Menopause and climacteric

To mark World Menopause Day and the climacteric , we want to take this opportunity to inform about this important stage in a woman's life.

Frequently asked questions about menopause and climacteric

What is menopause?

Menopause is the cessation of ovarian function in women as a result of the physiological aging of the ovary itself.

Is menopause the beginning of old age? Is it a disease?

No. Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life, which marks the end of the reproductive and hormonal function of the ovaries.

When to talk about menopause?

We can say that a woman has entered menopause when she has not had periods for at least 1 year.

At what age does it occur?

The average age of menopause in our country is 50 years , although the onset of this condition varies from woman to woman, and will depend on both environmental and genetic factors.

We will talk about early menopause if it occurs before the age of 45 and late menopause when it occurs after the age of 55.

Does menopause happen overnight?

The transition to menopause is usually a gradual process that can last several years . This preliminary stage is known as perimenopause. During this time, women experience a series of changes, most notably menstrual irregularities and the onset of menopausal symptoms.

What are the most typical symptoms of menopause and climacteric?

The earliest symptoms to appear will be headaches, hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, nervousness, anxiety…

Others will take longer to appear , such as urinary, bone, skin and cardiovascular disorders.

Do all women develop symptoms?

The expression of these symptoms will be highly variable , and in fact, between 15-20% of women will face this stage without any symptoms.

Is it always necessary to undergo treatment during menopause and climacteric?

No. Most women may not require any treatment during this stage. However, regular gynecological checkups play a crucial role during these years, as they allow us to identify those women who would clearly benefit from some type of treatment.

Do the treatments involve hormones? Are all treatments hormonal? Are these hormones harmful to health?

Hormone replacement therapy ( HRT ) is an important part of the treatments available to us. Its use will be fully recommended for patients who medically require it, and therefore, it will be beneficial to their health.

There are also non-hormonal treatments , such as specific vitamin supplements or drugs intended to protect bone.

How important are healthy lifestyle habits during menopause and climacteric?

During this stage of life, it is essential to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid harmful factors such as tobacco to help promote bone health and prevent cardiovascular risk.

What should be the management and follow-up in menopausal women?

Regular gynecological check -ups, at least once a year, allow for the diagnosis of pathologies and disorders frequently associated with menopause, such as osteoporosis, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, or insomnia, as well as their management and symptomatic treatment, contributing to improving the quality of life of these patients.

Menopause is a stage in a woman's life filled with changes, which can sometimes affect her quality of life. Knowing and understanding it, and having the necessary information, will allow all women to experience it fully.

If in doubt, ask.

Menopause and climacteric