Menopause is one of the most feared stages for women, due to the problems and changes it entails, although it is well known that it is inevitable. It is not classified as a disease, although it can lead to some of them, and that is why health and gynecological check-ups should not be neglected on a regular basis.
This stage in the life of every woman is characterized by a loss of reproductive capacity due to a separation of hormonal secretion by the ovary, which leads to metabolic changes.
Onset and types of menopause
The normal age at which menopause appears is between 45 and 55 years of age, with early menopause occurring before the age of 45, and late menopause occurring after the age of 55. We can distinguish two types of menopause in relation to their origin. Natural menopause is that which occurs as a result of a depletion of ovarian function, while artificial menopause is that caused by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Symptoms of menopause
The sudden drop in estrogen in the blood causes a series of symptoms. The most common are hot flushes, irritability or emotional lability, which leads to sadness and easy crying of the affected woman. Other symptoms, more related to the sexual aspect, are decreased libido or dry skin and mucous membranes, which cause discomfort in relationships. Joint problems or insomnia are other symptoms to be taken into account, although the most important from a health point of view are cardiovascular alterations: with menopause, heart attack rates are equal to those of men.
The most worrying symptom is hot flashes and how to combat them. The solution, a diet rich in soy and physical exercise to release endorphins.
False myths about menopause
Having a certain tendency to gain weight and the possibility of losing sexual appetite are two of the most frequent false myths about menopause. The affected person does not have to put on weight if she follows a balanced diet and practices physical exercise regularly. As for sexual relations, the decrease in libido is true, as a consequence of vaginal dryness, although relations do not have to end, since treatments can be done so that they continue to be pleasurable.