The life stage in which the body's hormonal balance changes is commonly referred to as menopause. This natural transition can bring many changes to both the body and mind. These changes may raise questions and sometimes concerns, but it's important to know that they are completely normal and part of the body's natural development.
What does menopause mean?
Menopause is the phase when the ovaries stop producing certain hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, but also testosterone. The decrease in these hormones affects, for example, the cessation of menstruation and can lead to a broader range of various physical and psychological symptoms affecting the body and health.
When does menopause begin?
Menopause usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55, but the onset can vary individually. For some people, it can start even 10 years earlier due to various factors. Menstruation typically ends around the age of 51, and menopause is considered to have begun when a person has not had a period for a year. However, most people experience symptoms already 5 to 10 years before this stage, during what is referred to as perimenopause.
During perimenopause, the number of follicles in the ovaries decreases, leading to less frequent ovulation and a reduction in estrogen production, until it nearly stops during menopause.
The impact of menopause on well-being
During menopause, the body's hormone production decreases, which affects various functions related to health and well-being. The role of hormones is not limited to the reproductive system; they regulate many bodily processes that influence overall well-being. Therefore, the symptoms of menopause can be diverse and affect several areas of the body.
Common menopause symptoms
Menopause symptoms can vary greatly, but the most common include:
- Hot flashes
- Sleep disturbances and night awakenings
- Mood swings
- Dryness and sensitivity of mucous membranes in intimate areas, as well as other mucous membranes in the body
- Weight fluctuations
- Joint pain
- Fatigue and slow recovery
The severity of symptoms varies among individuals, and they can significantly impact well-being and quality of life.
Treating menopause symptoms
Menopause symptoms can be treated in various ways, and it’s important to find the solution that works best for you. You can seek help from healthcare professionals to manage symptoms, and possible treatment options include:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- The effects of diet and exercise
- Supplements
- Psychotherapy and peer support for mood enhancement
Discussing with loved ones and healthcare professionals can help identify the best ways to manage symptoms.
Benefits and risks of hormone therapy
Hormone replacement therapy can provide significant relief for many menopause symptoms, but there are also potential risks associated with its use that need to be assessed when starting treatment. Often, the risks of treatment are emphasized, while its benefits, such as improvements in daily life and well-being, receive less attention. However, the decline in hormone levels also has a significant impact on the risk of developing various common diseases.
Without hormone replacement therapy, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels drop significantly, which can affect cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Estrogen protects the heart and blood vessels in many ways, such as improving cholesterol balance and reducing inflammation. When estrogen levels decrease, the following effects may occur:
- Cholesterol: LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) may rise, and HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) may drop, increasing the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
- Heart diseases: A deficiency in estrogen can harden blood vessels and promote atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Vascular elasticity: Hormonal changes can reduce the elasticity of blood vessels, which can raise blood pressure.
Without hormone replacement therapy, many may experience severe symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances that can significantly diminish quality of life. These symptoms can also lead to long-term health issues, such as mental health disorders, insomnia, and related diseases such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and sleep apnea. The decline in hormone levels also affects bone health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, as well as physical performance and recovery, which can diminish the effectiveness and enjoyment of exercise.
When menopause symptoms begin to affect daily life, it's essential to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy to make an informed decision about your health. A healthcare professional can help assess the risks and discuss the best treatment options with you.
The impact of menopause on self-esteem
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect not only the body but also the mind and emotions. Estrogen, which is crucial for well-being, plays a role in mood regulation and maintaining serotonin levels. When estrogen levels drop, many may experience mood swings, anxiety, or depression, which can negatively affect self-esteem.
Hormonal changes can also sensitize emotional regulation, leading to feelings of losing control over one’s life or body. This can affect self-worth and how a person perceives themselves in social situations and relationships.
When hormonal changes or their associated symptoms lead to feelings of insecurity or less attractiveness, self-confidence may decline. It's important to seek support and remind oneself of their worth, as menopause is just one part of life and does not define who you are.
Conversations with others or professional support can help strengthen self-esteem. Boosting self-worth can start with self-acceptance and seeking positive experiences. Although hormonal changes are a natural part of this life stage, it is possible to find new ways to feel strong and valuable, supporting overall well-being.
Going deeper
Although menopause has always been a natural part of life, it remains a poorly understood and little-studied topic, especially in a patriarchal society. In Finland, the organization Duodecim, which develops the "Käypä hoito" (Current Care) recommendations, decided to create guidelines for menopause treatment only in 2022. A working group began drafting the recommendation on June 19, 2023, and the guidelines are expected to be completed in approximately two years, potentially in 2025. For this reason, it is important to seek help from healthcare professionals who have practical experience and expertise in treating menopause.
Menopause is a natural phase whose symptoms are common and treatable. It is essential to discuss symptoms openly and seek support, whether from healthcare professionals or friends. This life stage is an opportunity to explore oneself in a new way and continue living life to the fullest while nurturing one’s well-being. Let’s forget the secrecy and shame associated with menopause—you are valuable, important, and wonderful just as you are!