Menopause: What to Expect & How to Alleviate Symptoms

What is Menopause?

Menopause marks the permanent cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycles, signaling the end of her reproductive years. Menopause is confirmed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. This transition is a natural part of aging, typically occurring in women during their 40s or 50s.

The phase leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause or the menopausal transition, is when most symptoms begin. These can start months or even years before menstruation stops completely. The intensity and duration of symptoms can vary greatly between individuals and may fluctuate as menopause approaches.

The impact of menopausal symptoms can range from negligible to significant, affecting both physical and mental health.

Symptoms of Perimenopause

Changes in Menstrual Patterns
- In the early stages of perimenopause, menstrual cycles may become shorter
- You might notice a lighter flow
- Periods may become irregular, occurring closer together initially, and then possibly skipping months before returning to regular cycles. As menopause nears, periods often become more spaced out until they cease completely
- Pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause, so if you miss a period, it’s wise to take a pregnancy test as a precaution

Mental Health Symptoms
- Low mood
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Decreased self-esteem
- Difficulty with word recall, memory, and concentration

Physical Changes
- Hot flashes and cold flashes, where your face and upper body suddenly feel hot or cold, sometimes causing dizziness
- Sleep disturbances, potentially due to night sweats, which can lead to daytime irritability
- Heart palpitations
- More intense headaches or migraines
- Muscle and joint pain
- Weight gain and changes in body shape
- Skin becoming dry and itchy
- Reduced libido
- Vaginal dryness, itching, or discomfort during intercourse
- Increased risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Sensitive teeth, gum pain, or other oral issues

Some symptoms, such as joint pain and vaginal dryness, may persist even after menopause is fully established.

Hormonal Contraception

As you approach the age of 55, it’s advisable to discuss discontinuing hormonal contraception with your doctor since pregnancy after this age is exceedingly rare. Hormonal contraceptives can interfere with the natural decline of reproductive hormones during perimenopause and menopause, potentially affecting your menstrual cycles.

It’s also important to remember that the risk of sexually transmitted infections remains during and after menopause, so using condoms is still necessary for protection.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Manage Menopausal Symptoms

There are various lifestyle modifications you can make to help manage menopausal symptoms. These can be small, simple adjustments or more significant changes, depending on what works best for you. Here are some suggestions:

Wear loose, light clothing to help manage hot flashes
Keep your bedroom cool at night to combat night sweats
Consider taking a cold shower, using a fan, or having a cold drink when needed
Reduce stress through regular exercise, yoga, or meditation
Incorporate weight-bearing exercises into your routine to maintain muscle mass and strengthen your bones
Avoid spicy foods, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine
Stick to a consistent sleep schedule to help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm
Eat a balanced diet rich in dairy products to support bone density
Engage with a community or support group to share tips and experiences with others going through similar changes

Managing Symptoms with Natural Therapies

The symptoms of menopause and perimenopause can have a significant impact on your daily life and overall health. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to manage these symptoms, consider natural remedies. While many of these options haven’t been extensively studied, they are generally low-risk if sourced from reputable suppliers. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re taking other medications.

Evening Primrose Oil
- Evening primrose oil, derived from a plant native to North America, has been shown to reduce hot flashes and night sweats in a study. It’s rich in gamma-linolenic acid, which can also promote skin health, reduce pain and inflammation in arthritis, and alleviate PMS symptoms

St John’s Wort
- St John’s Wort, known scientifically as Hypericum perforatum, is commonly used to improve mood, reduce depression, and alleviate anxiety. It may also help reduce hot flashes after several weeks of use. Additionally, it is believed to support heart health and regulate blood sugar levels

Red Clover
- Red clover contains isoflavones, which are similar to estrogen and may help alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. It has also been linked to increased bone density in some studies

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy involves supplementing the body with estrogen, which can alleviate many menopausal symptoms and help prevent bone loss. However, HRT does come with risks, such as an increased likelihood of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer. It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.

There are two main types of HRT:

Systemic Hormone Therapy
- Available in pill, patch, ring, gel, cream, or spray forms
- Contains a higher dose of estrogen
- Helps relieve most menopausal symptoms

Low-Dose Vaginal Products
- Available as a cream, tablet, or ring for localized vaginal estrogen treatment
- Minimal estrogen absorption
- Primarily helps with vaginal and urinary symptoms

At Klinik Genga, we offer a comprehensive approach to managing menopausal symptoms through a unique combination of Neuro Electro Vascular Stimulation, along with personalised medications, vitamins, and supplements.

Visit our clinic in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. We are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.