Menopause refers to the transitional period in a woman's life, usually after the age of 40, when her reproductive ability gradually declines until it completely disappears. It is a gradual process, also known as perimenopause, which includes the period before and after menopause. Menopause is a starting point where the aging process becomes more apparent both physiologically and psychologically. It is a period of significant physiological and psychological changes in a person's life, with some people being able to transition smoothly while others experience more intense symptoms. Menopause is the important change that occurs during this period, signifying the end of menstruation and reproductive function in women.
Generally, menstruation needs to be absent for more than one year to confirm menopause. During this time, the main physiological changes in women are manifested in the atrophy of the ovaries. The function of the ovaries gradually declines and ultimately loses its original functionality, leading to various changes in the body's organs, endocrine glands, and psychological and physiological aspects. The symptoms vary in each woman and the severity differs. This series of imbalances in the body leads to a decrease in women's adaptability, making them more prone to emotional fluctuations and the onset of various diseases. Menopause refers to the period of time a few months before the complete cessation of menstruation until several years after menopause. Generally, women start experiencing menopause around the age of 45 to 55. A survey of 929 retired workers in China showed that the average age of menopause was 48.85 years. Menopause typically begins around 10 years before menopause, around the age of 40, and continues for about 10 years after complete cessation of ovarian function, after which women enter the elderly stage.
General Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause is the transitional stage from the reproductive period to the elderly stage for women, and it is an important and physiologically significant stage in the aging process of the body. Over 90% of women experience symptoms to varying degrees, which can affect their personal health and quality of life.
1. Hot flashes are a frequent and common symptom experienced by menopausal women.
2. Palpitations, or a racing heart, is one of the most common symptoms during menopause. Menopausal women may feel "out of energy" from time to time, especially when under mental stress. It is important to pay attention to self-adjustment during these times, as menopausal palpitations are mainly influenced by nerve regulation.
3. Abnormal mental and neurological symptoms such as irritability and restlessness often occur. Women may lose control or even exhibit hysterical behavior over trivial matters.
4. Lower back pain is an early symptom of osteoporosis in menopausal women. Due to hormonal imbalance during menopause, calcium loss occurs, leading to frequent occurrences of this symptom. These symptoms are normal during menopause and do not require panic as they have not reached the level of menopausal syndrome.
Classification Criteria for Menopause
Perimenopause: 2-5 years or longer before menopause.
Menopause: 1 year after the last menstrual period, generally between the ages of 40 and 70.
Postmenopause: 15-20 years after menopause.
Risks of Menopause
1. Vascular dysfunction: Sudden flushing and hot flashes, sudden heat sensation in the chest, neck, and face, sweating, chills, and sometimes accompanied by palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and other symptoms.
2. Menstrual disorders: Menstrual cycle irregularities begin before menopause, with prolonged periods, increased menstrual blood volume, and even breakthrough bleeding. Some women may experience cycle prolongation and gradual decrease in menstrual blood volume, followed by the cessation of menstruation, and the female genital organs and secondary sexual characteristics gradually atrophy due to the decrease in estrogen.
3. Mental and neurological symptoms: Menopausal women often experience anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, crying spells, memory loss, lack of concentration, and other manifestations, and sometimes they exhibit mood swings and similar symptoms to a psychiatric episode.
4. Decreased libido: Hair loss in the pubic and armpit areas, decreased libido, decreased vaginal secretions, and pain during sexual intercourse, leading to a decrease in sexual frequency or the emergence of negative emotions towards sexual activity.
5. Increased risk of tumors: Menopause is the age at which common tumors occur, including uterine fibroids, cervical cancer, ovarian tumors, etc. Early detection and treatment can improve treatment efficacy and patient survival rates.
Precautions for Menopause
1. Understand that menopause is a natural physiological process and have a correct understanding of the symptoms that occur during menopause.
2. Adjust your mindset, maintain a positive attitude, establish confidence in fighting against illness, and eliminate unnecessary fear and anxiety.
3. Maintain a healthy and harmonious family, which not only brings emotional comfort and eliminates worries for menopausal women but also helps to resolve negative stimuli from work and life, establishing confidence in life.
4. Stick to appropriate exercise and engage in regular physical activities to have sufficient energy and physical strength for work and life.
5. Pay attention to work-life balance, maintain a regular lifestyle, avoid drinking alcohol or tea before sleep, and avoid watching thrilling or tragic movies to ensure good sleep.
