Women often approach menopause with a certain level of apprehension about what to expect from the transition and how they will handle the changes that it brings.
Fortunately, a skilled and experienced menopause specialist can provide you with the education and support you need to navigate this stage of your life.
Continue reading to learn all about menopause, including associated signs, symptoms, and health issues.
What Is Menopause?
A woman enters menopause when she stops menstruating and hasn’t had a period for 12 consecutive months.
Because the ovaries are no longer functioning or producing estrogen and progesterone, menopause also marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years.
Menopause Symptoms
Women may experience a number of physical and emotional changes during perimenopause and menopause. While most of these signs and symptoms are a normal part of the process, it helps for women to know what to expect from this period of transition.
During menopause, women may encounter the following symptoms and health concerns:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings including irritability, depression, and anxiety
- Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
- Decreased libido
- Sleeping problems
- Weight gain
- Skin flushing
- Headaches
- Bone loss
- Urine leakage
- Post menopause bleeding
- Joint pain
The Connection Between Menopause and Osteoporosis
Estrogen protects against bone loss. As estrogen levels decrease during menopause, the body’s ability to replace bone can become compromised. This is one of the reasons that menopausal women are at an increased risk for osteoporosis.
Fortunately, a menopause specialist can work with patients to evaluate their medical history, family history, and bone scan results.
Based on her assessment of this pertinent information, she can determine your risk for osteoporosis and develop a plan for bone loss management to reduce the likelihood of a fracture.