Menopause causes a physiological change in women's life: how to live with it to the fullest?
Today, in fact, menopause brings about a new challenge for women, who have to find a new balance with their changing body.
WHEN DOES MENOPAUSE OCCUR?
Menopause is a natural part of women's life that usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55. The early symptoms – called vasomotor symptoms (i.e. hot flashes, sweating, tachycardia, sleep disturbances, mood changes) – are due to the lack of hormones, whose levels gradually decrease over the years. These hormones are also the ‘nourishment’ of the vaginal mucosa which undergoes an involution of the tissues, since the ovaries do not produce the same levels of oestrogens as before.
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE
The main symptoms of menopause are caused by the above-mentioned hormonal changes and they can include:
Anxiety and depression;
Headache;
Decreased libido;
Tiredness;
Insomnia;
Hot flashes;
Irritability;
Weight gain;
Osteoporosis;
Loss of memory;
Vaginal dryness.
These symptoms are more intense in women who undergo premature menopause (before the age of 40), iatrogenic (pharmacologically induced) menopause or post-surgery menopause. In these situations/conditions, it is necessary to intervene on the symptoms in order to radically improve the quality of life of the woman.
Another very common circumstance in postmenopausal women is the decrease of the basal metabolic rate, which is linked to hormonal changes. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a new balance that does not lead to weight gain.
To live through these changes more serenely, you need to adapt your lifestyle to the new situation: regular sporting activity is recommended as well as an informed diet. In addition, reducing or eliminating smoking and the consumption of alcohol will help to soothe the impact of menopause on your body.
SEXUALITY AND BODY ACCEPTANCE
As we mentioned earlier, during menopause the production of oestrogens decreases. This makes the vaginal mucosa to lose its nourishment and it leads to its atrophy.
In particular, the mucosa becomes thinner and loses the wrinkled folds that allow it to stretch.
The glycogen – that nourishes the lactobacilli present in the vagina – is lacking; therefore, the PH increases together with infection frequency.
The labia majora lose turgor and tone and they tend to wrinkle, contributing to the discomfort of women who see their bodies change even at the genital level.
In 75% of cases, dryness appears.
In 15% of cases, burning occurs.
Pain during sexual intercourse occurs in 38% of cases, especially during penetration.
Obviously, not only oestrogens but also all hormones decrease in concentration, including DHEA and testosterone which are produced in childbearing age and have an effect on libido.
MENOPAUSE TREATMENT
The gynaecologist is obviously the professional indicated to support the woman in this transition phase, helping her to discover a new reality and a new balance with her body.
There are, in fact, several therapies with bio-identical hormones, laser therapies or therapies that exploit the use of one’s own stem cells of adipose origin, which are capable of reducing both functional and aesthetic symptoms due to menopause.
Furthermore, at Palazzo Fiuggi, a multidisciplinary team is ready to create a program tailored to your needs, whether you want to maintain a healthy weight or improve your well-being.
Thanks to its large facilities, Palazzo Fiuggi also offers a gym with advanced equipment and a room where you can follow our Yoga lessons. Find out more about Palazzo Fiuggi's programs.
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