Menopause is the period in a woman’s life which is characterized by the end of their menstrual periods. Diagnosis is done after a woman does not get her menstruation for 12 months (Dalal & Agarwal, 2015) . The transition begins from the age of 45 to 55. It can take from 7 to 15 years with monthly cycle changes, hot flashes, sleep disruptions and other symptoms. During this time the body’s estrogen and progesterone production ovaries greatly creating fluctuations in menstrual periods. The body also changes, using energy differently hence causing changes in fat cells which can cause weight gain (Dalal & Agarwal, 2015) . The process is natural and biological but can also be induced by surgical removal of the ovaries. It is usually a difficult time for most women, but can be made easier by use of various treatments.
Menopause is one of the age related phases that take place in women’s bodies. It comes along with many undesirable effects all of which are caused by aging hence it should not be regarded as a medical ailment (Santoro & Epperson, 2015) . Most people who regard it as a medical ailment try hormone replacement therapy procedures which are risky and may have negative impacts. Misconceptions arise when a woman goes through menopause due to the changes that occur on their bodies. They may show signs of depression or discomfort during sexual activity (Santoro & Epperson, 2015) . Eventually, women tend to overcome these challenges as they grow into it since it is natural developmental process that takes time to overcome.
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Signs of menopause vary between women because estrogen is utilized in various parts of the body other than the reproductive system. Some women may have mild symptoms while others may experience more severe issues (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2017) . There are changes in periods where they become more irregular. One may bleed more or less than normal. The periods may also last more than a week and come close together or resume after a year of absence. Hot flashes are also symptoms of menopause where a woman may feel heat in upper parts of the body or red blotches on the chest region. Vaginal dryness and bladder control is another symptom. The vaginal region may get drier leading to discomfort during sexual intercourse. Normal sleep patterns are affected in some women where they are unable to sleep. There is also loss of interest in sex in some women. Mood changes and body changes may also affect normal interactions and cause depression.
Hormone replacement therapies can help in relief of menopausal symptoms; however there are risks and benefits involved in the treatment process. Having hormone therapy can lead to a high chance of getting endometrial and breast cancer (Cleveland Clinic, 2017) . There is also an increased risk of formation of blood clots and stroke. For reduced risks of these issues, hormone treatment is recommended to be done in small doses. Regardless of the risks, the hormone treatment has its benefits. It helps relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, variable dryness and dry itchy skin (Cleveland Clinic, 2017) . It also helps to reduce bone fragility which can cause breakage. HT has proved to improve women moods and their mental well-being.
Other management treatments can be used to deal with the challenges of going through menopause. Vaginal estrogen treatment is one such method. It helps in relieving vaginal dryness by releasing small amounts or estrogen into the vagina. It helps reduce discomfort during intercourse. It can be risky when administered in large portions. Low-dose anti-depressants can be used to reduce hot flashes through administering selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2017) . However, SSRIs have side effects such as insomnia and skin rashes when taken for too long.Doctors also recommends medication to treat osteoporosis which helps reduce bone loss or breakages. Vitamin D supplements also help in strengthening bones which may become fragile while going through menopause.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2017). Hormone Therapy : Risks / Benefits. Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15245-hormone-therapy/risks--benefits
Dalal, P., & Agarwal, M. (2015). Postmenopausal syndrome . Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 222–232. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.161483
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Menopause. Mayo Clinic , 1-7.
Santoro, N., & Epperson, N. (2015). Menopausal Symptoms and Their Management. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America , 497–515. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2015.05.001
