What effects do women experience after menopause?

 What effects do women experience after menopause?

Bone density can decrease by 10-20 percent in the first 5-7 years after menopause. This increases the risk of back pain and fractures in minor injuries.

What effects do women experience after menopause?

During perimenopause, estrogen levels decrease and menstruation becomes irregular, which causes various physical and mental symptoms.

When the ovaries' ability to produce eggs decreases and menstruation begins to become irregular, the stage before menopause (perimenopause) begins. During this period, estrogen hormone levels begin to decline and various symptoms appear. There are also racial and cultural differences in this process.

According to the US 'Study of Women's Health Across the Nation', African-American (black) women experience early and premature perimenopause at a higher rate than white women. They have been found to experience vasomotor symptoms – hot flashes, longer-lasting (up to 10 years) and more painful ones, while in white women this lasts an average of only 6.5 years.

Menstrual irregularities occur before menopause. Most women assume that this is ‘the end of their periods’. This is the perimenopause stage. At first, menstrual cycles are short, then become long and irregular.

The amount of bleeding also varies – it can range from spotting to heavy bleeding. Gradually, menstruation stops completely. Vasomotor symptoms begin at the same time or shortly after this. Sudden hot flashes (hot flashes) and night sweats are the main features of menopause. About 75–80 percent of women experience these symptoms. This sudden heat usually starts in the chest, neck and face. The face turns red, sweats and sometimes the heart beats faster. These symptoms usually last for 1–3 minutes.

Declining estrogen affects neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. This can lead to mood swings, irritability, increased anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Night sweats and hot flashes can exacerbate these symptoms. Some women also experience brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty remembering. But society often says, “That’s just how she is now.” This makes women feel more isolated and vulnerable.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is common in many women after menopause. The vagina becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This can cause dryness, burning, and pain during intercourse (dyspareunia). Changes in the bladder and urethra can lead to frequent urination, incontinence, and frequent infections.

As collagen production decreases, skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and drier. Hair may also become weak and fall out. Muscle and joint pain are also common symptoms.

Menopause also has long-term effects. Estrogen helps to store calcium in the bones. Bone density can decrease by 10-20 percent in the first 5-7 years after menopause. This increases the risk of back pain and fractures from minor injuries.

Estrogen deficiency causes changes in blood fat levels, which increases the risk of heart disease. Weight gain and insulin resistance are more common after menopause, which increases the risk of metabolic problems (such as diabetes). But these risks are preventable.