Menopause – Symptoms and Onset

Question: What are the common symptoms of the onset of menopause?

The Perimenopausal Stage

Changes to the monthly cycle are usually the first indication that menopause has begun. The start of menopause is called the perimenopausal stage; this is usually marked by lighter or heavier periods, and changes to the frequency of time between periods. There may be more than three weeks between periods or even months. The perimenopausal stage is considered complete when a woman has gone twelve months without a period. 

Menopause Symptoms

Women experience different sets of symptoms and these symptoms can change during menopause. Menopause usually lasts about four years, but can last anywhere from two to ten years. Menopause can cause hot flashes and headaches. During menopause, it is not uncommon to experience vaginal dryness, pain or itching, bladder irritability, or urinary tract infections (UTIs). Women in menopause may have decreased sex drives, or might experience itching or discomfort during sex. Mood changes, such as irritability, depression or anxiety are also common. Women might also find that their sleep is disturbed by insomnia or night sweats. Women who experience menopause suddenly may find that their symptoms are worse than women who have a more gradual onset. 

Onset and Early Onset

Most women experience menopause from their mid-forties to mid-fifties. The average age is somewhere around 51, but statistics vary. Some women may not experience menopause until they are in their sixties. Other women may suffer from early onset, also called perimenopause, before their fortieth birthdays. 

Early onset menopause happens naturally, but can also be attributed to certain conditions, illnesses and medical procedures. In rare cases, some infections, such as tuberculosis, malaria, mumps, chicken pox and shingles might cause early onset. Conditions such as Down’s Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Addison’s Disease and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) may also be related to early onset. Possible causes from medical procedures include hysterectomy (removal of the ovaries or womb), and cancer treatment such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. 

During menopause, at any stage, the ovaries slow and eventually stop their production of estrogen. Estrogen can help protect women from conditions such as osteoporosis and ovarian cancer. This means that women with early onset menopause will spend more years without this protective factor, thus increasing their overall risk. 

Taking Care of Yourself

In mild cases, women will be able to cope with and sooth symptoms without seeing their G.P. One of the best things a woman can do during menopause is to maintain a proper diet and exercise regimen. During and after menopause women should prioritize fiber-rich fruits and vegetables and small amount of calcium-rich dairy products. Women should avoid saturated fats, fatty meats, fatty dairy (chose 1% or skim), and too much salt. Women should engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day; more is better. Your pharmacist can help you create a plan for your diet and exercise. If itching and dryness gives you an excuse not to exercise, you might also ask your pharmacist to provide a cream to help clear that up. Hopefully you’ll be in your running shoes in no time! 

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy