HEALTH - Let Us Talk About Menopause

LET US TALK ABOUT MENOPAUSE

Written By Rhoda Mafukidze

WHY BOTHER ABOUT THIS TOPIC?

• UNDERSTANDING MENOPAUSE HELPS THE AFFECTED WOMAN TO MOVE

THROUGH THE PROCESS MORE SMOOTHLY THAN A WOMAN WHO BEGINS

WITH LITTLE OR NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROCESS. • EVERYONE, MALE OR FEMALE HAS TO UNDERSTAND MENOPAUSE SO THAT

THEY CAN BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND AND EMPATHISE WITH A SIGNIFICANT

OTHER GOING THROUGH THIS NATURAL PROCESS.

DEFINITIONS

PERIMENOPAUSE – The beginning of a process that may last 6-10 years. levels of estrogen production fluctuate over a period of +/-10 years.

MENOPAUSE - The physiological period in the life of a woman in which menstruation ceases, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. Also called the CLIMACTERIC. The mean in western countries is approximately 51 years. It is diagnosed after 12 months of amenorrhoea.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS AND MITIGATION FACTORS

• Some women experience very few symptoms, others severe symptoms. All these are linked to decreased oestrogen levels. • VASOMOTOR – vasomotor instability leading to hot flashes, sweating and palpitations. Hot flashes can be alleviated by drinking cool water, avoiding heating up in the first place, wearing loose clothes and where possible avoiding stressors.

• UROGENITAL SYSTEM –

• Atrophy and thinning of the mucosal lining of the urethra, urinary bladder, vagina and vulva. Loss of vaginal elasticity and distensibility. • Decrease in urine pH leading to a malodorous odour because of increased bacterial growth and pruritus. Reduce sugar intake, reduce weight and make use of cotton rather than nylon pants. • Reduced vaginal secretions leading to vaginal dryness, soreness, dyspareunia. One can use

recommended gels such as K-Y jelly. • Urinary frequency and incontinence - due to loss of pelvic muscle tone, and uterine and urethral prolapse. Try to see a gynaecologist or a urologist. • Loss of libido. Like they say, sex is in the mind, remain positive and tell yourself that you can still enjoy sex even after menopause!

• ON PELVIC EXAMINATION -The uterus is smaller, ovaries no longer palpable, fibroids shrink at this age which is an advantage. • BONE METABOLISM – Progressive bone loss leading to osteoporosis: eat well, exercise but do not overdo it. Fall-proof your home to prevent injuries. • CARDIAC FUNCTION – Increased susceptibility to heart disease, have your cholesterol checked regularly, be screened for hypertension, and take medication as prescribed. Once again, a good diet with less fat and carbohydrates is recommended.

EXERCISE!

COGNITIVE, NEUROGENIC AND AFFECTIVE DISTURBANCES • Decrease in estrogen also affects SEROTONIN, a neurotransmitter or brain chemical which causes women to feel good, energetic and to focus more clearly. Less estrogen= less serotonin = affective disturbances. All this can lead to the following:

• Mood changes: take note of your moods and tell yourself, the Joy of the Lord is your strength!

Keep in contact with friends and family, be busy, socialize, cultivate your hobby, go to church if you are a Christian like me, pray and meditate on the goodness of the Lord. If you feel overwhelmed do not hesitate to see a family doctor, a counsellor or a psychologist. • Insomnia - so you cannot sleep? Be active during

the day so that at night your body and mind are tired and ready to sleep. Avoid fluids after 6pm so that a full bladder does not disturb your sleep. Do something that • facilitates sleep when it’s bedtime, could be reading, listening to soft music etc. • Hypersomnia - maybe you actually feel sleepy all the time? Make sure you have at least 6-7 hours of sleep every night. Do not be tempted to take too much caffeine and other stimulants as these can cause harm to your cardiovascular system. • Feelings of worthlessness - self talk is very important. Once again for me as a Believer, I would tell myself that I am a child of the living God, above and not beneath, full of joy and peace, a mountain mover and I can do all things through Christ. If these feelings persist, see your Psychologist. • Decreased concentration: Try to do activities that

you enjoy, also activities that stimulate your brain. • Indecisiveness: Because now you know that this is a side effect, when you feel like ignoring something, postponing a decision, push and encourage yourself to make that decision. • Depression: This is time to definitely see a psychologist or even your GP.

You might or might not need some medication. • Anxiety - avoid where possible situations that you know are likely to induce anxiety. Cast all your cares and burdens upon the Lord! • Headaches: You will need a health assessment to determine the cause of the headache. Is it associated with stress? Maybe dehydration? As people get older the thirst mechanism is no longer that active, whether you feel thirst or not, drink at least 2 litres of water per day. Of course your blood pressure and your eyes need to be checked out as well.

• OTHERS • Increased or decreased appetite

leading to weight changes - Once again be health conscious, eat well, eat with others. • Mastodynia - This is breast pain and discomfort in this case caused by hormonal changes of menopause.

With time the discomfort will just disappear. However, just have your breasts examined to make sure there is nothing else brewing. Why not go for a mammogram?

HOW CAN THE EFFECTS OF MENOPAUSE BE FURTHER REDUCED?

As a way of further mitigating the effects of menopause, your doctor can also prescribe:

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT) INDICATIONS

● To provide relief of vasomotor symptoms. ● To reduce risk of unwanted pregnancy, yes you can conceive during the perimenopausal period! ● To avoid irregularities of menstrual cycles ● To preserve bone and prevent osteoporosis ● To lower the risk of coronary artery disease. ● To improve urogenital symptoms

CONTRAINDICATIONS

● History of breast cancer ● History of endometrial cancer ● Severe active liver disease ● Thromboembolic disorders ● Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding ● Endometriosis ● Fibroids

ADVERSE EFFECTS

● Nausea ● Bloating, weight gain ● Fluid retention ● Mood swings ● Breakthrough bleeding ● Breast tenderness

So there we are! You can make a choice, to go through menopause naturally or go on HRT. Talk to your doctor.

I believe this is helpful for those going through menopause. Husbands and all family members, please understand and walk with that special family member as she goes through menopause!

Yours Truly Rhoda Mafukidze (Mrs) Master of Science in Strategic Management, BSc Nursing, Diploma in Nursing Education, Diploma in Operating Theatre Nursing, Diploma Registered General Nurse, Diploma in Theology. Author of: 31 Secrets To A Fail Proof Marriage. +263773541458