Climax. Author of the article: obstetrician-gynecologist Starostina Antonina Viktorovna.

What is menopause in women: symptoms, age, treatment of possible problems

Menopause (menopause) is a period of gradual decline in the body's reproductive function, which is caused by a decrease in the production of sex hormones. At this stage, menstrual flow (months) becomes irregular, scanty and eventually stops. This occurs due to a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone, depletion of the follicular reserve of the ovaries during menopause, and their atrophy, which leads to a decrease in their weight and size by almost half.

Signs of menopause (Climax), as well as the time of their first appearance, vary and are individual for each woman.

Some may complain of hot flashes, headaches, unstable blood pressure, while others may practically not notice changes in their own body, except for the cessation of menstruation, that is, this period passes without symptoms. If the symptoms of the onset of menopause cause a deterioration in a woman’s quality of life, then appropriate therapy is prescribed, which will be discussed below.

Causes of menopause

This condition is considered physiological and occurs due to natural age-related changes.
The fact is that, unlike male sperm, the number of eggs that mature in a woman’s ovaries is limited and is determined at birth. With each menstrual cycle there are fewer and fewer of them. When there are no eggs left, pregnancy becomes impossible, and the body “turns off” the functions responsible for conceiving and carrying a child. In addition, the ovaries stop producing estrogen, which is responsible for egg implantation and prepares the uterine vessels for feeding the fetus. Due to hormonal changes that occur during menopause, the thickness of the endometrium (the inner mucous layer of the uterus) becomes smaller, as a result of which a woman loses the ability to bear a pregnancy.

This physiological process may speed up. Risk factors for early menopause include an unhealthy lifestyle, intense physical activity, chronic stress, chronic endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism), unfavorable environment, hereditary predisposition, rare sex life, excess weight, poor nutrition and diets.

Menopause in men (andropause) is characterized by a decrease in the production of the male sex hormone - testosterone. The age of its onset also occurs at 45-50 years, and the duration ranges from 2 to 5 years. Childbearing function, like that of women, fades away.

When do the first signs of menopause appear: the age of women

The time of onset of this period is individual for each woman and depends on a number of factors (heredity, general health, number of births in history). On average, the age at which the first symptoms of menopause appear is 50 years, but in some cases, the onset of menopause can be observed at both 40 and 60 years. The greatest intensity of menopause symptoms usually persists for a year, after which it gradually decreases and ends.

Separately, it is worth noting early menopause. Symptoms of this condition can begin as early as 28-30 years of age. If the first signs of menopause occur so early, there is a risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis at a young age.

Expert opinion

The onset of early menopause quite often coincides with a woman’s period of social and sexual activity. Therefore, reducing the intensity of menopause symptoms is important not only from a medical but also from a social point of view.

Obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category Oksana Anatolyevna Gartleb

The first symptoms of menopause in women aged 40-50: how does menopause begin?

Among the main signs of menopause after 40, which appear first, are the following:

• Hot flashes, sweating. Hot flashes are the first signs of menopause, which 75-85% of women experience. Hormonal changes in the body during menopause affect thermoregulation processes. As a result of changes in hormonal levels during menopause, a woman may suddenly experience bouts of fever, which usually last several minutes and go away on their own. The mechanism of their occurrence is associated with the effect of estrogens on the hypothalamus, which contains the thermoregulation center that controls the processes of retaining heat by the body. When the amount of estrogen decreases during menopause, signals are sent to the hypothalamus that the body is overheating, which results in increased sweating and dilation of peripheral blood vessels. At such moments, the woman’s face and neck turn red, beads of sweat appear on the skin, the heartbeat quickens, dizziness, nausea and weakness may be present. At the end of the attack, profuse cold sweat may appear, accompanied by trembling.
• Heart rhythm disturbances during menopause. Tachycardia during menopause is caused by a decrease in estrogen levels, which normally affects the maintenance of normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.
• Dizziness, headache. These symptoms of incipient menopause can be caused by high/low blood pressure, as well as its sudden changes.
• Forgetfulness. Changes in hormonal levels lead to a decrease in vascular tone and affect cerebral circulation, which is why women during menopause complain of memory problems.
• Unstable emotional background during menopause. A decrease in the level of estrogen and endorphins leads to tearfulness, irritability and excessive sentimentality.
• Lack of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). Symptoms of hypothyroidism in menopausal women include apathy, difficulty concentrating, and hair loss.
• Vaginal dryness, itching and burning in the vagina during menopause. Due to a decrease in estrogen levels, there is a decrease in the production of natural vaginal lubrication, the intensity of blood flow in the vessels of the vaginal walls decreases, and thinning of the mucosa occurs. All this leads to dryness and itching; intimacy during menopause causes painful sensations.
• Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is one of the dangerous symptoms of menopause that can lead to bone fractures. The reason for the decrease in bone density is the gradual leaching of calcium from the body, as well as a disruption in the absorption of phosphorus and vitamin D, a lack of silicon, boron, fluorine, magnesium and manganese.
• Gaining excess weight. Weight changes are explained by a decrease in the rate of metabolic processes, an attempt to compensate adipose tissue for extragonadal synthesis of sex hormones, which is one of the characteristic symptoms of female menopause.
• Decreased skin tone. One of the functions of estrogens is to maintain the elasticity of the skin. As the production of these hormones decreases, skin tone deteriorates, resulting in wrinkles, dryness, and flaking during menopause.
• The occurrence of mastopathy and chest pain due to ongoing hormonal changes.

