaries produce decreasing amounts of oestrogen and progesterone over the years. Then, as a side effect of this reduced ovarian function, a woman experiences changes in hormone levels. These hormone changes impact several systems of the body. Menopause occurs in all women at some time, but not every woman will have the same experience. Some women may experience very little interruption, while others will contend with significant impacts caused by menopause-related symptoms. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), most women undergo menopause naturally between the ages of 45 and 55. In 2021, women aged 50 and over represented 26% of all women and girls around the world, an increase from 22% a decade previously, a fact that illustrates the increase in women entering menopause worldwide. This is relevant when studies show that in the Latin America and Caribbean region the prevalence of premature menopause is around 1.5% of women, and early menopause is approximately 1.9% of women, further illustrating the influence of age and region on menopause and its experience. Region Stats Latin America & Caribbean Prevalence of premature menopause is about 1.5%, and early menopause about 1.9%. (PMC) Latin America & Caribbean Median age at natural menopause: approximately 50 years. (PubMed) Latin America & Caribbean Mean age at menopause onset: around 44.4 years, slightly earlier than the global average. (PMC) Jamaica Around 130,000 women are menopausal, 76,200 perimenopausal, and 75,000 postmenopausal. (Jamaica Observer) The Phases of Menopause Menopause is not an immediate development; it occurs over time and involves various phases: Perimenopausal Period The perimenopausal period includes the time leading up to menopause where women may experience fluctuating hormonal levels, causing missed periods and symptoms like hot flashes and sleep problems. Women may also notice small changes in their mood as well as changes in their metabolism. Menopause You officially enter menopause when you have had an absence of menstrual periods for 12 months. At this stage, hormone levels have significantly decreased, and symptoms may worsen. Post menopause Post menopause begins after you have entered menopause and will last the remainder of your life. While some of your symptoms may diminish, health risks start to increase, such as increased chances of osteoporosis or heart disease, or changes in metabolism. Women can use Cellmaflex to schedule routine screenings, seek labs that are located near them, and track their health, using a preventative approach during this stage. Common Symptoms during Menopause Menopause typically accompanies physiological and psychological changes for women. Early recognition of common menopause symptoms can help you prepare to manage them. Some of the common ones include: Irregular periods or periods that are heavier or lighter than usual Hot flashes, also known as vasomotor symptoms (a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads over your body) Night sweats and/or cold flashes Vaginal dryness that causes discomfort during sex Urinary urgency (a pressing need to pee more frequently) Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) Emotional changes (irritability, mood swings or depression) Dry skin, dry eyes or dry mouth Worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Breast tenderness Some people might also experience: Racing heart Headaches Joint and muscle aches and pains Changes in libido (sex drive) Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses (often temporary) Weight gain Hair loss or thinning Health Effects of Menopause While menopause symptoms themselves can be challenging, the hormonal changes can also increase long-term health risks: Osteoporosis: Less estrogen can mean thinner bones, increasing your fracture risk. It is important to monitor bone mineral density levels, and you can schedule a bone scan at a nearby imaging centre via Cellmaflex. Heart Disease: Lower estrogen can change your cardiovascular health and increase your risk of heart problems and strokes. You can book cardiology check-ups and monitor cholesterol and blood pressure via Cellmaflex. Metabolic Changes: You may easily gain weight, develop insulin sensitivity, or see changes to your cholesterol levels. You can also connect with endocrinologists, dietitians, and other specialists who work with hormones via Cellmaflex. Mental Health: Hormonal fluctuations can also exacerbate mood changes, anxiety, or depression. Managing menopause effectively involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and active follow-ups. A holistic approach enables a woman to decrease the severity of their symptoms, maintain long-term health, and improve their overall well-being. When to Seek Medical Attention You should seek medical attention if: Your symptoms are interfering with your daily life You are experiencing severe hot flashes or night sweats You have risk factors for osteoporosis, heart disease, and metabolic disorders It is always best to access care sooner rather than later. Use Cellmaflex to identify specialists, book urgent appointments online, and keep track of a complete medical history without the hassle. Lifestyle Changes Making small, but consistent changes to your daily routines can have a major impact: Balanced Diet: Eat calcium, vitamin D, and plant-based nutrients to promote bone health and preserve
