One can mark the official beginning of Menopause when a woman goes twelve consecutive months without periods.
It is a very natural process in women, which indicates the end of their reproductive ability.
Although it is a common biological occurrence, there are several symptoms and aspects of Menopause which are not well known.
These symptoms are often overlooked and can sometimes lead to further problems.
To manage this phase properly, it is important to understand its timeline and stages.
This article will discuss everything a woman needs to know about Menopause in detail.
Timeline of Menopause
The questions like “When does Menopause start?” or “How long does Menopause last?” are quite common.
Menopause usually starts in the late 40s or early 50s, with the average age being 51.
However, the start of this phase may depend on the lifestyle and genetics of an individual.
Menopause usually lasts for a lifetime in individuals after their menstrual periods stop.
Once a person goes twelve months without periods, it indicates that the ovaries have stopped producing eggs.
However, the symptoms associated with or after this phase may also last 4-5 years.
Are you wondering if Menopause ever stops? To learn more, read Does Menopause Ever End? A Guide to its Duration and End.
Stages of Menopause
Source: pixelshotMenopause usually occurs in three main stages for an individual, namely Perimenopause, Menopause, and post-menopause.
Perimenopause is the transitional stage of Menopause and starts in the mid to late 40s.
Irregular periods during Perimenopause become a common occurrence since the ovaries stop producing enough Estrogen and eggs.
In this period, there is still a chance of natural pregnancy in some women.
When menstruation completely stops for twelve months, this stage marks the beginning of Menopause.
The ovaries completely stop producing eggs, leaving no chance of pregnancy during Menopause.
Post-menopause immediately follows after Menopause starts, and the intensity of the symptoms declines in this phase.
Natural pregnancy after Menopause is also not possible due to Anovulation or no ovulation.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
Some of the most common and early Menopause symptoms include cramps, irregular periods, hair loss, headaches, and hot flashes.
It can cause several skin changes, resulting in acne, dry skin, and Menopause rashes.
Individuals may often experience changes in their body during Menopause, like weight gain or belly fat, due to hormonal fluctuations.
This phase may also result in breast tenderness, sore nipples, body odor, and joint pain in some cases.
Since the decline in Estrogen can cause vaginal dryness, it can also reduce the libido during Menopause.
If you want to learn more about the causes of weight gain during Menopause, read Understanding Why Do Women Gain Weight During Menopause.
Uncommon Menopause Symptoms
Besides the above-mentioned common signs, individuals may experience several uncommon symptoms of Menopause.
Some women report experiencing bleeding after Menopause, which can be a cause for concern.
The usual causes of bleeding after Menopause usually include the growth of tumors in the uterus lining and infection.
Some people often suspect that the pain and cramps during Menopause are really cancer.
It may require immediate attention and can require undergoing several tests.
Do you want to learn if bleeding after Menopause always indicates cancer? Read Is Bleeding After Menopause Always Cancer? A Guide.
Psychological Signs of Menopause
Source: doucefleur_From_Getty_imagesThe question “Can Menopause affect a woman’s mental health?” often comes up since several women may notice psychological symptoms.
Individuals may experience forgetfulness, lack of concentration, or brain fog.
Other common psychological symptoms include irritability, Anxiety, and Menopausal Depression.
These factors often cause anger towards husbands in women, which sometimes leads to divorce during Menopause.
Since sex drive may not return after Menopause, it can result in women experiencing disinterest in being touched.
People often report experiencing sexless marriage during this phase, which can also negatively affect one’s mental health.
Menopause Treatments
Several Menopause treatments can help women with the proper management of their symptoms.
While there are several natural remedies for Menopause, doctors may also suggest medications.
Depending on the symptoms, these remedies may range from herbs to diet choices.
Let us discuss the possible forms of treatments for Menopause in this section.
Menopause Diet
Some women may notice positive results when they start maintaining a proper Menopause diet.
This diet usually consists of items rich in calcium, Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and soy.
Experts may also suggest avoiding certain foods for Menopause belly fat, which include processed foods, alcohol, and excess sugar.
One should also avoid eating spicy foods as one of the early Menopause treatments.
Maintaining this diet may also act as a natural remedy for vaginal dryness and for skin care.
In some cases, women can experience benefits from including probiotics for Menopause in their diet.
They can help in managing the Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH levels) during this phase.
Herbs and Supplements for Menopause
Source: marrakeshh from Getty ImagesSince only maintaining a proper diet does not prove effective, doctors may suggest using herbs and supplements for Menopause.
Herbs for Menopause include black cohosh, dong quai, red clover, ginseng, and chasteberry.
These herbs can improve hormonal balance and soothe several Menopause symptoms.
Although these supplements are available in the form of pills and can be used in foods, some may use them in teas for Menopause.
Calcium and magnesium supplements can help improve bone health during this phase.
If you are looking for supplements to help with weight loss during Menopause, read Blast the Bulge: Best Supplements for Menopause Weight Gain.
Menopause Medication
Several Menopause medications can help improve one’s condition during this time.
Doctors may suggest Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT), which is available in the form of tablets, injections, patches, skin creams, and vaginal ointments.
According to a study, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can reduce hot flashes during Menopause.
Another medication called Gabapentin can also reduce the frequency of hot flashes.
Additional Tips for Menopause Management
Apart from the above-mentioned treatment options, exercises like walking, swimming, and jogging can also improve hormonal fluctuations during Menopause.
Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT), especially with Estrogen, can restore its balance.
These are some of the most effective Menopause tips for husbands to provide support to their partners.
Experts often suggest open communication with one’s partner and therapy as the most common tips for sex after Menopause.
Conclusion
Menopause is a natural process when women experience the absence of periods for twelve months.
It occurs in three stages, which can lead to several common and uncommon physical symptoms.
These symptoms usually include acne, hair loss, irregular periods, headaches, and joint pain.
Others may experience effects on their mental health, including mood swings, irritability, Anxiety, and Depression.
While herbs and supplements can soothe Menopause symptoms, others may opt for a diet or medications.
However, it is always best to consult a doctor before opting for these treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of coming to the end of Menopause?
There are several signs of coming to the end of Menopause. One can notice decreasing hot flashes, night sweats, improved mood swings, and a complete menstruation stop.
Women can also experience improved sleep patterns and changes in their libido.
Can a woman have an orgasm after Menopause?
Yes, a woman can have an orgasm after Menopause. However, due to low libido or sex drive and vaginal dryness, it can take longer than usual to reach climax.
Individuals may experience orgasms in lesser frequency, and the intensity of the pleasure may also decrease.
Can you squirt after Menopause?
Yes, you can squirt after Menopause. When there is a discharge of fluid from the urethra during sexual activities or orgasm, it is known as a squirt.
Although hormonal changes may reduce one’s pleasure, orgasms are still possible. Hence, it is also possible to squirt.
Does early Menopause mean early death?
Yes, early Menopause may mean early death in women. According to research, women who experience premature Menopause are at risk of premature death.
Early Menopause can often cause cardiovascular issues and other disorders, lowering the body’s strength to fight several conditions, posing this risk.
Can periods restart after Menopause?
No, your periods cannot restart after Menopause. With the end of Menopause, the ovaries stop producing eggs, thus stopping periods.
If a person is experiencing vaginal bleeding after Menopause, it can be due to a serious underlying condition.
Cheap Medicine Shop only refers to credible, authoritative sources for our content. If you’re curious about how we ensure the integrity of our content, we encourage you to read our Content Information Policy.
