Navigating the Menopause Journey: Understanding the Stages, Symptoms
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's reproductive years, is a significant life transition affecting millions of women. While it's a natural part of aging, the experience is often far from seamless. In Canada alone, over 10 million women over the age of 40 are currently navigating this phase of life, representing a quarter of the population. For many, the symptoms can profoundly impact their daily lives, and sadly, the specific needs of menopausal women have often been overlooked. Understanding the stages, common symptoms, and available support systems is crucial for a smoother transition.
Understanding the Stages of Menopause
The menopausal experience isn't a singular event but a multi-stage process that can extend over several years:
1. Perimenopause:
This transitional phase preceding menopause can last anywhere from six to eight years, typically beginning in a woman's late 30s or early 40s, though some may experience symptoms as early as their late 20s. During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate dramatically, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Most women are in perimenopause between the ages of 40 and 50.
2. Menopause:
Menopause is clinically defined as the point one year after a woman's last menstrual period. The average age of menopause in Canada is 51, with most women experiencing it between 45 and 55. While this marks the end of menstruation and fertility, many women continue to experience symptoms well beyond this point.
3. Postmenopause:
This phase encompasses the years following menopause. While many perimenopausal symptoms may subside, some women experience symptoms for several decades. The significant drop in estrogen after menopause increases the risk of various health issues, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). It is worth noting that the term "menopause" is often used colloquially to describe this entire later phase.
Common Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
The symptoms of menopause are incredibly diverse, with more than 30 identified. While hot flashes and night sweats are frequently discussed, numerous other symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life. These include:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Sleep disturbances (insomnia)
Mood changes (depression, anxiety, irritability)
Sexual problems (decreased libido, painful intercourse)
Bladder control issues (urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections)
Muscle and joint pain
Fatigue and lack of energy
Brain fog and memory loss
Weight gain
Headaches
It's important to remember that the intensity and combination of symptoms vary considerably among women. The casual trivialization of these symptoms as mere inconveniences significantly underestimates their impact on a woman's physical and mental health. See a Calgary Menopause doctor to adress these.
Menopausal Complications: Understanding the Increased Risks
The hormonal shifts during and after menopause increase the risk of several medical conditions:
Cardiovascular Disease: The decline in estrogen contributes to a higher risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in both men and women.
Osteoporosis: Bone density decreases significantly in the years following menopause, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Weight-bearing exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and hormone therapy (where appropriate) can help mitigate this risk.
Urinary Incontinence: Changes in vaginal and urethral tissues can lead to urge incontinence (sudden, strong urges to urinate), stress incontinence (urine leakage with coughing, laughing, or lifting), or a combination of both. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can significantly strengthen these muscles and help to relieve symptoms. EMSELLA by Maud is often used to adress urinary incontinence.
Sexual Problems: Vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and painful intercourse are all common concerns during menopause. Utilizing vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, addressing any underlying conditions via pelvic floor physiotherapy and/or other medical intervention, and exploring sex therapy can improve intimacy and satisfaction.
Weight Gain: Metabolic changes during menopause can contribute to weight gain. Maintaining a healthy diet and consistent exercise are crucial for managing weight and reducing the risk of related health problems.
These can be addressed with a Maud Menopausal Doctor
Seeking Support and Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms
Many women find that managing menopausal symptoms requires a multi-pronged approach. A combination of lifestyle changes, complementary therapies, and medical interventions can significantly improve their quality of life.
Lifestyle Adjustments:
Regular exercise, focusing on both aerobic activities and strength training
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Stress management techniques (yoga, meditation, mindfulness)
Sufficient sleep hygiene
Complementary Therapies:
Acupuncture has shown promise in managing hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can address urinary incontinence, decreased sexual sensation, and other pelvic floor related symptoms.
Medical Interventions:
Hormone therapy (HT) can effectively alleviate many menopausal symptoms, though it's essential to discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider. It's crucial to acknowledge the risks of hormone therapy; for every 1000 women who use hormone therapy for five years, one to two will develop breast cancer. While this risk is small, it is slightly higher than that associated with drinking one glass of wine a day, and slightly lower than the risk associated with drinking two glasses of wine per day, obesity, or low physical activity. The risk of developing breast cancer returns to normal levels within five years after stopping hormone therapy.
Other medications may be necessary to manage specific symptoms, such as antidepressants for mood disorders or sleep aids for insomnia.
Maud Medical Clinic: Your Calgary Resource for Menopause Care
Maud Medical Clinic Calgary offers comprehensive support for women navigating menopause. As Calgary’s publicly funded menopause clinic, Maud Medical Calgary prioritizes accessible, high-quality care. This is a valuable resource for women seeking information and tailored treatment options to address a wide array of symptoms.
Maud Medical Clinic Calgary Menopause Services:
Maud Medical provides various treatments and services, including:
Consultations with experienced Maud menopause doctor
Hormone therapy (where appropriate)
EMSELLA therapy for urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction
Nutritional counseling to address osteoporosis and weight management
Maud Medical Clinic’s EMSCULPT, a non-invasive treatment using HIFEM technology to strengthen muscles and reduce fat. This is particularly beneficial for women experiencing muscle loss and weakness associated with menopause. While this is considered a luxury treatment, its efficacy in improving strength, reducing fat, and addressing symptoms associated with decreased muscle mass during and after menopause cannot be denied. It’s often used in the early stages of weight training to reduce fatigue, assisting in establishing a sustainable exercise regime.
Cost of Care at Maud Medica Clinic:
There is no cost to see maud medical doctors for hormone therapy at Maud Medical Clinic for Alberta residents with a valid provincial health insurance card. However, you may have to pay for some treatments or medications depending on your health insurance coverage.
Contact Maud Medical Clinic Today
Navigating menopause doesn't have to be a solitary journey. Maud Medical Clinic Calgary provides valuable resources, treatments, and support to empower women to manage their symptoms and enhance their overall health and well-being during this significant transition.
Book a consultation at Maud Medical Clinic Calgary to see a Maud menopause doctor and take the first step towards reclaiming your health.
