Polish women most often have menopause at the age of 49-50, some after 52. However, the most turbulent symptoms of the menopause occur between the ages of 45 and 55. You can fight unpleasant symptoms with HRT (hormone replacement therapy).
Do the words menopause, menopause and menopause mean the same?
Basically yes, because in the colloquial language they are used interchangeably with reference to women who experience various symptoms related to hormonal changes, typical for adulthood. However, " menopause " in medical terminology literally means the last menstruation in a woman's life. Women generally dislike the word " menopause ", they accept more " menopause", and most importantly, the term" menopause ".
What are the symptoms of impending menopause?
Menstrual cycles become shorter then lengthen, often becoming irregular. The bleeding is shorter or longer than before. The hormonal state of this period promotes the formation and enlargement of fibroids and the growth of the uterine mucosa. This can be confirmed by the gynecologist during the examination. Hormone levels are lowered, which adversely affects various body functions. Disturbances in concentration, irritability, fatigue, decreased libido (desire for sex), swollen and painful breasts appear.
Is it true that menopause can start in a woman as early as 40?
Yes. This does not happen overnight, however. Usually it takes 5 and sometimes 10 years. A woman may experience various unpleasant mental ailments, such as mood changes, as well as physical ones. Irregular, scanty or heavy periods are most often anxious. There is a fear of unwanted late pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend hormonal contraception to regulate your cycles or suggest hormone replacement therapy.
What does the term "accident symptoms" mean?
This is what doctors call the early symptoms of menopause associated with the cessation, that is, the loss of the ovaries' secretory function, which stops producing the female hormones - estrogens. This is manifested by hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia.
It is believed that the daughter is going through the menopause just like her mother.
Yes, thistrue. Usually daughters have menopause at the same age as their mothers and go through similarly.
Does hormone replacement therapy help you get over the troublesome symptoms of menopause?
Women who use hormones do not experience any discomfort during this period. They don't have hot flashes, they don't sweat at night. Other benefits of such therapy are the improvement of intellectual abilities, the ability to remember, and protection against Alzheimer's disease. Also against osteoporosis leading to bone fractures. And most importantly - against diseases of the heart and blood vessels, which are the most common cause of death in women.
For how many years can HRT (hormone replacement therapy) be used?
As long as the woman wishes. The doctor selects the type of therapy appropriate to the needs, he alth condition, age and expectations of the patient.
Does a woman who uses HRT continue to bleed monthly despite the menopause?
If it uses the so-called sequential therapy, consisting in the cyclic intake of estrogens and progesterone, despite exceeding the menopausal threshold, she still has regular bleeding. However, this treatment should not be extended indefinitely. These are not normal periods. After fifty, the so-called continuous estrogen therapy. A woman no longer has periods, but her body is still protected by regularly consumed hormones. Their dose is selected individually by the doctor for each patient. Even women in their sixties can be recommended hormone supplementation appropriate to their age and he alth condition.
Supposedly taking hormones increases the risk of developing breast cancer?
There is such a risk, but it is small and does not apply to all women. Only those who are obese, have not given birth or have genetic predisposition. Therefore, the doctor, before prescribing hormone therapy, must interview the patient and order her to perform the necessary tests, including mammography. This examination must be done by a woman systematically. It then has a chance of early detection of the lump and complete recovery. It is known that in women who use replacement therapy, cancer is diagnosed at a much earlier stage than in women who do not take hormones and do not have regular mammograms.
ImportantA woman entering the menopause should be carefully examined by a doctor. This is the period when the risk of many diseases increases, not only of the reproductive organs, but also diabetes and hypertension. On the occasion of such research, it is best to talk about menopausal therapy, including herbal preparations, and follow the doctor's instructions.
If your bleeding is irregular or during hormone therapyspotting appears, should it be discontinued?
Such symptoms can actually discourage many women from using hormones. But instead of stopping taking them on their own, they should tell their doctor about any disturbing bleeding. Such information will allow him to choose the optimal therapy for this particular patient.
Is it possible to return to therapy after a break in therapy?
Yes. If the troublesome symptoms return after discontinuation of hormones, women are willing to resume therapy.
What forms of hormones can you take?
Women have a lot of choice today. These can be oral tablets, skin patches, gels, vaginal pessaries or creams, intramuscular injections.
Why do some women doctors recommend hormones in tablets and for others slices?
Patches, or transdermal therapy, are prescribed by doctors to patients who do not want to or cannot take oral medications due to gastrointestinal problems, gall bladder stones, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. Hormone therapy in the form of patches is recommended for them.
What are the contraindications to hormone therapy?
They concern women with severely damaged liver, thromboembolism and coronary artery disease. There are over-the-counter herbal medicines in pharmacies.
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