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Menopause is an inevitable period in the life of every woman. For some it passes imperceptibly, while for others it can effectively hinder everyday functioning. The menopause also affects a woman's he alth. Can you prepare for it?
Menopause, menopause, climax, menopause - this period in a woman's life has many names. It is linked to a natural process by which the ovaries stop producing the female fertility hormones. In this way, nature protects women against late motherhood, which is associated not only with burdens for the body, but also with genetic defects of the fetus.
The term "menopause" in medical terminology actually means the last menstruation. This is the culmination of a several-year process that begins at the stage professionally known as premenopause. The woman does not feel any symptoms of hormonal disorders then, although her pituitary hormone (FSH) levels increase. Shortly before the last menstruation, the next stage of this process takes place - perimenopause. It is she who is associated with the most characteristic symptoms of menopause.
Symptoms of the hormonal swing
Perimenopause most often begins between the ages of 45 and 55 and can last up to several years. It is then that the ovarian activity gradually stops working, which results in a decrease in the production of female sex hormones, mainly estrogens. At the same time, the woman's body begins to produce more pituitary hormones (LH and FSH).
The whole process is extremely individual and can be completely different for each woman. It happens that the perimenopause passes almost imperceptibly. Unfortunately, its course is much more often associated with symptoms that effectively disturb everyday functioning. They are mainly the result of falling estrogen levels.
Research shows that up to 80% of women experience hot flushes, cold chills or palpitations around the menopause. Some also experience flushing, night sweats, and even memory problems. There are also prolonged heavy bleeding and the menstrual cycle is shortened. Cycles are also often nonovulatory. You may also feel depressed, sleepless or irritable during this period. It is estimated that in 30% of women these symptoms are of a natureheavy. Sometimes it is associated with far-reaching complications, such as urination control disorders, osteoporosis or cancer. Can you prepare for it?
Confirmation of recognition
One of the ways to recognize when a woman enters menopause is the occurrence of its characteristic symptoms. However, it is worth remembering that they can also signal other diseases - often threatening the he alth of a woman. Therefore, one of the ways to confirm the upcoming menopause is to assess changes in the level of pituitary hormones - primarily follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
In regularly menstruating women who, however, suspect the onset of menopause, the test is performed in the first week of the menstrual cycle (from the 2nd to the 7th day of the cycle). Before the menopause, the FSH concentration in women of childbearing age does not exceed 12 mlU / ml. In turn, in women who have entered the perimenopausal period, it is higher and, according to various sources, already during premenopause it exceeds 30 mlU / ml and increases significantly during perimenopause.
The FSH level is tested from blood serum or urine. It does not require any special preparation (e.g. fasting). They can be performed in a laboratory (cost about PLN 30), but there are also home tests that allow you to assess its level. In the case of laboratory tests, the result takes the form of a specific FSH concentration value. On the other hand, home tests detect its elevated level in urine (most often above 25 mlU / ml). The principle of operation of such tests is based on the antigen-antibody reaction. The anti-FSH antibodies applied to the test strip during the production process react with the FSH hormone present in the urine.
Is it menopause already? Do the test!
Author: Hydrex
Menopause The plate test allows you to diagnose the initial period of menopause in women.
How does it work?
- the test detects FSH in urine with a concentration of 25 mIU / ml or more
- test accuracy is 94% compared to EIA tests
- the test result is not affected by urine pH in the range of 5-9
- the test result is read after 5 minutes
Menopause and what's next?
A diagnosis of elevated FSH levels does not yet constitute a basis for a diagnosis of menopause. The key factor here is the occurrence of its other symptoms. However, even then it is worth consulting a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and decide on further steps. If a woman experiences menopause symptoms, her FHS level is elevated, but she is still menstruating, she should not stop using contraception. Maybe during this periodalready take some measures to alleviate the symptoms of the menopause.
Pharmacies offer numerous preparations containing substances that "mimic" estrogens. Such action is possessed by phytoestrogens - organic compounds that are plant sex hormones. They include, among others soy isoflavones. As a result, soy is one of the most popular ingredients in dietary supplements, recommended for women suffering from bothersome symptoms of menopause. You can often find a meadow clover in them, which contains a set of isoflavones that work similarly to those contained in soybeans.
These types of dietary supplements are usually multi-component preparations, combining both herbal raw materials as well as vitamins and minerals. Such preparations often include herbs with a calming effect, such as lemon balm and hops. In turn, sage helps in states of excessive sweating.
Menopause and OsteoporosisOne of the most important complications of perimenopausal hormonal disorders is osteoporosis. As a result of lowering the level of estrogens, the destruction and the deterioration of the renewal of the bone tissue is faster. According to various estimates, this problem affects about 40% of women over 50.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, bone loss can be as high as 20% in the first 5-8 years after menopause. One way to fight osteoporosis is to consume more calcium and vitamins D3 and K2. Thanks to the early diagnosis of perimenopause, it is possible to start their supplementation early enough.