Menopause, contrary to popular belief, is not a long time in women’s life. The term actually refers to a specific date: the milestone of the last menstruation. And this diagnosis can only be confirmed retrospectively, after twelve consecutive months without menstruating. What extends for months or even years before and after that point is the climacteric, a transition phase involving hormonal changes and can cause a number of symptoms.
“It marks the end of the reproductive phase and is the result of natural exhaustion of ovarian follicles. In Brazil, the average age for this to occur is between 48 and 51 years, although some women can enter menopause sooner or later,” explains Maira Campos, endocrine gynecologist and hormonal replacement.
The climacteric is usually between 40 and 50 years old, but there is no exact age for this to happen. It is during this period that ovaries gradually reduce estrogen and progesterone production, hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and other functions of the body.
This can cause heat waves, mood swings, vaginal dryness, insomnia and weight gain. The intensity and duration of symptoms vary from woman to woman.
“Symptoms occur due to the lack of main female hormones that are estrogen and progesterone. Also testosterone significantly reduces a hormone that is important in women, although it is the main male hormone. The lack, especially estrogen, is that it leads to the occurrence of all these symptoms.
In some cases, hormone replacement therapy may be indicated to and prevent bone loss, but its prescription depends on health history and individual risk factors.
“Hormonal replacement is not mandatory, but it can be a great ally. It is often indicated when symptoms significantly affect women’s quality of life, as long as there are no contraindications. Women under 60 years and up to 10 years of last menstruation, without breast cancer history, thrombosis or severe cardiovascular disease, usually benefits a lot with replacement, but everything needs to be carefully evaluated, in a consultation, in a consultation, in a consultation, in a consultation, in a consultation, in a consultation, in a consultation, in a consultation careful doctor, ”adds Campos.
Despite the benefits, the hormone replacement was that they had recent breast cancer, who suffered a heart attack, stroke or have liver disease. This is why it is essential that there is professional follow -up.
Lifestyle changes also help deal with the effects of climacteric. This is because regular physical activity contributes to weight control, improves mood and strengthens bones and muscles.
Balanced diet, with calcium and vitamin D intake, is an ally in the prevention of osteoporosis. It is also recommended to avoid alcohol and cigarette, which can aggravate symptoms and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
