The menopause
Physiological discomfort, changing mood, swelling, cognitive disorders ... What happens to the body? What are the symptoms and possible treatments?
The causes of the disruption
Etymologically, "menopause" means "termination of menstruation". A woman then enters menopause when her ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones. This generally occurs around the age of 50, and more precisely when menstruation has disappeared for a year. Warning: the cessation of menstrual cycles can also be the consequence of the ablation of the ovaries. We then speak of surgical menopause. Usually menopause occurs only between the ages of 40 and 55. Smoking can accelerate this process of one. or two years. Furthermore, the age of menopause is often the same in mothers and daughters.
See also
The premenopause
Theoretically, menopause does not come suddenly. It is preceded by premenopause, a period of about four years during which the production of sex hormones gradually decreases. This stage manifests itself through various physiological disorders. Menstruation becomes irregular and other unpleasant symptoms may also occur, such as swelling, insomnia or having swollen and sore breasts ... this phase continues even in the 12 months following the last menstruation; we then speak of perimenopause.
Small (and big) annoyances of menopause
One in two women suffer from symptoms of menopause (called climacteric symptoms). They vary from one woman to another and evolve over time: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep disturbances, thinner and more fragile skin, attention and memory disorders and, very often, a decrease in sexual desire. .
Among the main imbalances:
Hot flashes are the symbol of the onset of menopause. It is an abrupt sensation of heat in the face and neck, accompanied by redness of the skin and cold sweat. All this happens both day and night, 15-20 times a day! In 30% of cases, these are very unpleasant episodes that require treatment.
Vaginal problems: the vaginal wall becomes thinner, less elastic and natural lubrication decreases. Sexual intercourse, therefore, can become unpleasant.
Urinary problems: the perineum also loses elasticity, which can cause urinary losses in case of exertion (sneezing, laughter).
Weight gain. Fats tend to accumulate more on the stomach, thighs and buttocks.
The consequences on the bones
With the decrease in the rate of estrogen, the bones become more fragile and the risk of bone breakage increases: it is osteoporosis, which affects more or less all women. However, in addition to menopause, other factors can also favor this phenomenon. : weight, alcohol, tobacco, a sedentary lifestyle or a premature menopause.
Cardiovascular risks
With menopause, women are more exposed to cardiovascular disease. Attention, menopause is not in itself a particular risk factor, it is above all necessary to keep factors such as tobacco, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, sedentary lifestyle or hereditary diseases under control.
Hormone treatments at all costs?
Hormone replacement treatment acts as a substitute for hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that are no longer produced by the ovaries, and is prescribed to treat climacteric symptoms and prevent osteoporosis. There are several types: sprays, patches, tablets or creams. Approximately 1 in 3 women between the ages of 50 and 65 use it.
Have the hot flashes become unbearable? You can use these therapies, but for the shortest possible time. The prescription must be renewed regularly. To prevent osteoporosis, on the other hand, the use of hormone replacement treatments is not systematic. A balanced life and a good supply of calcium and vitamin D are equally effective remedies, but present less risk. D "on the other hand, recent studies have highlighted the risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease related to the use of these treatments.
Another question: hormone replacement treatment has not been proven to affect memory or concentration disorders. Some doctors even question the need for any treatment, as menopause is not a disease. In any case, here is the rule to follow: you must accept hormone replacement treatment only if the benefits are much greater than the risks incurred.
What about sweet medicine?
Homeopathy, acupuncture, phytotherapy ... there are many natural treatments that can alleviate the ailments related to menopause. Currently, only soy derivatives (phytoestrogens) have proven their effectiveness against hot flashes. However, the risks that could be generated by long-term consumption of these substances are not known.
Living menopause well
In addition to the psychological crisis of the fifties and the existential questions that characterize it, menopause reminds us that the organism ages. Denying it is useless. We must accept to age well. One password, therefore: take care of yourself! Watch your nutrition: eat less, but better (calcium, vitamins, proteins). Opt for regular, even moderate, physical activity such as walking (at least 30 minutes a day if possible), especially to reduce hot flashes. Other secrets to feeling better: sleep in a well-ventilated room, reduce the reasons for stress and do some relaxation exercises.
