Menopause, also known as the climacteric or perimenopause, is a time when hormonal changes occur in a woman’s body. As a result, the body gradually transitions into infertility. Menopause is not a disease – it is a natural stage in every woman’s life, during which hormonal functions slowly decline.

Menopause – What Is It?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), menopause is the last menstrual period, after which no bleeding occurs for at least 12 months.

This is caused by the declining production of the female sex hormone – estrogen – in the ovaries. Estrogen production often fluctuates significantly, and the severity of menopause symptoms varies from woman to woman.

What Age Does Menopause Start?

The climacteric phase typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. However, the first symptoms of perimenopause can appear several years earlier. In some cases, menopause starts before the age of 40, referred to as premature menopause. Its causes include chronic stress, genetic predisposition, or an irregular lifestyle.

Menopause Symptoms

Common menopause symptoms include hot flashes, excessive sweating, and sleep disturbances. Hormonal changes can visibly affect women’s health and well-being. Lower estrogen production deregulates the body’s temperature control system, leading to hot flashes. Excessive sweating is the body’s way of cooling down, often occurring at night and contributing to sleep problems.

Psychological symptoms include insomnia, memory problems, anxiety, decreased libido, irritability, mood swings, tearfulness, and difficulty concentrating.

Other common symptoms include:

  • Genitourinary issues like vaginal itching
  • Recurrent infections and stress urinary incontinence
  • Chills and tremors following hot flashes
  • Dizziness and weakness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Fatigue and irritability
  • Dry skin with a dull complexion
  • Dark circles and bags under the eyes
  • Deepening wrinkles and furrows

How Long Do Menopause Symptoms Last?

Menopause encompasses all the changes and processes accompanying the natural cessation of menstruation. It is important to remember that menopause refers to the final menstrual period, while the stages before and after are called perimenopause and postmenopause. The process consists of several phases:

  • Perimenopause: Occurs just before menopause, around age 50, and lasts up to a year after the last menstrual period. Symptoms may include hot flashes, heavy and prolonged bleeding, shortened menstrual cycles, and fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels. The number of ovarian follicles rapidly declines.
  • Menopause: Refers to the last menstrual period caused by natural hormonal changes.
  • Postmenopause: The complete cessation of menstruation, marked by high FSH and LH levels and low estrogen and progesterone levels. Cortisol levels may rise, often leading to weight gain, hair loss, frequent infections, and vaginal dryness due to reduced mucus production.

Natural Remedies For Menopause

Many home remedies can help alleviate menopause symptoms, mainly involving lifestyle changes. A balanced diet, physical activity, relaxation, and avoiding stimulants significantly improve physical and mental well-being. Here are some helpful solutions for the most common symptoms:

  • Hot flashes and sweating: Herbal infusions from sage, peppermint, or red clover can help, either as teas or supplements. It’s recommended to avoid coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes, which dilate blood vessels and trigger hot flashes.
  • Insomnia: Besides avoiding stimulants, relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or calming teas from lemon balm, St. John’s wort, or hops can promote better sleep.
  • Nervousness: Hops and St. John’s wort infusions, along with linden flower tea, can help. Regular physical activity is also essential, as it boosts endorphin production, improving mood and overall well-being.
  • Skin and hair health: Hydrating and nourishing skincare products, combined with collagen supplements, can enhance skin elasticity and strengthen hair. Collagen is a protein essential for the body’s structure, improving hair and skin appearance.

Despite these home remedies, regular medical care is crucial during the perimenopausal period.

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