How to ease the course of menopause

It is necessary to make some changes in diet and lifestyle. Eat more dietary fiber and eliminate animal fat. Add a small amount of vegetable fats. Include calcium-rich foods in your diet; the recommended daily calcium intake for women over 50 is 1200 mg. per day, and for better absorption, do not forget about vitamin D.

Alcohol, smoking, caffeine, excessive consumption of salt and protein foods lead to the excretion of calcium in the urine. To reduce temperature changes, avoid spicy and strong drinks and try to lose excess weight. Eat foods containing phytoestrogens - plant compounds similar in structure to estrogen. If you suffer from migraines, limit your intake of tyramine and MSG.

Physical activity speeds up metabolism, improves heart and lung function, slows down the process of bone density decline, normalizes blood pressure, reduces the frequency of temperature changes, and improves mood through the production of endorphins in the brain.

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Problematic features of menopause in women: symptoms and treatment

In some cases, the manifestations of menopause cause a woman such a severe deterioration in her quality of life that she has to seek medical help to reduce them. Below you will find general information regarding the treatment of menopausal symptoms, but remember that treatment should be prescribed by a specialist.

Self-medication can lead to new health problems and worsening symptoms of menopause.

Treatment of hot flashes during menopause

For frequent and intense hot flashes that cause physical and emotional discomfort to a woman, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) medications may be prescribed. They contain analogues of sex hormones - both plant and synthetic origin. More often it is a combined drug based on estrogen and progesterone, which has a protective effect on the uterus (endometrium) and mammary glands.

To achieve the best results, it is advisable to start taking hormone replacement drugs at the very beginning of menopause, when its first symptoms appear. The dosage and regimen should be drawn up by a doctor, taking into account the woman’s general health, medical history, age, TSH, FSH levels.

Despite the fact that menopausal hormone therapy can reduce the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, in some cases its prescription is impossible. We are talking about absolute contraindications to taking MHT - such as heart attack (Infarctus) and/or stroke (Insultus), deep vein thrombosis, renal or liver failure, hormone-dependent oncological diseases, autoimmune diseases.

Preparations based on phytoestrogens, for example, Climafemin Ginocomfort, act as an effective alternative to MHT. This is a dietary supplement that contains the phytoestrogen genistein, an organic substance that helps reduce hot flashes and sweating, normalizes metabolism and hormonal levels, and improves sleep quality. In addition to genistein, the product contains active ingredients such as vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and grape seed extract. All of them have a beneficial effect on a woman’s body, helping to preserve youth and normal well-being.

Treatment of hypertension during menopause

If the symptoms of menopause are accompanied by increased blood pressure, treatment may also include taking antihypertensive drugs (diuretics and diuretics).

Normalization of psycho-emotional state

If during menopause a woman experiences serious emotional instability, even to the point of developing depressive states, she may be recommended sedatives, and in especially severe cases, antidepressants.

