In life, change is inevitable. Hopefully, we have people to guide us through the transitions, making them a little less stressful. However, sometimes we need to inform and empower ourselves. When my mother passed away at the age of 44, I knew that while she’d been there to help navigate me from adolescence through early adulthood, there were many milestones I’d have to face alone.
Luckily, I ended up working at a company that takes preventive care, and health and well-being, seriously. I’ve had colleagues share their experiences about personal topics such as pregnancy and birth, mammograms, urinary tract infections, and colonoscopies. Their willingness to talk about things people usually don’t want to discuss has helped me through difficult times.
And I’ve also had the opportunity to interview experts in a wide variety of fields for Island Scene magazine and here on islandscene.com. In observance of Menopause Awareness Month, I asked Honolulu ob-gyn and HMSA medical director Stephen Lin, M.D., about a topic more people should be talking about: menopause.
Q&A with Dr. Lin
What’s menopause?
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and is a natural and transformative phase in life. This biological transition affects every woman differently. Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation for at least 12 consecutive months and occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around 51. But it really is a continuum rather than a sudden event.
What causes menopause?
The hormone estrogen, which is produced by the ovaries, begins to fluctuate in your 30s and 40s during a phase called perimenopause. Cycles may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter. You may begin to skip periods. But keep in mind that symptoms of both perimenopause and menopause vary from person to person, and an individual can have different symptoms over the years.
What are some common signs of menopause?
Common signs and symptoms include the following:
- Hot flashes. These are perhaps the most talked about. They can manifest itself by sudden feelings of heat, accompanied by sweating and flushing, but can be milder and more akin to heat intolerance.
- Sleep disturbances. This also a common symptom, and women may experience insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, contributing to fatigue and daytime drowsiness.
- Vaginal and urinary changes. Estrogen is important in the maintenance of the mucosa of the vagina and bladder, and as estrogen drops, increased vaginal and vulvar sensitivity may occur, along with vaginal dryness and increased urination.
- Hormonal fluctuations. A change in hormones may contribute to mood swings, anxiety, decreased libido, and depression.
- Decrease in bone density. Estrogen is linked to bone health, and the decline in estrogen may lead to a decrease in bone density. Sometimes, this bone loss can occur rapidly. This silent bone loss may put you at risk for bone fractures, commonly at the hip, wrist, and spine.
- Increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Cardiac health is also related to estrogen levels, and with the decline in estrogen, there is a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
These changes may aggravate the already complex stresses that exist in most who are in their late 40s. During this time, most are at the peak of their careers with its associated stress. Many have teenagers during this time, which also comes with a whole set of stresses (driving, dating, risky behavior, school, etc.). If you haven’t been paying attention to your own health, some chronic conditions may start to manifest.
What should I do if I think I’m experiencing menopause symptoms?
It’s important to talk to your provider about your risks and symptoms. Being aware and educated about this natural decline in estrogen will empower you to make informed decisions regarding your health and improve your quality of life.
Are there any treatment options for menopause symptoms?
While these symptoms can be challenging, they can be managed. You and your provider can discuss healthy lifestyle changes, options in hormonal and non-hormonal therapy, as well as herbal supplements and over-the-counter products. You’ll learn the risks and benefits of each of these decisions.
Menopause is a unique journey for each woman, and how it manifests is influenced by factors such as genetics, overall health, and lifestyle choices. It’s important to destigmatize menopause in media and education and to promote research and resources focused on menopausal health. You’re not alone on this journey.
Make your health a priority
It’s no surprise that since women tend to take on so many roles in their lives, such as caregiver, provider, housekeeper, and partner, it’s sometimes difficult to prioritize their own health. However, it’s so important to make time for health screenings, doctors’ appointments, self-care, and other things that keep you happy and healthy. Here are some women’s health-related articles to get you started.
