11/21/2024

Menopause

What is it?

Menopause is a unique journey for each person with a uterus. It is a natural phase of life when ovaries stop producing eggs. This results in declining levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Menopause is not just a physical transition; it also can affect an individual’s mental and emotional health. As your hormone levels change, you may experience mood swings, anxiety, and even depression. It is important to recognize the symptoms of menopause and understand its potential impacts. It is also important to be aware of the options available to manage menopause in a way that is comfortable and meaningful for you.

Menopause happens in three phases. Click the headers below to learn more about each phase.

Perimenopause (click to expand) »

There is a transitional phase called perimenopause before you reach menopause. Hormone levels fluctuate during perimenopause. This stage typically occurs between the ages 45 and 55 (though it can start earlier). It can last six to eight years.

Symptoms of perimenopause vary for each person. Some people may have no discomfort. Other people may find it challenging to cope.

These symptoms may include:

  • irregular periods
  • hot flashes/flushes
  • night sweats
  • fatigue
  • trouble sleeping
  • a change in sexual desire
  • changes to skin, hair, and nails
  • vaginal fluid changes (vaginal dryness, itching, burning)
  • mood swings
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • headaches/migraines
  • bladder control difficulty
  • memory issues
Menopause (click to expand) »

A person reaches menopause when they have not had a period for 12 months in a row. This happens due to declining hormone levels. The ovaries no longer release an egg every month.

Check out this handout from The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada: ‘What is Menopause?’

Early and Late Menopause

  • Premature menopause happens before age 40.
  • Early menopause typically occurs between ages 40 and 45.
  • Late menopause occurs between age 55 and 60.

Surgical and Medical Menopause

When both ovaries are surgically removed, menopause starts. If the uterus is removed, but the ovaries are not, menopause does not happen immediately. However, menstrual periods will stop. Surgical menopause happens suddenly. It can cause more severe symptoms than natural menopause.

Chemotherapy, radiation, or ovarian suppression therapy can cause medical menopause.
Post-menopause (click to expand) »

The final stage is post-menopause. After reaching menopause, every day after is post-menopause. This lasts for the rest of your life.

People may experience lingering symptoms caused by low levels of hormones, such as:

  • Hot flashes
  • night sweats
  • vaginal fluid changes (vaginal dryness, itching, burning)
  • Sexual discomfort
  • Depression
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Weight changes
  • Skin changes
  • Hair loss
  • urinary incontinence

People in this stage are at an increased risk for health conditions, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and genitourinary issues (issues related to genital and urinary organs).

Management and Treatment

Menopause can be a challenging time in a person’s life. This is due to all the changes it brings.

There are options available to manage the symptoms associated with menopause. These include:

  • hormone-based
  • non-hormonal
  • complementary therapies

Learn more about these options by visiting Menopause and U: Therapies and/or talking to your health-care provider.

Check out the ‘Staying Healthy During and After Menopause’ infographic from the National Institute on Aging.

Sexual Health and Menopause

Sexual activity can still be an important part of a relationship after menopause. There are many benefits to being sexually active in later years. It can help keep sexual organs healthy. For example, it increases blood flow to the genital area, keeping the vagina healthy.

There are some factors that may affect sexual health, including:

  • Vaginal fluid changes (vaginal dryness, itching, burning)
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Recurrent urinary infections
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Decreased sexual desire

There are options available to help with the symptoms. Many individuals maintain good sexual relationships after menopause.

For more information, visit Sex & U and The North American Menopause Society- Sexual Health & Menopause Online or consult your health-care provider.

Podcasts

Resources for Youth

It is important for young people with a uterus to understand the changes their bodies go through as they grow older. It is natural to be curious about these changes. It is a healthy part of the reproductive life cycle.

Check out the video below to help youth understand menopause.

Videos About Menopause

Books and Other Resources

Check out these books at your local NL Public Libraries location!

  • The New Menopause, Mary Claire Haver
  • The Menopause Brain, Lisa Mosconi

Services related to this information:

Eastern-Urban:

 

http://hi.easternhealth.ca/healthy-living/sexual-health/menopause/
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Last updated: 2024-09-25