Menopause still scares many women: gynecologist advises how to reduce discomfort

According to the doctor, menopause usually begins around age 50, but can sometimes begin before age 40, according to a news release. This is called early menopause. As life expectancy increases, the postmenopausal period accounts for about a third of a woman’s life. Genetics, living conditions, harmful habits (significant damage shown by smoking), living conditions, insufficient physical activity, some diseases and their treatment methods are of great importance for the onset of menopause.

When a woman’s reserve of follicles is depleted and the ovaries stop working, the main female hormone, estradiol, is no longer synthesized and its deficiency causes postmenopausal syndrome, also known as estrogen deficiency. If the body can compensate for estrogen deficiency during menopause, a woman may not experience more pronounced symptoms. According to research, a quarter of women do not experience or feel weak postmenopausal symptoms. However, three-quarters of women experience moderate to severe symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, increased heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, mood swings, or even depression. A decrease in libido (libido) is often observed due to the effects of hormonal deficiency on the central nervous system. When the hormonal balance changes, the production of mucus decreases, the vagina becomes dry, it becomes sensitive to mechanical effects, which leads to unpleasant sexual intercourse.

Estradiol also affects collagen synthesis. When it decreases, the skin becomes thinner and wrinkled, and due to the lack of hyaluronic acid and the lack of water, its dehydration is also felt. Collagen synthesis disorder weakens connective tissue, adversely affects muscles, joints, ligaments and blood vessels.

5-10 years after the onset of menopause, its late symptoms also appear. The decrease in estrogen causes bone loss: osteoporosis associated with vertebral and femoral fractures that significantly deteriorate the quality of life. Estrogen deficiency also contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

“It is important for women to understand that despite the changes brought about by menopause, life goes on. If symptoms that reduce the quality of life bother you, do not hesitate and seek help from specialists, because help is really possible during this period of life ”, advises D. Kanapeckienė.

According to the obstetrician, although a step-by-step approach to alleviating menopausal symptoms is still common, starting with multivitamins, sedatives or hypnotics, topical estrogen therapy with vaginal creams, ointments or suppositories, and hormone replacement therapy alone, new therapy hormone replacement It is recommended to start treatment as soon as possible as soon as quality of life deteriorates. It has been shown that the earlier hormones are used, the more beneficial their effects.

Hormone replacement therapy is an estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progestogen that helps make up for the direct hormonal deficiency that occurs during the climacteric period. Hormone therapy tailored to each patient is currently recognized by professionals as the most effective aid during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy is best for women under the age of 60. Although several myths persist about this treatment method, recent clinical trials suggest that, depending on individual body characteristics, the risk of HRT can be minimized by selecting the optimal treatment regimen with an optimal onset (first year after menopause) and a optimal duration of hormone therapy. treatment and the benefits provided are maximized. “Women who start using hormones should, of course, be aware of possible side effects, but evidence-based data suggests that overcoming menopausal symptoms with hormone replacement therapy, when chosen individually, It is an effective and safe option for women to continue to enjoy a healthy and quality life, ”says an experienced specialist.

Treatment with individually selected hormone therapy is based on the basic pharmacological principle: to achieve the maximum effect with the lowest possible dose of sex hormones. Treatment usually starts with minimal doses of hormones, if the effect is too small, the dose is gradually increased until the desired result is achieved. This therapy can successfully correct all the problems caused by postmenopausal syndrome. Properly selected hormone therapy effectively treats moderate to severe early menopausal symptoms, postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, and prevents the onset of osteoporosis.

“Studies show that for most postmenopausal women, especially those under the age of 60, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy clearly outweigh the possible theoretical risks. However, each woman’s situation is individual, so it is always necessary to consult a doctor when starting treatment ”, emphasizes Dr. Danutė Kanapeckienė at the end of the conversation.