In the bustling city of Hong Kong, many women find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities—balancing demanding careers and caring for partners and children. Just as they start to catch their breath as their kids grow older, they face the onset of menopause.
The physical and emotional symptoms that arise during this transition can be quite challenging, especially for those who are already stretched thin. If these menopausal symptoms are not properly managed, they can have a profound impact on a woman's overall health and quality of life.
What are the causes of menopause?
Natural aging proces
Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process for women. This physiological change is characterized by a gradual decline in ovarian function, leading to reduced production of reproductive hormones and eggs. As hormone levels drop, the menstrual cycle becomes increasingly irregular before eventually ceasing altogether.
Surgical intervention
Surgical intervention such as the removal of the ovaries through oophorectomy can also trigger menopause as it halts the ovaries' production of essential hormones like estrogen and progesterone, leading to the sudden onset of menopausal symptoms. Similarly, a hysterectomy, or the surgical removal of the uterus, can also induce menopause even if the ovaries remain intact.
Medical treatment
Certain medical treatments can also cause the ovaries to cease functioning prematurely. Exposure to radiation therapy or chemotherapy, often used in cancer treatment, can damage the ovaries and result in premature ovarian failure, triggering menopause at an earlier age.
When does menopause occur in women?
According to statistical data, the average age of menopause for women in Hong Kong ranges from 46 to 51 years old. However, the actual timing can be influenced by various factors. Some women may experience menopause earlier, even before the age of 45, while others may have their menopause onset around the ages of 52 to 53.
Different stages of menopause
Pre-menopause: The stage before menopause starts. Menstrual cycles are regular, and pregnancy is still possible.
Perimenopause: The transition stage to menopause. Hormonal changes lead to a series of menopausal symptoms, including irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia and mood swings.
Menopause: Menopause is reached when there have been no periods for 12 consecutive months.
Postmenopause: This stage begins 1 year after the last period and continues for the rest of a woman's life. Some menopausal symptoms may persist.
Physiological changes and symptoms of menopause
As women go through menopause, their bodies undergo a series of physiological changes due to the decrease in estrogen levels. These changes affect not only the menstrual cycle but also lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings
- Changes in sexual desire
The decline in estrogen levels can also cause the vaginal skin to become thinner, leading to issues like itching, inflammation, and pain during sexual intercourse. These changes can impact intimacy and sexual life. Additionally, some women may experience urinary system issues such as bladder dysfunction, urinary frequency, and urinary incontinence.
How long do menopause symptoms last?
The duration of the menopausal transition period varies from person to person, with most women beginning to experience menopausal symptoms approximately 4 years before their final menstrual period, and these symptoms may persist for a few years after menopause.
Health Concerns During Menopause
During menopause, women face an increased risk of certain health problems, such as:
- Bone loss and osteoporosis: The decline in estrogen levels accelerates the loss of calcium from the bones, increasing the long-term risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- Cardiovascular disease: Menopausal women experience a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease, approaching levels similar to men of the same age.
In addition to these physiological challenges, menopausal women may also face psychological difficulties, including feelings of low mood, decreased concentration, irritability, and anxiety. If they already have a predisposition to emotional disorders, their condition may become more volatile during this transition.
How to navigating menopause with ease?
Menopause is a natural and transformative phase in a woman's life, and with the right approach, it can be navigated with ease. Here are some suggestions to help make the transition smoother:
Maintain a balanced diet
Include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and high-quality proteins in your diet. Reduce the consumption of processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.
Engage in regular exercise
Participate in moderate aerobic exercises, strength training, or flexibility exercises. Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen muscles, and promote bone health, as well as alleviate anxiety and stress.
Ensure adequate sleep
Establish a comfortable sleep routine and environment. Avoid stimulating foods and drinks before bedtime.
Adopt healthy lifestyle habits
Maintain a positive mindset, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Schedule regular check-ups
Continue regular visits to your healthcare provider for check-ups and screenings. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs and may recommend hormone replacement therapy if necessary.
Hormone Replacement Therapy - Medical treatment for menopause
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) offers effective relief from menopause symptoms by replenishing the body's declining hormone levels with artificially synthesized estrogen and progesterone. HRT comes in various forms, including oral medications, subcutaneous implants, skin patches, and vaginal medications. The treatment plan is tailored to individual symptoms and physical conditions, and comprehensive monitoring of cardiovascular health and bone density is essential for a successful outcome.
While there is a slightly increased risk of breast cancer in women who have used HRT for 5 years or longer, the overall increased risk is small. Additionally, cancers diagnosed in women who had used HRT tend to be less advanced compared to non-users, which may be related to the early detection of lesions due to regular surveillance of HRT users.
World Menopause Day: Empowering Women through the Challenges of Menopause
There is no doubt that menopause can be challenging for many women, leaving some feeling lost. Established in 2014 by the International Menopause Society (IMS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), World Menopause Day aims to raise awareness and empower women navigating this natural transition and beyond. The 2024 theme focuses on addressing controversies around menopause hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as explored in the forthcoming IMS White Paper. This comprehensive report will examine the latest research, guidelines, and perspectives on HRT's benefits, risks, and usage, while also exploring barriers to access.
Ultimately, this supports the broader goal of empowering women to have informed discussions with their healthcare providers about managing their individual needs during the menopausal transition. The aim is to reduce stigma and ensure women feel supported throughout this transformative period of their lives.
For more information of the World Menopause Day, you may visit https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day/
Embracing the Transformative Journey
Menopause is a natural and significant transition in a woman's life that all women must go through. By understanding the physiological changes, managing the symptoms, and adopting a holistic approach to well-being, women can navigate this transformative period with confidence and ease. Regular check-ups, personalized medical advice, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle can help ensure a smooth and empowered journey through menopause.
Reference
- World menopause day. International Menopause Society. (2024, June 11). https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day/
- 輕鬆面對更年期｜何永超醫生 – 寶德醫務集團 (the women's clinic group). 寶德醫務集團（The Women's Clinic Group）. (n.d.). https://twcg.com.hk/hk/education-corner/article/gynaecological-diseases/%E8%BC%95%E9%AC%86%E9%9D%A2%E5%B0%8D%E6%9B%B4%E5%B9%B4%E6%9C%9F%EF%BD%9C%E4%BD%95%E6%B0%B8%E8%B6%85%E9%86%AB%E7%94%9F
- Gulcimen, C. (2024, June 13). World menopause day: A date for all to celebrate. Issviva. https://issviva.co.uk/blogs/blog/world-menopause-day
- World menopause day. International Menopause Society. (2024, June 11). https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day/
