The Transition to Menopause

What to expect?

By, Dr. Shradha Chaudhari
MD, FICOG, FCPS, DGO
Senior Consultant, Gynaecology, Gynaecology and Robotic Surgery
Medanta The Medicity.

Menopause is a term used to describe the permanent stoppage of menstrual cycles for more than one year. Though it can be dated in retrospect, after 12 months, the transition phase starts 5 to 7 years earlier. The slow change in the metabolism of hormones with age reflects on a woman’s periods, body structure, mental well-being, and urogenital health. From her 40s, women can experience such changes.

Menopausal symptoms are divided into vasomotor, neurological, menstrual, cardiac, and skeletal.

The commonest vasomotor problems are hot flushes, palpitations, and sweating. Neurological complaints are mood swings, depression in the early phase, and memory loss over a long-term period. Menstrual disturbances could be either short cycles or delayed and scanty menstruation. Loss of libido is a fairly common complaint and it is also worsened by vaginal dryness and urinary issues due to drying of the vaginal mucosa. There is an increased risk of heart attacks and fractures with altered metabolism in menopause.

While the transition to menopause is inevitable, it can be rough for some women. Knowledge of facts and treatment options can help make this change a welcome and smooth one. Lifestyle changes, dietary modification, exercises, and usage of menopause hormone therapy when required can make the menopause transition easier and more acceptable.

Women must be made aware of symptoms that call for medical attention like heavy bleeding in periods or any bleeding after 12 months. Routine annual health checks which include ultrasound, mammograms, pap smear, lipid profile, diabetes and blood pressure screening, and cardiac and bone health checkups like 2D ECHO and DEXA scan must be performed at least once a year from 40 years of age. Special attention must be given to mental well-being.

This period of menopause should ideally bring on a welcome new, mature, and peaceful chapter of a woman’s life. Doctors, psychologists, and support groups can make this dream a reality for all women.