Understanding Menopause: Facts Every Woman Should Know
Are you struggling with perimenopause or menopause? Did you know that, for most women, about one-third of life is spent in this stage?
Menopause is defined as the day you have gone one full year without a menstrual period. After that day, you are considered postmenopausal. The average age of menopause is 52, but this can vary widely. The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopausal transition, a phase where ovarian function declines, causing “hormonal chaos.” Estrogen levels during this time can fluctuate significantly.
In a normal menstrual cycle, estrogen is produced during the first half of the cycle. At ovulation, the ovaries start producing progesterone. The second half of the cycle is the luteal phase. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop, triggering a period. As women approach menopause, this cycle becomes irregular, leading to unpredictable menstrual patterns.
Once menses stops, estrogen levels drop significantly — though not to zero, as some estrogen is produced by other cells in the body. Interestingly, men have higher circulating estrogen levels than postmenopausal women. This drop in estrogen causes common menopause symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, brain fog and weight gain.
An often-overlooked aspect of well-being during menopause is strength training. Building muscle mass and bone density is crucial. Ideally, strength training should involve heavier weights than you might expect, though even small changes can be beneficial. Body-weight exercises or wearing a weighted vest while walking or doing housework can also be effective.
Navigating this transition can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Scheduling a dedicated visit with your gynecologic provider can help you discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options.