What is Menopause?

Menopause occurs due to the end of ovulation due to the decrease or cessation of the release of estrogen hormone in the body. For a few years before menopause, menstrual periods may be longer, shorter, or irregular. Afterwards, the transition to menopause can begin after the age of 45 for most women. Menopause that occurs before the age of 45 is called ´premature menopause´ and in this case, it would be useful to go to a specialist. Women who smoke regularly can enter the menopause period 2 years earlier on average. Contrary to popular belief, women can become pregnant during menopause as well. Women who go through menopause under the age of 50 can get pregnant for 2 more years after their last menstrual period, and women over the age of 50 can get pregnant for 1 more year.

Menopause Symptoms

While the menopause period may start and end quietly in some women, the following symptoms may occur in 8 out of 10 women;

Hot flashes and night sweats

Irritability, depression, anxiety disorders and mood swings

Loss of sexual desire,

Poor urinary control, especially in women who are overweight or have more than one child.

Bone resorption (Osteoporosis),

susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases.

It´s Possible to Stay Healthy During Menopause!

While going through menopause is inevitable, it never has to be a grueling experience. With the right approaches, it is possible to spend the menopause period peacefully, comfortably and healthy.

1. Make Exercise a Part of Your Life

Many menopausal symptoms can be reduced by regular exercise, including hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, and emotional changes. In addition, bone resorption due to the decrease of estrogen hormone is slowed down with regular exercise. Exercising also protects the heart.

2. Eat Healthy

A healthy diet helps keep the body fit against the long-term effects of menopause. Taking 1300 mg of calcium a day protects the bones against the risk of osteoporosis. Fish such as sardines, salmon, green vegetables, milk and dairy products contain plenty of calcium. In addition, high consumption of vitamin A can trigger bone resorption. Since it is easier to gain weight in advancing ages, a regular and healthy diet will also minimize the problems associated with its intake.

3. Learn About Hormone Therapy (HRT)

In menopause, hormone replacement therapy called HRT is used to reduce the effects of menopause, which is a natural part of aging for women. Most of the disorders in menopause are due to estrogen deficiency, and hormone therapy in menopause is actually a "replacement" therapy.

4. Don´t Neglect Your Health Checks

It is very important not to skip the controls in order to diagnose the disorders encountered during the menopause period. Against the threats of osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, breast and uterine cancer, it is necessary to go to orthopedist, cardiologist and gynecologist controls on time and have the necessary measurements done.