Menopause is the stage in which the woman’s reproductive system ceases its activity and therefore, she ceases to be fertile. It has clearly recognizable symptoms and yet the period prior to the menopause or the chances of conceiving during this time.
Today we talk about menopause: symptoms, when it usually occurs and what treatments are advisable. In addition, we will explain the options offered by assisted reproduction so that menopausal women can become mothers.
What is menopause?
Menopause entails the end of ovulation and the general stoppage of the activity of the female reproductive system. It is common for it to occur between 45 and 55, although it can also occur before or after that age.
Menopause is caused by hormonal changes experienced by the body, which affect growth, metabolism and sexual function. With age, the ovaries produce less estrogen and testosterone, and this has several consequences. Many of them are related to body temperature or general dryness, since they regulate these parameters.
symptoms of menopause
The most obvious symptom of menopause is the absence of periods, at least for a year. In addition, there are other widespread symptoms among women:
- Hot flashes and night sweats. These are the most common symptoms of menopause and can occur at any time of the day or night. These episodes of intense heat are recurrent and usually last a few minutes. Hot flashes may also be accompanied by chills, sweating, rapid heart rate, dizziness, or nausea.
- Vaginal dryness, also called genitourinary syndrome of menopause. This occurs when the vaginal tissues become less elastic due to a lack of estrogen. Vaginal dryness in turn causes painful intercourse and a greater propensity for urinary tract infections.
- Mood swings, which can lead to depression, and anxiety disorders. The constant hormonal oscillations in this period have as many psychological consequences as the physical ones already mentioned.
Treatment for menopause
It is always convenient to consult a specialist at any sign of menopause, but it is especially advisable to do so if any of these symptoms occur:
- Hot flashes or sweating so bad that you can’t sleep at night
- High and unexplained weight gain in a month
- Persistent fatigue for more than two weeks, even with adequate sleep and a balanced diet
- Unexplained hair loss
Complications derived from menopause
In addition to the symptoms described, menopause can cause a series of complications for which it is convenient to consult a specialist.
- Heart diseases. Menopause increases the risk of cardiovascular disease although it is a low risk
- Estrogen contributes to bone health, so when this hormone is reduced, bones become more brittle and break more easily. The risk of fractures increases
- Sexual dysfunctions, which can refer to any problem that prevents you from enjoying intimate relationships. It could be a loss of interest in sex, a reduction in intensity or frequency, inability to reach climax or orgasm, pain during intercourse due to vaginal dryness
Differences between menopause and perimenopause
The period before menopause is known as perimenopause and can last up to ten years, depending on the genetics and health of each woman. During this time, the body prepares to stop ovulating and menstruating, and irregularities occur in the cycle, heavier or fewer periods than normal, more intense pain… At menopause, the menstrual cycle ceases permanently, that’s the difference.
Each woman is unique and so are her symptoms, also at this stage. Although we have described some effects that affect the vast majority of women, each one can experience them in a different way or at different times.
What is generally advisable is to exercise regularly and eat a proper diet. This will offset the possible adverse effects that the arrival of menopause may entail.
Can I be a mother if I have menopause?
Women who have reached menopause, whether early or not, cannot have a natural pregnancy since they do not ovulate. But a pregnancy is possible thanks to assisted reproduction, since your uterus continues to maintain its functions. It will be a specialist who will determine what state the endometrium is in and how it can be optimally conditioned with hormonal treatment, so that an embryo can implant and develop.
In vitro fertilization is the treatment that allows menopausal women to become mothers, either with donor eggs or with their own, if they have undergone fertility preservation in the past. Likewise, through a previous fertility balance, the specialist will determine if the patient may be a good candidate for ovarian rejuvenation techniques, in which case she could conceive with her own eggs.
For one of our experts to determine the woman’s diagnosis and define the optimal treatment to achieve pregnancy, it is necessary to carry out some previous tests. If you want to have a first appointment in which we will explain everything you need, do not hesitate to call us or leave us your information in our electronic form. Our team will assist you in French and answer any questions you may have about your path to motherhood.
