16 Little-Known Facts About Menopause That Will Definitely Surprise You
Hot flashes, mood swings, and the end of your period. Most women are familiar with these usual menopause symptoms, but there’s so much more to this phase of life that often goes unnoticed. Understanding these lesser-known changes can help you feel more prepared and in control during this transition in your life. Just look at these surprising facts about menopause that you probably haven’t heard before. Many of them will come as quite a surprise! So, it’s time to get informed and empowered about what’s happening in your body. You will be amazed by what you discover.
Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Every Woman’s Experience Is Unique To Them
What your friend or sister may experience, won’t necessarily be the same for you. There are some common symptoms that you may share, but a lot of it will depend on a woman’s overall health, lifestyle, and genetics. Some women may get off lightly and have symptoms that are easily managed, whereas others may be put through the wringer.
Duration Of Symptoms Will Vary
Not only do some women’s symptoms look a bit different from one another, but the amount of time they last isn’t set in stone either. The duration of symptoms will again vary depending on your health, lifestyle, and genetics. Just remember that it’s temporary.
Gaining Weight
Gaining weight is a common concern amongst many women when it comes to the menopause. This is due to a change in hormones and a dip in estrogen which can both contribute to a shift in your metabolism. Weight gain doesn’t necessarily happen to every woman; however, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and regular exercise should help to keep the weight off if you are concerned.
The Difference Between Perimenopause And Menopause
Perimenopause is when you have all the symptoms that come with menopause, however, your periods still haven’t stopped. Going an entire 12 months without having a period officially marks the beginning of your menopause.
The Effect On Bone Health
Menopause significantly speeds up bone loss, and the risk of osteoporosis increases. This is because your estrogen, which is the hormone responsible for maintaining strength in your bones, decreases. Because of this, you are much more susceptible to fractures and bone breakages after your menopause.
Menopause After A Hysterectomy
If you have your ovaries removed as part of a hysterectomy, then menopause will start immediately after. This is known as a surgical menopause. If you have a hysterectomy but your ovaries are not removed, then you shouldn’t expect menopause to begin right away.
Hormone Replacements
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) will help to treat symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes or dryness of private part. HRT will replace the hormones that your body is no longer making enough of due to your body going through menopause. Speak to a medical professional to find out more about HRT.
Non-Hormonal Options For Managing Symptoms
If you’re suffering from menopause symptoms, then there are non-hormonal options that can help to relieve them. There are lubricants available to help with dryness, and adding soy to your diet is also thought to alleviate hot flashes.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of both perimenopause and menopause. During these hot flashes, you will experience a feeling of intense heat in your chest, neck, and face, and perhaps feel a chill afterward. It’s been said that people who smoke may have more hot flashes than those who don’t. Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can also help to reduce these “tropical moments” as my mother calls them.
Decreased Libido
All of the symptoms that come with menopause, including dryness, of your private parts, night sweats, and hot flashes, will contribute to your lack of libido. The loss of estrogen and testosterone will have an impact on a woman’s body, and they might find that they are less interested in making love.
Pregnancy May Still Be Possible
While it may not be common to get pregnant when you’re going through menopause, it’s not entirely impossible, especially if you are currently in your perimenopause and are still ‘young enough’ to get pregnant. Take precautions and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about getting pregnant.
When?
While the exact age varies, most women will enter menopause between 45 and 55. However, differences can be huge. For instance, bad habits such as smoking can affect your ovary health, leading you to enter menopause early on. On the other hand, some women may start this phase in their late 50s.
Depression
Unfortunately, women tend to be more prone to depression during this delicate phase. Of course, this won’t happen to all women entering menopause; however, if you already have a pass dealing with this mental condition, you may want to be extra careful when your menopause starts.
Coping Mechanisms
But what are some good mechanisms to deal with menopause? Regular exercise can be a great ally. Maintaining a healthy diet is also crucial for your mental and physical well-being. Try to determine whether some types of food negatively affect your health and keep them out of your diet for some time.
Helping Apps
Do you know that there are now plenty of apps that can help you deal with menopause and perimenopause? These online tools can now assist you in tracking your symptoms, getting useful insights and suggestions, and connecting to other women going through the same phase to share your struggles and get all the support you need. While some of these apps are accessible by paying a monthly fee, others are completely free to use, making it extremely easy for you to get that extra help.
Smoking and Early Menopause
Studies have shown that women who smoke will likely go into menopause about 1-2 years earlier than women who never smoked. Even if you have been exposed to second hand smoke on a regular basis, menopause will probably come sooner. This seems like just another great reason why you should put down that pack of cigarettes! However, the study showed that even exposure to secondhand smoke when you were a child may make menopause symptoms start sooner. The damage may already be done!
