MENOPAUSE
MENOPAUSE | DR EMMANUEL ATI / GYNAECOLOGIST IN UMHLANGA AREA
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a women’s menstrual cycles.
It generally begins in a women’s late 40’s, or early 50’s when there is a natural decline in the number of hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.
Due to the uncomfortable complications, as your gynaecologist, Dr Ati can assist those with perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.
Menopause occurs for women ages 40-50 and can generally be marked by less frequent menstruation, changes in menstrual bleeding, hot flashes and night sweats.
These symptoms are typically related to peri-menopause, while menopause is usually diagnosed after 12 months of no menstrual bleeding.
Understandably, with the lack of hormones, menopause causes a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as:
- Mood swings
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Reduced sex drive
- Headaches
- Tender breasts
- Shrinking of breasts
- Hair thinning or problems with hair growth
- Insomnia
While menopause is a natural phase of life, Dr Ati can assist with hormonal treatments to relieve these symptoms.
For some medications can be prescribed to help combat the symptoms, or hormone replacement therapy may be able to replace the hormones that are no longer being produced naturally by the body, helping with a range of symptoms. Contact Dr. Ati, your trusted gynecologist in Umhlanga to schedule your next appointment.
Other lifestyle changes may also be helpful for those going through menopause. These include:
- Cooling of hot flashes when they occur with ice packs and fans
- Wear adjustable clothing such as layers to help with cooling
- Put a cold pack under the pillow to ease night sweats
- Relaxation techniques can assist with insomnia and anxiety
- Decreasing vaginal discomfort with some pharmaceuticals and lubricants
- Exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep & eating a balanced diet full of phytoestrogens can help with symptoms
- You should increase your calcium intake by eating foods rich in calcium and taking calcium supplements
