The natural aging process of the body begins with the first wrinkles, the growth of chronic diseases and the onset of menopause. The reproductive function recedes into the background and, accordingly, the genital organs are rebuilt, the whole organism as a whole experiences a reshuffle of emphasis on the hormonal, emotional and physical levels.
When the accents begin to change and the sex hormones gradually cease to be produced, the female body begins to suffer from most of the symptoms that are very difficult to control. The article will discuss the first signs of menopause in the first period of premenopause.
What is menopause, periods of menopause
Menopause or climacteric syndrome occurs when a woman has no menstruation for 12 consecutive months and the amount of sex hormones is reduced to the minimum levels (estrogen and progesterone). In the body of a woman, there is a slow cessation of the functioning of the ovaries and the "fading" of the reproductive function.
Menopause or menopause occurs after the age of 40, but when exactly this process begins depends on the individual characteristics of the woman.
Read also: Premature menopause: early old age or a condition requiring correction
Changes begin in the brain (pituitary and hypothalamus), from those departments that are responsible for regulating the flow of sex hormones into the blood. The ovaries begin to reduce the production of estrogens, while the production of male sex hormones does not decrease and there may be a predominance of testosterone and androgens, which invariably leads to an increase in fat mass.
There are 3 stages of menopause:
- premenopause,
- menopause and
- postmenopausal.
Each of them differs in its manifestations, but the first period is considered the most unpleasant and difficult, during which the body undergoes a global restructuring and the quality of life changes.
The first symptoms of menopause: what to expect from your body
Already after 40-45 years, every woman is preparing for menopause and carefully monitors her feelings in order to be ready to meet menopause and cope with its signs. The symptoms of menopause are quite diverse and each woman has her own list of sensations.
See also: What changes occur in the genitals of a woman after menopause
Let's look at the common signs of menopause that can make a woman uncomfortable.
Tides – as an integral part of the preparation for the "velvet period"
"Hot" flushes, when the face, arms and neck turn red, the forehead is covered with droplets of sweat – these are the first signs of menopause that alarm every woman. Some ladies may have one or two such hot flashes per day, while others – 20 and 30. In the upper part of the body during hot flashes, heat is felt, sweating increases, it may darken in the eyes. Hot flashes last no more than 2-3 minutes, and pass as suddenly as they begin.
Association of early menopause with hormonal contraceptives
Hot flashes are especially frequent in the evening and at night, for this reason sleep is disturbed. Therefore, in the morning after a lack of sleep, a woman feels tired, angry at her condition, forgetfulness.
Insomnia is the result of frequent hot flashes and nervousness
Lack of air during high tide, heavy perspiration at night often causes insomnia. Plus, the situation is also heated up by a tense mental state, when anxiety arises, sometimes even paranoia. In this case, it is very difficult to fall asleep, and when the tide is repeated at night, after it it is very difficult to go back to sleep and rest. Although insomnia and nervousness – these are not only signs of menopause, so it should be clearly understood where the line is between hormonal failure and the natural development of menopause.
Emotional tension: tearfulness, nervousness, anxiety, mood swings, anger
Mood swings attack a woman at home and during working hours, vitality decreases, a cheerful tone is replaced by irritability and tearfulness. Emotional swings are manifested by a lump in the throat, which is difficult to get rid of. Experts recommend not to wait for the lump to go away on its own, but to go to an appointment with an endocrinologist, since such sensations may indicate about diseases of the thyroid gland.
Headache as a result of insomnia, emotional stress and other factors
Pain in any part of the head is caused by general tension, when a woman cannot relax and accept her new position. Headaches can begin due to the development of depression on the background of menopause.
Due to vicious circle: headache – mental stress – depression – headache, the whole palette of emotions is imprinted on the face with a spasm of facial muscles. Therefore, women tend to be irritable and gloomy during menopause.
Read also: What happens to a postmenopausal woman's body
Vaginal dryness, lack of sexual desire
Since age-related changes in the reproductive system – this is the first task of menopause, then discomfort in the vagina also prevents a woman from relaxing and living a full life. The natural lubrication in the vagina gradually disappears, so burning and dryness are felt, pain occurs during sexual contact and libido (sexual desire) decreases. In this case, a specialist can help, advise means to neutralize pain during intercourse.
Increased urination, bladder pain, urinary incontinence
The number of female hormones is decreasing every month, and urinary problems and urinary incontinence while laughing or coughing – alarming symptoms of menopause, which are worth fighting. A decrease in hormone levels leads to a loss of pelvic floor muscle tone.
First manifestation of menopause – gradual decrease in the number of menstruation. Blood loss becomes less, meager periods will eventually stop altogether.
While the preparatory period, that is, the perimenopause, lasts, a woman needs to pay attention to contraception. Even if the ovaries stop functioning and the eggs almost do not mature, there is a chance to become pregnant, because ovulation occurs in the body, albeit very rarely. During this period, conception may occur. Egg maturation stops completely when menopause occurs and periods no longer begin after 12 months of lull, that is, one year after the last menstruation.
Which specialist to contact when the first signs of menopause appear
When the slightest symptoms of menopause appear in a woman, you should visit a gynecologist and endocrinologist, consult about taking medications to reduce symptoms, change dietary rules to regulate weight. A woman during menopause is at risk for the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and diabetes mellitus.
If a woman is bothered by headaches – should be examined by a neurologist. A cardiologist will help prevent problems with the heart and blood vessels.
See also: Time factor: menopause
Often menopausal syndrome inflames the situation in the family due to the woman's unwillingness to put up with the new status. Therefore, frequent stress and nervous tension can aggravate the situation. In this case, an experienced psychologist (psychotherapist) will help keep psycho-emotional health under control.
We wish all women to be guided in their thoughts about their age mental youth! Climax – it is an opportunity to devote more time and effort to yourself and your body, brain and body.
Add a comment