Women have distinct battles to fight. Hormones add to their challenges with innumerable physical and mental changes occurring in the body that can create havoc. Even being around a woman who is going through menopause can itself demand your attention and empathy that can emotionally drain you. But let us first understand what a woman goes through during menopause, which marks the end of the menstrual cycle occurring after missing periods for 12 months. This phenomenon is observed mostly between the mid-40s to early 50s.
It is a transformative time for a woman impacting physical and emotional health observed due to changes in the levels of female hormones, estrogen, and progesterone. But there are vital changes in a woman’s body that she needs to know about. In fact, each one of us has to know about them as we sensitize ourselves towards her challenges during that period of life where she needs care and comfort.
To confirm if you are going through menopause your doctor might ask you to get the following tests done:
- Blood test to check levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen
- Lipid profile
- Thyroid function test
- Liver and kidney function test
While looking for a diagnostic center to get these tests done visit Sunrise Diagnostic, the best diagnostic center in Pune. Even when your doctor suggests a Sunrise Diagnostic is the right full body health checkup choice.
Let’s turn our attention to the changes that occur in a woman’s body that we all need to be mindful about.
Effect of menopause on the body:
- Lack of libido
The reproductive system entails the primary female hormones; estrogen and progesterone. When the ovarian function declines as women age, ovulation becomes irregular leading to missed periods. Eventually, ovaries don’t ovulate and periods halt completely. When the shedding of an unfertilized egg every month comes to a halt it means the menstruation stops.
How does this impact a woman’s reproductive system?
Well, it lowers the estrogen and progesterone production by ovaries. And when she misses 12 periods in a row, she has entered menopause. Without monthly cycles, the cervical mucus doesn’t thicken, which is observed during ovulation.
Vaginal dryness and lack of libido occur during menopause, but it should not be considered as a permanent effect. During these times, an over-the-counter lubricant may help or your OB-GYN can be consulted.
- Hot flashes and weight gain
The endocrine system encompasses the hormones responsible for reproduction. During menopause, the level of hormones gets affected. In fact the estrogen and progesterone levels dip.
Hot flashes are experienced by women during this time. It is a sudden feeling of hotness, with flushed skin and sweating. This can happen any time during the day or night. Its duration varies from a few seconds to several minutes.
Lifestyle changes can help in managing hot flashes. Yoga, mindful techniques, and meditation are suggested solutions.
During menopause, a woman’s body reserves more energy so your body doesn’t burn calories and fats quickly leading to weight gain. Thus, a woman going through menopause tends to gain weight around the midline.
- Mood swings and lack of sleep
One vital effect is on the mood, a woman might feel extremely elated at one point in time but in the next moment, she is prone to feel low with a lack of enthusiasm.
Mood swings and irritability can be observed during menopause. If the feeling of anxiety and depression continues beyond a couple of weeks it’s time to consult a doctor.
Sleep is compromised during menopause. A drop in the estrogen levels causing hot flashes and sweating at night can keep a woman awake.
- Urine incontinence
When the estrogen levels drop, it may lead to bladder leakage often referred to as incontinence. Women might feel the need to urinate more often or the urine leaks when she laughs, works out, or sneezes. Frequent urge to urinate can lead to a lot of discomforts and it can interfere with her sleep.
- Loss of bone density
This is one of the most prominent effects on a woman’s body. She tends to lose bone density increases the risk of bone fractures. Women are also prone to developing osteoporosis during this stage.
Joints become stiff and achy. Regular exercise and a proper diet can help reduce loss of bone density. Joint pains reduce due to exercising.
Often a lifestyle change can help reduce the impact of menopause. Maintaining a diet, avoiding smoking, regular workouts, exercising, Yoga, pursuing hobbies, and being among your loved ones can all support your mental and physical health.
These are tough times for a woman and Sunrise Diagnostic is here to ease this phase of your life. Get in touch with our team to know more about various Health Checkup packages in Pune.
Choose Sunrise Diagnostic for your checkups and tests.
Trust us and be safe, comfortable, and at ease.
