FAQs About Menopause Signs

The menopausal transition typically begins for women between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can occur earlier for some individuals. Menopause is a natural process that all women go through, resulting from the loss of ovarian follicular function and a decrease in circulating estrogen levels in the bloodstream.

What is the difference between perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause?

Phase	Details
Perimenopause	Also known as “menopause transition,” perimenopause typically begins in your 40s, about eight to ten years before menopause. During this time, your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. In the last one to two years of perimenopause, the drop in estrogen accelerates, and many may experience menopause symptoms, though menstrual cycles continue, and pregnancy is still possible.
Menopause	Menopause marks the end of menstrual periods. At this stage, the ovaries no longer release eggs or produce most of their estrogen. Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation, signifying the end of a woman’s reproductive years.
Post-menopause	Post-menopause begins after a woman has missed her period for a full year and lasts for the rest of her life. Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes may improve, but some women continue to experience symptoms for a decade or more.

Can I still get pregnant when I am reaching menopausal age, and my periods are irregular?

Yes, it is possible to get pregnant when you are reaching menopausal age, particularly during the perimenopause phase. During this time, your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, but you may still have menstrual cycles and ovulate occasionally, meaning pregnancy is still possible. 

Irregular periods are characterised by cycles that are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart, the absence of three or more consecutive periods, and menstrual flow that is either heavier or lighter than usual.

However, as long as you are still experiencing menstrual cycles, even if they are irregular, there is a chance of becoming pregnant. If you do not wish to conceive during this time, it is important to continue using contraception until menopause is confirmed.

Will I get hot flashes during menopause?

Yes, hot flashes are a common symptom during menopause. It is described as sudden feelings of heat, which can also cause sweating and discomfort. The intensity and frequency of hot flashes can vary from person to person.

What are the physical changes that I may experience during menopause?

• Vagina dryness: This condition can cause pain and discomfort during sitting, exercising, peeing, and engaging in sexual intercourse.
• Changes to your skin and hair: Your skin, eyes, and mouth may feel dry. You may experience hair loss or thinning too. 
• Joint and muscle aches and pains: The decreasing level of oestrogen impacts your cartilage (connective tissue in joints) together with the replacement of bone, causing inflammation and pain.

What are the other changes that I may experience during menopause?

• Mood changes: You may experience unstable emotions such as irritability, mood swings, or mild depression. However, this may vary from person to person.
• Sleep disturbances: This includes poor sleep, a lack of sleep, having trouble falling or staying asleep., which may affect your overall well-being.
• Weight gain: Hormonal changes increase the possibility of weight gain around the abdomen, instead of the hips and thighs. However, this alone may not be the only cause of weight gain.
• Decrease in libido: The rapid decrease of oestrogen can lower your libido or desire to engage in sexual intercourse and make it harder for you to become aroused.
• Breast pain: Some women who experience mastalgia or sore breasts during menopause may feel burning or throbbing pain in their breasts instead of a dull ache.
• Headaches or migraines: In the years leading up to perimenopause, migraines related to hormonal changes can become more frequent and intense. Some women see improvement in their migraines once their periods stop but tension headaches may worsen.

What are the medical conditions associated with menopausal women?

• Incontinence: You might experience a sudden urge to urinate, or urine may leak during activities like exercising, sneezing, or laughing. Bladder infections also can also be a concern.
• Osteoporosis: The decreasing production of oestrogen leads to bone loss or osteoporosis. Even if you do not experience joint pain or have not had any fractures, you are still at risk for osteoporosis. The condition often shows no symptoms until a bone breaks.
• Cardiovascular diseases: Oestrogen helps to control your cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of fat building up in your arteries, and helps keep your blood vessels healthy. When your oestrogen levels fall, fat can build up in your arteries causing them to become narrower, thus increasing your risk of developing hypertension, coronary heart disease, or stroke.

Do I need to get treatment for menopause?

Treatment may not be necessary because menopause is a natural process that every woman has to go through, unless the symptoms that you are experiencing are disrupting your life.

For some women, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a safe and effective treatment that involves using oestrogen to substitute for the declining levels of this hormone in your body during menopause.

Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to manage mood symptoms if you have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety during the menopausal period.

Your doctor may recommend supplementation intake, such as calcium and vitamin D because your body has become increasingly reliant on vitamins and nutrients to maintain your health.

How do I cope with menopause?

Here are some helpful lifestyle tips that can help you cope with menopause:

• Get adequate quality sleep by practicing consistent sleep routines.
• Eat a healthy diet and calcium-rich food for your bone health.
• Stay physically active and incorporate weight-bearing exercises into your routine.
• Engage in relaxing activities like yoga or meditation.
• Speak with other women who go through the same experience.
• Speak to your doctor before trying herbal supplements or complementary medicines.

Make an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you have questions about menopause, get in touch with us to book an appointment today for a consultation, or visit our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital