Menopause: 5 Body Changes Women Should Expect

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. During this stage, the female body undergoes several significant changes. One of the most noticeable changes is the cessation of menstrual periods. As women age, their ovaries produce fewer hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. This decline in hormone production leads to various changes in the body.

Indian women typically experience menopause at around 46 years of age, which is at least five years earlier than in Western nations. Menopause has wide-ranging effects on their family and social life, work, everyday activities, and more. The Abbott and Ipsos survey found that over 80% of women believe menopause impacts their personal well-being. Menopause may also lead to effects on a woman’s mental health and cognition, from depression and anxiety to irritability, poor concentration, sleep loss, and memory issues

When it comes to symptoms, while women are aware of commonly associated symptoms, they generally don’t consult a doctor immediately. Amongst those who visited a gynaecologist, approximately 93% of women consulted a gynaecologist three months or more after experiencing symptoms. To help women identify menopausal signs and manage them better, Abbott also released a menopause rating scale. This tool can help women understand the severity of their symptoms while supporting doctors in treatment decision-making and lifestyle suggestions to ease women’s hormonal transition into menopause and beyond.

One of the primary effects of menopause is the occurrence of hot flashes. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of intense heat that can cause sweating, flushing of the skin, and a rapid heartbeat. These episodes can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. Additionally, menopause can also lead to changes in sleep patterns, resulting in insomnia or disrupted sleep.

Another way menopause affects the female body is through changes in bone density. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health, and its decline during menopause can lead to a loss of bone density. This increases the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weak and brittle bones that are more prone to fractures.

Menopause can also impact the cardiovascular system. Estrogen helps maintain healthy blood vessels, and its decline can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels and a higher risk of heart disease. Women may experience changes in blood pressure and an increased risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure or heart attacks.

In addition to physical changes, menopause can also affect a woman's mental and emotional well-being. Hormonal fluctuations during this time can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and feelings of anxiety or depression. Some women may also experience a decline in cognitive function, such as memory problems or difficulty concentrating.

Highlights on menopause

• During menopause, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone.
• This hormonal decline can lead to various physical and emotional changes.
• Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
• Menopause can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, including irregular periods and eventually the cessation of menstruation.
• The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
• Menopause can also result in vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal walls.