No more menstrual bleeding, hurrah? Yes and no. After the menopause, the oestrogen production drops dramatically: it declines with 80%. This can lead to serious health issues. To raise awareness for these risks, the 18th of October is World Menopause Day. Because although you can choose to menstruate or not to menstruate, menopause is something that will happen to all women. It’s wise to be prepared.
Literally, menopause means ‘last menstruation’. In the time before this climacteric (the perimenopause), the ovaries produce less female hormones. The hormonal changes caused by this lower amount of oestrogen can lead to a number of complaints. A small collection: heavy and/or irregular menstruation, hot flashes, night sweats, hairs on your chin, hair loss on your head, insomnia, fatigue, loss of libido, mood changes, anxiety, memory lapses, dry skin, vaginal dryness, joint pain. And that’s just a start.
After the menopause, serious health issues can arise
The premenopause can last for up to ten years. Usually the stereotypical symptoms disappear in the time after the menopause – the postmenopause. That aside, some women still get hot flashes when they’re in their 70s. After the menopause, the production of oestrogen declines with 80%. The body tries to compensate this by producing oestrogen in fatty tissue (hello belly fat, bye bye slim waistline). However, the dramatic decline can also lead to serious health issues, like osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, dementia, cardiovascular diseases, depression and certain types of cancer. That’s why the International Menopause Society (IMS) advises all women aged 50 and above to visit their GP each year, to check on their cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, and eliminate eventual health risks. And that’s also why the 18th of October has been chosen as World Menopause Day.
This year’s theme: Cognition and Mood
Every year, this day has a different theme. The theme for World Menopause Day 2022 is Cognition and Mood. On the IMS website you can find White Papers that provides the latest information regarding this theme and other distress caused by hormonal changes due to menopause.
Have a healthy #worldmenopauseday!
Period! is an independent, online magazine about all aspects of menstruation. Period! is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you’re suffering from medical complaints, always visit your doctor or GP. Editorial articles can contain affiliate links. Sponsored collaborations can be found in the category Spotlight. Do you have any questions? Check our Contact page.
Read also:
10 Reasons to be happy with your period
5 Reasons to visit your GP
Could I have a bleeding disorder?
Perimenopause: it’s sooner than you think, by Kate Codrington
6 Signs you might be in perimenopause, by Emily Barclay
