Menopause is a pivotal period in women’s lives. It designates the cessation of the functioning of the ovarian cycle, and therefore the end of the periods and the period of fertility. The diagnosis of menopause can be made with certainty after a full year without periods in a woman over 50 years old. Although fortunately we talk about it more and more, the subject still remains taboo for many women who do not dare to talk about what they are going through.
Discussing the subject with your general practitioner or gynecologist is very important, because solutions exist to relieve the symptoms and help you get through this process in the best possible conditions. The hormonal changes linked to menopause, in particular estrogen deficiency, indeed induce a certain number of symptoms. We are talking about climacteric disorders, the intensity and duration of which vary depending on the woman. While some symptoms are very common, others are less well known.
Menopause: what are the main symptoms?
“The most common symptoms are hot flashesdry skin and mucous membranes, weight gain and mood and sleep disorders”, explains Dr Cécile Pénager, gynecologist-obstetrician. Hot flashes are the most common symptom, affecting seven out of ten postmenopausal women. They are characterized by a brutal and sudden sensation of heat accompanied by sweating, redness, sometimes palpitations. Many women also report suffering from dry skin. This can also affect the oral mucosa, with possible oral and dental problems, and the vaginal mucosa, causing pain during sexual intercourse. Many of them also suffer from mood swings and sleep problems.
Less common symptoms of menopause
Some signs of menopause are a little less described, but they should not be overlooked. “This is, for example, the case for joint and muscle pain.”, observes the gynecologist. “Some patients also mention a feeling of mental fogas if their brain was working in slow motion”, adds the specialist. More than just mood swings, women can also suffer from real depression and very debilitating sleep disorders. A medical consultation is then essential. “When patients present with disabling symptoms, when they no longer sleep, have hot flashes or very disabling depressive symptoms, hormonal treatment may be considered.”, specifies the specialist.
Menopause and urinary problems: symptoms to be aware of
Lesser-known symptoms of menopause also include urinary problems. “Due to hormonal deficiency, women can develop overactive bladder and even incontinence. There may be emergencies, women need to go to the toilet more often. When this happens at night, we talk nocturia”, explains Dr. Pénager. The latter adds, however, that if these urinary problems can indeed be linked to menopause, it is nevertheless necessary to consult a urologist to confirm it because other causes are possible.
Thanks to Dr Cécile Pénager, gynecologist-obstetrician.
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