All About Menopause - Symptoms and Treatment

What is menopause?

Also called the climacteric, the term menopause refers to the last menstrual period. However links to the period between the childbearing years, the last normal menses and menstruation. At this stage of a woman's life, which usually occurs between 45 and 55 years, there is progressive loss of function of the ovaries due to aging of these, that cause hormonal changes.

It is a natural event in women's lives and should not be regarded as a disease. However the decline in hormone levels often causes problems concern as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and urinary disorders.

Hormones (estrogen and progesterone) ceasing to be synthesized were responsible for the maintenance of the female genital organs and are associated with metabolic reactions that regulate the calcium, sodium, potassium, water and fats. Due to this the woman may suffer from osteoporosis, have increased blood pressure or weight gain.

Symptoms

The symptoms observed are:

• Vasomotor instability - which consists of hot flashes suddenly flushing, night sweats, palpitations and anxiety;


• Urogenital epithelium atrophy with vaginal dryness, increased susceptibility to vaginal infections, pain during intercourse, and decreased sexual desire;


• Decreased breast size and breast tenderness;


• Osteoporosis;


• Nervousness, anxiety, irritability and depression;


• Fatigue;


• Headaches.

The most characteristic symptoms of menopause and those early and often manifest are hot flashes. Described as a burning sensation in the chest and started spreading over the face, may be associated with:

• Excessive sweating, often at night;


• Skin visibly blushing;


• Tachycardia.

The level of the vaginal mucosa, a structure which is estrogen-dependent, low estrogen is also present and vaginal mucosa atrophy is the pH rises and the vaginal secretion is reduced and can even disappear. This leads to the appearance of comirritacao vaginal dryness, pain and burning during intercourse and susceptibility to infection. Urogenital atrophy, with or without urinary incontinence, can interfere with sexual activity of women and often decreases libido, increases anxiety, affect self-esteem and marital relationships.

The vaginal dryness can be on the surface or in depth. It is manifested through irritation, burning, itching, pain and burning that are most evident during sex. The causes of vaginal dryness surface are varied as recent delivery, oral contraception, sex hurried, psychological problems, etc.. In the case of vaginal dryness, menopause resulting in detail and it is due to reduction of estrogen.

The level of the skin, skin atrophy is rendered low elasticity of tissue and a loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue that affects their wrinkle progression.

The situation arises more often is postmenopausal osteoporosis and effects are often heavy as it can lead to fractures, more or less severe. The central cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis is estrogen deficiency.

Cardiovascular disease is by far the leading cause of death in postmenopausal women in the developed world, far surpassing the mortality due to cancerous disease. In women, the incidence of myocardial infarction has an exponential increase from 50 years of age, the opposite was observed that premenopausal women are relatively protected. Among cardiovascular risk factors is necessary to emphasize the changes related to elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, hypertension, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity.

A general feeling of tiredness is usually referenced by menopausal women. In this complaint is usually associated symptoms:

• Insomnia;


• Nervousness;


• Irritability;


• Anxiety;


• Depression.

Effects of Menopause

As a result of menopause arise serious diseases such as osteoporosis, breast cancer and gynecological and cardiovascular diseases. So at this age a woman should do:

• Rasteio


• Cancer screening breast and uterus;


• Determination of risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a weakening of bones, which lose calcium, becoming more porous and therefore more fragile. Installation is a progressive disease, more common and more severe in women than in men. The symptoms are pain in the bones and frequent fractures.

Risk factors for osteoporosis:

• Thinness;


• Excessive physical activity or inactivity;


• Smoking and alcohol consumption;


• Ingestion of a little milk and dairy products;


• Family history;


• Certain medications such as corticosteroids.

Detection: Bone densitometry.

Cardiovascular Disease

After menopause the cardiovascular problems of the woman the equal of man. The woman no longer has the protection of hormones.

Risk Factors:

• Hypertension;


• Cholesterol;


• Diabetes;


• Obesity;


• Smoking and alcohol consumption.

Detection: Medical.

Breast Cancer

It is the most common cancer in women.

Risk Factors:

• More important:


• Family history.


• Less important:


• Early menstruation;


• Not be pregnant or breastfeeding;


• Late menopause;


• Obesity;


• Diet rich in fats and low in fiber;


• Alcoholism;


• Solar radiation.

Detection:

• Monthly breast palpation;


• Mammography.

Warning Signs:

• Change the color or texture of the breasts;


• Secretions from the nipples;


• Invagination nipple.

Cervical cancer

Risk Factors:

• More important:


• Family history;


• Less important:


• Diabetes;


• Early menstruation;


• Not be pregnant or breastfeeding;


• Late menopause;


• Obesity;


• Diet rich in fats and low in fiber;


• Alcoholism and smoking;


• Solar radiation.

Detection:

• Pap test (smear vaginal and uterine) or Colpocitologia;


• Transvaginal uterine ultrasound.

Warning Signs:

• Postcoital bleeding;


• Whitish discharge with odor;


• Pain in the basin;


• Difficulty urinating.

Ovarian Cancer

Detection: Transvaginal ultrasound.

Treatment

Estrogen replacement therapy

Estradiol is used for hormone replacement therapy. Relieves symptoms and prevents vaginal atrophy and osteoporosis. However, the risk of endometrial cancer, thromboembolism (varices, stroke, etc.). And hypertension are increased. To minimize these risks are administered at low doses and associated with progestogens. In menopausal women without a uterus are used only estrogen.

It is contraindicated when breastfeeding, pregnancy is suspected, have liver problems, or is suspected of having tumors of the ovaries, uterus or breast cancer, suffering from vascular disorders, thromboembolism or have diabetes mellitus.

It is used sometimes to apply vaginal creams containing estrogen that correct post-menopausal vaginal atrophy and with less risk.

Veralipride

It is a non-hormonal therapy for the symptomatic treatment of menopause, especially hot flashes and neurological symptoms. There are benefits in the prevention of osteoporosis and urogenital atrophy.

Is contraindicated in patients with galactorrhoea, and breast disease fibroquistica known or suspected breast cancer.

The treatment is normally of short duration, in cycles of 20 days per month. Should be made periodic examinations to the breasts.

It is an option when there is risk of thromboembolic problems (e.g. varicose veins) or risk of estrogen-dependent carcinoma.

Isoflavones

Isoflavones are substances existing in pulses, in particular soya and lentils and have a beneficial effect in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. This effect was observed in oriental women, consuming soy, which did not suffer from menopausal symptoms so intense.

The administration of these substances supplements in some cases can reduce the symptoms of menopause without apparent side effects. It should, however, be attentive to the vaginal atrophy and osteoporosis which should be treated with appropriate medication, for example, calcium and use of vaginal creams.