Thousands of women suffer in “silence,” but there are medical experts that emphasize the solutions that can minimize its impact, which are not always taken seriously.
Excessive heat, facial flushing, irritation, nervousness, and weight gain: Symptoms common to many women and associated with a phase of life that continues to have a negative connotation – menopause. “There is still not much culture surrounding this topic, and patients tend to downplay the symptoms, seeing them as something that happens to all women at a certain point in life,” says an endocrinologist at an event organized by Vichy that aimed at demystifying menopause and confirming that there are ways to improve the quality of life for women during this phase. “Thousands suffer in silence, sometimes for years, and there is no reason for that.”
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Menopause is, according to endocrinologists, “a physiological event that occurs when a woman goes a year or more without a menstrual period, with a marked reduction in estrogen levels.” However, its symptoms “tend to appear many years before. Studies indicate that many women start by experiencing vasomotor symptoms, mood changes, alterations in energy levels, joint pain, and gradual weight gain.” This weight gain is usually the most challenging, and as the specialist emphasizes, “it results from the decrease in estrogen and the relatively stable maintenance of androgens, favoring an increase in the distribution of body fat (especially in the lower limbs) and visceral fat.” But there’s more: the scarcity of estrogen tends to increase appetite because “it affects various brain structures, affecting basal metabolism and eating behavior, reducing satiety and increasing the desire to consume sugar-rich foods.”
Therefore, “during menopause (and throughout life), it is essential to adopt healthy lifestyle habits: regular exercise (aerobic and strength training), a balanced diet (low in fats and sugars, rich in calcium…), sun exposure for adequate levels of vitamin D, regular medical follow-up, and prevention,” adds Carlos Bello, an endocrinology specialist.
And because there is complexity associated with this phase of a woman’s life, the specialist points out that there should be “a multidisciplinary approach with a family doctor, pharmacist, gynecologist, dermatologist, nutritionist, and psychologist. Symptoms vary in intensity and severity for each woman.”
The professionals at the forefront of identifying, informing, and advising women emphasize the importance of treating vaginal dryness, for which relief is available, according to the dermatologist, in the form of “vaginal laser, extremely useful for vaginal rejuvenation, treatment of vaginal atrophy, and stress incontinence. It is a painless and very fast technique, with valid and simple solutions available.”
But indeed, lifestyle habits are an aspect that should not be forgotten. “Lifestyle is very important, and maintaining an active life is essential, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight,” emphasize the medical experts, who also talk about the psychological aspect: “it is imperative to find hobbies that bring us pleasure during menopause. If we are well psychologically, everything else becomes more manageable.”
Sources of Information:
- North American Menopause Society (NAMS) – Information on Menopause Symptoms and Treatments
- Mayo Clinic – Menopause Overview and Treatment
- Harvard Health – Hormonal Changes and Weight Gain During Menopause
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – Menopause Information for Women’s Health
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.