Every woman will go through menopause. However, this unique journey in women’s life can be misunderstood, and that is why you might have heard so many misconceptions out there. You should keep in mind that every woman is unique, and your experience through menopause may not be similar to others. However, there are common issues that affect most women, so it is vital to have a menopause expert such as Dr. Richard Strathmann of Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples. Such experts can help you understand the different changes you might experience. The following topics can help you understand more about this time.
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Menopause Age
This is an area that many people have misconceptions about. However, as mentioned earlier, it is good to know that every woman is different, and therefore, there might not be a fixed age for every woman to experience menopause. However, the average onset age for menopause is 51, as most women begin to experience menopause symptoms between ages 45 and 55. This is when the majority of women stop having their periods due to the declining ovary function.
Some women can begin experiencing their menopause early, while others can begin late. Although the menopause age is thought to be genetically modified, some factors such as chemotherapy and smoking can affect the ovary function affecting when menopause begins in some women.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Many people also confuse between these two periods. Perimenopause is the period right before menopause where your body is beginning the transition. At this time, you might also experience some symptoms related to menopause as hormone production from your ovaries declines. You can experience hot flashes, and your periods may become irregular where you can even miss it for a while. However, it will not cease during this stage. If your menstrual cycle stops consequently for 12 months, you have entered menopause.
Symptoms Related to Reduced Hormone Levels
As mentioned earlier, your ovary function will decline as you approach menopause. This means that there will be less production of estrogen in your body. At this time, you might experience hot flashes during the day and at night. Besides, you can experience joint and muscle pain and mood swings. However, it may be difficult to differentiate if the symptoms result from hormonal changes, the aging process itself, or life circumstances.
How to Tell You are Experiencing Hot Flashes
If you are experiencing hot flashes, you are likely to experience body temperature rise. Additionally, the hot flashes will affect the top half of your body, and your skin can turn red or become blotchy. You may experience the condition daily or multiple times a day, and you may feel cold after your experience.
Menopause and Weight
This is another area with many misconceptions. You should note that hormonal changes occurring in your body during menopause can cause you to gain weight. However, you can also gain weight due to aging. Besides, your lifestyle can also contribute to weight gain. Your body is different from other women’s, and it is not given that you will gain weight. It would be best if you only focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating a balanced diet to manage your weight.
If you have any questions about menopause or want help with some menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, don’t hesitate to reach out to Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples.
