The million dollar question about menopause is also complaint number 1

Don’t sweat it!

Menopause is a natural process that affects all women – occurs when ovaries produce less estrogen and hormone progesterone and stop laying eggs altogether.

It is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation, although symptoms often persist for years before and after this period.

Menopause is a universal phenomenon, but there are many misunderstandings about it – from symptoms to treatments.

These are some of the usual myths and the most unusual signs.

When does menopause occur?

Women in North America tend to experience menopause between 51 and 52 years old, while the global average is closest to 48.

If it happens before the age of 45, we call it early menopause. Smoking, a hysterectomy and a family history of early menopause are risk factors.

Menopause, which occurs after the age of 55, is considered the menopause of the late start.

The time that leads to menopause is called perimenopause. Typically begins in the late 40s and can last for several years.

Perimenopause is different for every woman. Periods may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter or completely overlooked. Menopause -like symptoms are common during this time.

What are the main symptoms of menopause?

Some women may have a variety of symptoms while others have none.

We categorize symptoms in three ways – physical, psychological and urogenital.

Physical symptoms include hot ignitions and night sweating, which are classic signs of menopause.

Interrupted sleep and heart blazing are also in this group.

Brain fog and mood changes such as anxiety, depression, nervousness and period of rage are among the psychological symptoms.

Women who have had premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysform disorder, postnatal depression or difficult puberty may be more susceptible to mental health battles during menopause.

The final category covers vaginal dryness and changes in urination habits.

Estrogen, the main female sex hormone, drops significantly during menopause. Estrogen decline is responsible for thinning and drying tissue in the urogenital tract, including the vagina and vulva. That is why sex can be painful.

What are some new symptoms?

Some signs are more delicate, such as itchy skin and joint pain.

Estrogen is essential for maintaining skin moisture and elasticity, so the skin becomes thinner and more prone to dryness and irritation in menopause.

A decrease in estrogen can also contribute to increased pain and stiffness of the joints as it plays a role in maintaining healthy joints.

How long do the symptoms last?

We believed that the symptoms of menopause lasted only one year. This is a myth.

In fact, these symptoms can be extended from four to 10 years.

And we have noticed cultural changes in the duration of symptoms.

Black women usually have more severe symptoms that last longer, as up to 10 years, while Hispanic women often experience them for about eight years.

Symptoms of white women usually persist for seven years, while Asian women generally have symptoms for four to six years.

Why do menopause women gain weight?

This is the million dollar question-and complaints number 1.

Menopause women usually place six or eight pounds on their noise.

Weight gain stems from hormonal and living changes and natural loss of lean muscle.

Women tend to maintain fat in their hips and thighs. Estrogen decrease during menopause can cause a shift in the distribution of fat, leading to weight gain mainly to the lower abdomen.

Their shape varies from a pear to an apple due to the extra abdominal fat.

Menopausal women also often do not exercise so much, which affects their weight. Plus, they have lost the lean muscles since the 1930s – a process that accelerates with age and changes in metabolism.

So if their pants suddenly do not fit even though they do nothing wrong or otherwise, it can be really annoying.

Should menopause women get hormone therapy?

Most women can take estrogen and progesterone to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot ignitions, night sweats, heart flaming and even sleep disruption. Sometimes they relieve common pain.

Hormone drugs also have protective benefits. We know that they help reduce the risk of fracture over time.

Osteoporosis is a major problem for women while aging – hormone therapy supports bones. There is also a cardiovascular protection.

Hormones are safer when given to menopause. Far from menopause, hormones become more dangerous than useful.

Are there natural ways to reduce the symptoms of menopause?

Changes in lifestyle can help.

Sleep, a healthy diet, exercise, stress management and social ties are essential to navigate the menopause transition.

Do they only need treatment only severe menopause symptoms?

One menopause is that some symptoms are not worth being treated.

We know that women feel better in the long run when their symptoms are addressed through hormonal treatment, non-hormonal treatment or lifestyle changes.

It is important to remember that every woman has her own experience. Regardless of your situation – you will gather and bloom.

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Dr. Samantha Dunham is a co-director of the center of NYU Langone for Midli-Other health and menopause. She is also a clinical associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.