How do I know if menopause is starting?

Are you over 40 years and experiencing irregular periods, sweating at night, and mood swings? If yes then you might be nearing menopause?

What is menopause?

If you have not had a period for 12 months and you’re not on hormonal contraceptives or severely sick, it could be an indicator that they have entered menopause. Menopause signifies the end of your reproductive years (and in effect child bearing). You do not have to worry about it because it is a normal aspect of aging. According to the World Health Organisation, menopause occurs naturally in most women between the ages of 45 and 55 years.

Stages of menopause

Oftentimes, menopause happens gradually in 3 phases: Perimenopause (transition phase), Menopause, Postmenopause. Menopause transition (phase 1) can begin eight to 10 years before you hit menopause. This transition often starts at around the age of 40 years.

Signs & symptoms

If you start to have some or all of the following symptoms, you may be entering menopause:

Irregular periods.
Occasional unexpected warmth that permeates your entire body (also known as Hot flashes).
Sweating at night.
Dryness in the vagina that hurts during intercourse.
An urgent need to urinate more often.
Difficulty sleeping.
Emotional changes/mood swings.
Breast tenderness.

Once you reach menopause stage, you cease having menstrual periods. Your ovaries stop releasing eggs. You then transition to postmenopause. You spend the remainder of your life in postmenopause. Although the majority of menopausal symptoms subside in postmenopause, moderate menopausal symptoms might persist for several years.

Can menpause be treated/prevented?

Menopause is a natural process that your body goes through. As a result, there is no treatment for it. Treatment is only given to manage symptoms in case the symptoms are hash on you.

Kairos Hospital team can help you manage this season in your life. Book an appointment with the doctor or text/call/WhatsApp on 0758000844.

By Kairos Healthcare

Reviewed by Dr. Alex & Dr. Albert