Therapy for osteoporosis during menopause

To combat such a symptom of menopause in women as osteoporosis, they are prescribed to take bisphosphonates, calcitonin, strontium preparations, fluoride salts, vitamin-mineral complexes and food supplements containing boron, calcium, vitamins K1 and D. During menopause, it is recommended to include foods in the diet foods rich in calcium and vitamin D (milk, hard cheese, poppy and sesame seeds, soy, nuts, fresh herbs, fish; beef and pork liver, egg yolks, fish oil, cod and halibut liver, butter).

To reduce the manifestations of osteoporosis during menopause, it is necessary to stop smoking, since tobacco helps remove calcium from the body.

Combating vaginal dryness during menopause

To solve the problem of vaginal dryness caused by the onset of menopause, you can use special intimate gels. For example, you can use the Gynocomfort moisturizing gel, which provides relief from natural vaginal secretions and eliminates itching, dryness, burning and irritation in the vagina.

This product was tested during clinical studies conducted at the Department of Dermatovenereology with the clinic of St. Petersburg State Medical University, under the leadership of Ignatovsky A.V. and Sokolovsky E.V. Clinical studies have shown that due to the components included in the gel, the use of the product helps to achieve good hydration.

Neurologist Dmitry Shubin and the appearance of menopause. Live healthy!

The mucus-like consistency of mallow extract, which is part of the product, envelops and moisturizes the mucous membrane of the vulva, has a mild soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on it. Chamomile extract has a beneficial effect on existing microcracks, promoting their speedy regeneration. Panthenol and bisabolol eliminate irritation and have antibacterial properties. Moisturizing gel "Ginocomfort" was developed by specialists from a pharmaceutical company and has the necessary certificates of conformity.

Also, during menopause, a gynecologist may recommend the use of vaginal suppositories containing herbal or synthetic analogues of sex hormones. Some folk remedies for treating crisis symptoms can also be extremely effective. But it is better to coordinate everything with your doctor.

The use of such products helps to normalize the thickness of the mucous membrane during its atrophy, enhance the formation of vaginal secretions, and maintain an optimal level of acidity.

Treatment

Hypertension due to menopause, pressure drops, regular decrease in tonometer readings - all these conditions require drug treatment. Moreover, it is necessary not only to regulate blood pressure, but also to eliminate the main causes that caused the disorder.

List of medications traditionally included in the treatment regimen:

• hormonal drugs to compensate for hormone deficiency;
• homeopathic remedies that strengthen the body, relieve hot flashes and excessive sweating;
• sedatives that calm the nervous system and protect against the effects of stress;
• vitamin complexes that help improve immunity;
• calcium-containing preparations that prevent the development of osteoporosis and strengthen blood vessels.

Specific antihypertensive tablets, such as ACE inhibitors, and diuretics, help combat persistently high blood pressure. These medications are prescribed by the doctor based on the patient’s medical history and current state of health. In addition, treatment includes medications for other diseases that aggravate a woman’s condition during menopause. For example, medications for diabetes.

If a woman is diagnosed with acute hypertension or complicated hypotension, medical examination is indicated. After recovering from a serious condition, the patient is prescribed a treatment regimen aimed at relieving symptoms and eliminating the causes of disorders. A woman should be observed by a specialist throughout the menopause. It is impossible to draw independent conclusions about the advisability of taking certain medications.

How to reduce symptoms and signs of menopause in women: useful tips

With the onset of menopause, it is recommended to adhere to the following recommendations:

• Move more, engage in feasible sports and physical exercise.
• Master breathing and relaxation techniques
• Eat right and stay hydrated.
• Exercise your brain (read, solve crosswords, learn foreign languages).
• Perform exercises that train fine motor skills.

Remember: a correct lifestyle and timely consultation with a doctor if necessary will allow you to reduce unpleasant symptoms during menopause!

