Tips to cope with female changes after 40 and 50 years of age

Women: the transition in the reproductive age

Most people are familiar with the word menopause, which refers to a specific event: the last menstruation a woman has in her reproductive years.

It is known that menopause occurs approximately between the ages of 48 and 54, and involves a progressive and gradual process, which is associated with the decrease of female hormones (estrogens and progesterone) by the ovaries.

Until menstruation ceases to appear for a period of more than a year, a woman is said to be in menopause. However, the process has begun several years earlier.

Stages of menopause.

One of the stages of menopause is the perimenopause or transition period, in which the biological, clinical and endocrinological effects begin to occur, approaching the last menstruation and hormonal readjustment.

This occurs between 3 and 5 years before the onset of menopause, and lasts until the first year after its onset. Here the first symptoms appear, such as:

1. Alterations in menstrual cycles (irregular cycles, longer and heavier periods, and intense premenstrual syndrome).
2. Hot flashes or hot flashes (sudden waves of heat in the body, usually in the face and chest). These may be accompanied by palpitations and night sweats.
3. Breast pain
4. Heavy legs
5. Water retention
6. Alterations in the psychic system such as mood swings, irritability, nervousness or depression.
7. Sleep disorders
8. Loss of concentration

Another stage is postmenopause, which begins one year after the last menstruation. "This is the phase that lasts for the rest of the woman's life, where the symptoms of menopause stabilize and may even disappear," explainedDr. Laura Ulate, specialist inEndocrinology at the Clínica Bíblica Hospital.

The possible symptoms at this stage are:

1. Osteoporosis (increased risk of fractures).
2. Cardiovascular problems (heart attacks)
3. Strokes
4. Memory alterations
5. Risk of diabetes and obesity

Various recommendations.

Having a positive attitude towards these changes in women is vital to cope with the most uncomfortable moments of this process. This is a time that can be used to make positive changes in your life, as well as to implement healthier habits.

"Climacteric is not a disease, but a natural stage in the life of women, which involves a series of changes and adjustments to minimize the adverse effects that may occur," added Dr. Ulate.

To control hot flashes, you can use comfortable cotton clothing, leave a fan in the room at night, and keep cold water near you. Also, try to identify different factors that could trigger hot flashes: caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol or stress, among others.

"The use of cold compresses on the shoulders and neck can help, as well as relaxation and breathing exercises," explained the specialist.

It is important to emphasize that smoking causes more hot flashes, but it also increases the risk for women of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, skin affectation and bladder irritation.

Finally, it is advisable to maintain a regular medical control, in order to consider the following aspects:

1. At least once a year, Pap smear (Pap smear), and mammography should be performed.
2. Consult your doctor if the discomfort and changes of the climacteric period are affecting your quality of life, since there is a wide variety of medications and activities that can be used to mitigate the discomfort.
3. Do not take hormonal treatments recommended by non-medical personnel for any reason.

To learn more about this topic, we invite you to watch the webinar organized by Hospital Clínica Bíblica, in the following video: