Menopause: What Happens in the Body?

All women eventually go through menopause, which is a natural part of aging. Menopause can vary greatly from one woman to another. Some hardly notice it, while others experience more significant symptoms. Here, you'll learn what menopause involves, what happens in the body, and how you can alleviate the symptoms.

Most women enter menopause, also known as the "transition period," between the ages of 45 and 55. It typically starts with irregular periods that eventually stop, but one of the earliest signs can actually be more frequent periods.

What is Menopause?
When we're born, there are several million immature eggs in the ovaries. Around the egg cells are cells that can produce hormones, such as estrogen. The egg cells and the surrounding cells are called follicles. During puberty, follicles mature, the first ovulation occurs, and this is followed by the first menstruation. As we age, fewer follicles remain, and those that do are less effective at producing estrogen. Ovulation and menstruation become irregular, signaling the start of menopause.

At What Age Does Menopause Occur?
The last period typically occurs around the age of 51, according to studies conducted in Sweden. However, the range is broad, with the last period occurring anywhere between the ages of 40 and 57.

How Long Does Menopause Last?
This varies from person to person. Menopause can last from a few years up to more than a decade. The menstrual cycle is often irregular for several years before the last period.

What Does Menopause Mean?
The point at which menstruation ceases is called menopause. If you haven't had a period for six months, it's likely that the last one—menopause—has occurred. After a year without a period, you can be sure that it won't return. At that point, you no longer need to use contraception.

The Most Common Signs of Menopause
Menopause affects everyone differently. Some women experience almost no symptoms and may feel relieved when their period ends, while others have a more challenging time. Typically, menopause begins with irregular periods that eventually stop, but one of the first signs can also be more frequent periods. Bleeding may also last longer than before.

When estrogen production decreases, it affects many parts of the body, including the uterus, vagina, bones, and brain. This leads to a range of other common symptoms, such as:

1. Hot Flashes
   When estrogen levels decrease, the body's ability to regulate temperature is affected. You may suddenly feel hot and sweaty. The flush often starts around the heart, spreading to the neck, face, hairline, and arms. Some women feel it throughout their bodies. Hot flashes can also be accompanied by palpitations and anxiety. They usually last a few minutes but can last up to an hour.
2. Chills
   After a hot flash, you might experience chills, known as cold flashes. However, these are less common than hot flashes.
3. Sleep Problems
   Hormonal imbalances during menopause can disrupt sleep. Hot flashes may wake you up at night, making it difficult to fall back asleep. If you're feeling down or experiencing PMS-like symptoms, this can also affect your sleep. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep hygiene can help. If the problem persists, estrogen supplements may provide relief—talk to your gynecologist for help.
4. Mood Swings and Depression
   Many women experience symptoms typically associated with PMS, such as mood swings, irritability, and depression. It can be hard to understand why you feel the way you do, and often there's no specific cause other than hormonal changes.
5. Dry Mucous Membranes and Urinary Issues
   The body’s mucous membranes often become thinner and drier during menopause. Your skin becomes drier, your eyes may feel gritty, and your nose and throat can be affected. It's also common for the vaginal lining to become dry and fragile, leading to minor bleeding during sex. Urinary issues, such as frequent urination or a burning sensation when peeing, are also common symptoms. You can learn more about dry and fragile mucous membranes in the genital area.
6. Joint Pain
   One reason for joint pain is aging, as wear and tear are common. However, there’s also evidence that hormonal changes during menopause can affect the joints. Wear on cartilage and joint surfaces can cause damage, leading to joint pain.
7. Bone Health
   Decreased estrogen production accelerates bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. This heightens the risk of fractures, particularly in the wrists, hips, and spine.
8. Weight Gain
   Before menopause, most fat is stored on the thighs, buttocks, and hips. During menopause, fat distribution changes, and more fat is stored around the organs and waist. The risk of high blood lipid levels also increases after your last period. Continue eating healthily and exercising three to four times a week to reduce the risk of weight gain and complications such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.

You can read more about supplements & vitamins during menopause here Supplements & Vitamins During Menopause