Sources:

1. SOFT CLIMAX. Zhexembinova R. S. // Bulletin of surgery of Kazakhstan. – 2011. – No. 4. – P.98.
2. MODEL OF SPECIALIZED CARE FOR WOMEN WITH Climacteric Disorders. Kholodova L.N., Protopopova N.V., Kravchuk L.A., Sharifulin M.A. // Siberian Medical Journal (Irkutsk). – 2004. – P. 76-77.
3. Guide to outpatient care in obstetrics and gynecology / ed. V. E. Radzinsky. — 2nd ed., revised. and additional - M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2014. - 944 p.
4. Gynecology: textbook. for universities / ed. G.M. Savelyeva, V.G. Breusenko. — 4th ed., revised. and additional - M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2012. - 432 p. : ill.
5. https://www.medicinenet.com/menopause/article.htm
6. Menopausal syndrome. EAT. Vikhlyaeva // Guide to endocrine gynecology. - M.: MIA. - 1998. - P. 603-650.
7. Therapy of depressive disorders in general medical practice. Dubnitskaya, E.B. A.V. Andryushchenko // Modern psychiatry. – 1998. – No. 2. – pp. 10-14.
8. Menopause and perimenopausal period. R.B. Jaffe // Reproductive endocrinology. Edited by S.S.K. Yen, R.B. Jaffe. – M.: Medicine. - 1998. - T.2. – pp. 560-586.
9. https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/are-we-there-…
10. https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/symptoms-signs
11. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/menopause/menopausesymptoms

Popular questions

Hello, hot flashes have begun, mood changes have begun, (menopause) the uterus has been removed due to mime.
What can you take in combination with vitamins to reduce this condition? You can start taking Ginocomfort climafemin 1t once a day for 3 months to relieve vegetative storms.

Hello, burning sensation in the vagina, menopause, the doctor prescribed Levomekol ointment, what else can I use?

Hello! In your case, you can use Ginocomfort gel with mallow extract, 1 dose 1 time per day for 10 days, and then 2 times a week for a long time. This product contains herbal components, bisabolol and panthenol, which will moisturize and restore the mucous membranes of the genital tract. In the absence of contraindications, it is possible to use estriol-containing drugs, for example Ornion cream, which will be etiotropic therapy.

Hello! Surgical menopause, breast cancer in 2011. I suffer from vaginal dryness, periodic cystitis and constant vaginitis after each sexual intercourse. What prevention methods are possible? After every contact?

During menopause, you can use products that do not contain hormonal components. In the Gynocomfort line, this requirement is met by a gel with mallow extract. This will help not only moisturize the mucous membranes, but also restore elasticity and aid in regeneration. The gel can be used both before contact and as needed without a time limit.

Hello, I’m 47 years old, menopause has been going on for 5 years now, at 42 it ended and that’s it, at first I didn’t take anything, the condition worsened, hot flashes and mood swings, poor sleep. 3 years ago, on the doctor’s recommendation, I took Femoston 1/5 for a year. I took it for 1 year, felt good, stopped taking it, after all, it’s hormones, now I feel bad again. hot flashes, increased blood pressure, palpitations, poor sleep, hot flashes mainly at night and depression, tell me Ginocomfort Klimafemin could help me or should I take Femoston again?

Hello!
At this stage, you can start by taking Gynocomfort climafemin. This will improve your well-being and you will have time to conduct additional examinations before resuming menopausal hormone therapy, if necessary: ​​pelvic ultrasound, mammography, lipid spectrum, general blood test, TSH level, consultation with a therapist and obstetrician-gynecologist, smears for flora and oncocytology. For an accurate diagnosis, contact a specialist

Tests for menopause

Laboratory tests include blood tests to determine levels of several hormones:

• estradiol is produced by the ovaries and is responsible for the development of eggs and menstruation; during menopause, its concentration decreases;
• Anti-Mullerian hormone is produced by the follicles themselves and regulates their development. By its level, you can determine the supply of full-fledged eggs and, accordingly, the possibility of getting pregnant;
• inhibin B is produced by the ovaries, and a decrease in its concentration in the blood indicates a weakening of ovarian function;
• follicle-stimulating hormone controls the release of estradiol;
• luteinizing hormone affects ovulation processes; its level increases with ovarian pathologies;
• prolactin is responsible for the regulation of menstruation, and in their absence, its concentration decreases;
• thyroid-stimulating hormone: its level is determined to exclude thyroid deficiency (hypothyroidism), which manifests itself with similar symptoms.

Among instrumental examination methods, pelvic ultrasound is used for the differential diagnosis of other diseases, the symptoms of which resemble menopausal changes.
Other examinations (ultrasound of other organs, mammography, general and extended biochemical blood tests, urine tests, smears for the presence of cancer cells) are prescribed in case of complicated menopause or suspicion of concomitant disorders.