10 Most Common Questions About Menopausal Women, Doctors Are Here to Help Answer!

It is undeniable that “menopause” is one of the concerns for women because as age increases, emotions also change accordingly. Sometimes mood swings and irritability make it hard to distinguish whether these are symptoms of menopause or just personal irritability. Dr. Siri-on Sumalnop, Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in Menopause at the Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital will clarify the most common questions women have about menopause…

 

1. What is menopause?

When women are over 40 years old, ovarian function slows down. Some may experience irregular menstruation, which may initially become more frequent and then gradually become less frequent until it stops completely. This usually occurs between the ages of 47-50 years.

 

2. Why is the age 40+ called “menopause”?

When women reach 40 years and above, most have stable careers, families, and good social lives. Therefore, this age is considered a period of life success. This is why middle-aged women often refer to this period as “menopause.”

 

3. What symptoms are typical of menopause?

In the early stages, menstruation becomes irregular and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as insomnia, mood swings, body and joint aches, fatigue, and general disinterest. Some may also have osteoporosis and high blood cholesterol.

 

4. Is it possible to enter menopause at a young age?

Women who have had their uterus and ovaries completely removed, or those who have undergone radiation or chemotherapy for treatment, often experience premature hormone loss. This causes symptoms similar to menopause but more severe due to sudden hormone deficiency and younger age.

 

5. Do all women experience similar menopause symptoms?

This depends on genetics and behavior. Women who have their ovaries removed at a young age tend to experience faster decline than those who go through natural menopause. However, obese women often have fewer symptoms because they have more hormone reserves stored in their bodies compared to thin women.

 

6. Can women still have children after entering menopause?

Most women entering menopause, usually after age 40, find it difficult to conceive because the ovaries begin to malfunction. Hormone production fluctuates, and ovulation occurs rarely, causing irregular menstruation and reducing the chances of pregnancy.

 

7. Where do sex hormones come from?

During youth, the ovaries produce sex hormones, or estrogen, which promote the development of female characteristics and affect various organs such as bones, blood lipids, brain, mood, mind, and reproductive organs. The ovaries also produce progesterone, which supports pregnancy. When not pregnant, this hormone causes the uterine lining to shed as menstruation.

 

8. What are hot flashes like during menopause?

Hot flashes are sudden feelings of heat on the skin of the head or chest, often accompanied by sweating, chills, fatigue, and dizziness. Some experience these at night. These symptoms usually occur in the first 2-3 years after menstruation stops.

 

9. Burning sensation during sexual intercourse

During menopause, estrogen levels are very low, which can cause burning sensations during intercourse. This is due to dryness and loss of elasticity in the vaginal walls and lining. Additionally, the vagina becomes narrower and shorter, producing less lubrication, leading to pain.

 

10. Urinary incontinence and inability to hold urine

Estrogen deficiency causes tissues and blood vessels around the bladder to atrophy, making it difficult to hold urine. Coughing, sneezing, or laughing hard may cause urine leakage. The lack of estrogen thins the urinary tract lining, making infections easier and sometimes causing cystitis, leading to frequent urination and burning sensations near the end of urination.

 

“Menopause” is manageable by regularly checking your health, taking care of yourself, eating nutritious food, and getting enough rest. This will help extend the period and balance hormones in the body as well.”