Menopause Support

Managing the Menopausal Journey

Identifying and Easing Symptoms

Menopause is a significant transition in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. It typically occurs around the age of 45 or older and is characterized by the absence of menstrual periods for one year. However, the journey to menopause often begins with a phase known as perimenopause, which can bring its own set of challenges and symptoms. Here we’ll explore how to recognize and treat perimenopause and menopause symptoms, empowering women to navigate this natural phase of life with confidence and grace.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause. This transitional period can vary in length but usually starts in a woman’s 40s. During perimenopause, hormonal changes can trigger a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain, vaginal dryness, mood swings, anxiety, and changes in menstrual patterns. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward managing them effectively.

Menopause

Menopause happens because the woman’s ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Treatment Options

Hormone Therapy

It is systemic estrogen therapy in the form of pills and is a proven and effective treatment for relieving perimenopausal hot flashes and night sweats. However, it’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before considering this option.

Natural Approach

Embracing a healthy lifestyle can also alleviate perimenopause and menopause symptoms. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is crucial to prevent bone loss, a common concern during menopause. Additionally, consuming high-quality protein can help maintain muscle mass, support weight management, and regulate mood and sleep. Staying adequately hydrated is essential for managing weight and reducing symptoms of dryness. In conclusion, perimenopause and menopause are natural phases of a woman’s life that come with their unique set of challenges. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding their causes is the first step toward effective management.

Cycle irregularities due to Hyperprolactinemia

Top things to know

Prolactin is a hormone that is most known for stimulating lactation (breast milk production), but it’s also involved in functions including ovulation, reproduction, immunity, and blood cell formation.
Hyperprolactinemia is a condition where there is an abnormally high amount of prolactin the body.

People with hyperprolactinemia may experience irregular or absent menstrual periods, abnormal breast milk discharge, infertility and sexual side effects.

Hyperprolactinemia tends to most noticeably affect reproductive organs and function. This occurs because prolactin suppresses luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) thus causing luteal phase insufficiencies

A person with hyperprolactinemia may experience :

Long or irregular cycles.
Anovulation (when an egg is not released during a menstrual cycle)
Amenorrhea (absence of periods).
Oligomenorrhea (irregular periods).
Infertility.
The production and discharge of breast milk.
Sexual side effects.
Hirsutism (abnormal hair growth).
Neurological symptoms, such as headaches or problems with their vision (rare).

This ain’t normal as it can lead to anovulatory cycles and infertility so you need a proper treatment if your health care provider finds high serum prolactin leves in your diagnostic test.