What are the most common complaints during menopause?

Pre-menopausal stage – The period before menopause is the period before the menstrual cycle begins to change. “It’s a misconception that you can’t experience menopausal symptoms if your menstrual cycle is regular. This is actually possible, because hormone levels actually change before your menstrual cycle changes.” Some women have difficulty sleeping, while others experience tenderness in their breasts or are uncomfortable in their own skin. Read all about the last fertile phase of your life here.

Premenopausal period – Your menstrual cycle begins to change, due to decreased ovarian function and the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This may cause the typical menopausal symptoms listed below. You can read all about perimenopause here.

menopause Menopause is defined as the time when a woman does not have her period for 12 consecutive months. This marks the end of a woman’s fertile phase and the beginning of the post-menopausal phase.

After the menstrual cycle stops – After menopause, a woman enters the postmenopausal stage. This may take many years. During the postmenopausal period, some menopausal symptoms may decrease, while other symptoms may become worse. New health challenges may also be related to aging. From complaints to physical changes: this is post-menopause.

What complaints are associated with menopause?

During menopause, women experience a wide range of physical and emotional complaints due to hormonal changes in their bodies. Outside Research shows that these are the most common menopausal complaints We are:

He is afraid

Up to 80 percent of women experience anxiety during menopause. Anxiety is therefore the most common symptom during menopause and can have a significant impact on a woman’s health at this stage of her life. This anxiety can manifest in different ways, ranging from mild nervousness to severe panic attacks.

During menopause, women often experience hormonal fluctuations, especially low estrogen. These hormonal changes can affect the nervous system and lead to feelings of fear and anxiety. In addition, other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings, can contribute to feelings of anxiety.

exhaustion

A total of 71.5% of women experience physical and mental fatigue during menopause. Many women experience fatigue due to sleep problems, hormonal fluctuations, and other physical symptoms. It is important to get enough rest and prioritize exercise Self care To regain some energy again, such as walking, yoga, and relaxation exercises.

Sleep problems

Many women (61.2%) experience sleep problems during menopause, often due to hot flashes during the night, but also due to hormonal changes that can affect sleep quality. It’s important to maintain good sleep hygiene, such as creating a comfortable sleeping environment and setting a regular sleep schedule. In some cases, consulting a doctor may be helpful to address sleep problems.

Irritability and mood swings

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to mood changes, such as irritability. About 60% of women suffer from this during menopause. It is essential that you take enough time for yourself. For example, exercise regularly, eat healthy, and seek social support. Also talk to a trusted friend or health care professional to express your feelings.

Hot flashes and night sweats

Hot flashes and night sweats are said to be the most common symptoms during pregnancy, but according to the study, these symptoms were reported by only 36.7% of participants. On the other hand, these sudden feelings of heat can lead to excessive sweating and discomfort.

“Some women actually feel very cold. This is also an expression of the body’s thermostat being disrupted,” says Bishai. “What can help combat hot flashes is good sleep hygiene. Make sure you relax before bed, limit screen time to 2 to 3 hours before bed, use the bedroom only for sleeping, go to bed at the same time every day and wake up at the same time every day, and avoid sugars, alcohol and caffeine. Before bedtime.’ You can find more tips against hot flashes here.

Discomfort in joints and muscles

Joint and muscle discomfort are also common complaints that women may experience during menopause. “Estrogen acts as a builder of collagen, helping it maintain elasticity in tendons, joints, and muscles,” Beshai says. When estrogen levels begin to decline during menopause, your joints can become more susceptible to inflammation and wear and tear. Symptoms can range from mild pain and stiffness to severe joint pain and muscle spasms.

It’s important to continue getting enough exercise, such as activities like yoga or walking. Swimming is also a gentle form of exercise to treat joint pain. In addition, various nutrients can contribute to reducing joint pain (during menopause), such as omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and vitamin D.

Furthermore, according to Beshai and Fredevojd, the following symptoms can also occur during menopause:

overweight

Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to changes in body composition. “During menopause, your metabolism slows down. Your muscle mass also decreases and fat takes its place,” says Bishai. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise (cardio and strength training) and a balanced diet to control Gain weight and support the maintenance of muscle mass.

Vaginal dryness and decreased sexual desire

“Estrogen deficiency can also cause vaginal dryness,” says Fredefogad. It’s important to communicate openly with your partner about your needs and concerns. Also when it comes to medical treatments that can help relieve (vaginal) symptoms.

Skin changes

Hormonal changes during menopause can also lead to skin changes, including dryness, loss of elasticity, and wrinkles. It is important to maintain a good skin care routine, including moisturizing, sun protection, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking.

What can you do about menopausal complaints?

“It is no longer fashionable to think that these menopausal complaints are part of it,” says Fredefogd. According to her, there are many methods you can try to relieve these complaints. Furthermore, it is completely normal to seek help when complaints affect your quality of life. “Talk to others about your symptoms, not just your GP, but also your company doctor and employer.”

What can help? Well, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help reduce symptoms and promote a healthy lifestyle. In addition, women may want to consider using hormone therapy and other medical treatments with their doctor. Fredevoogd: “Really sound the alarm if complaints affect your quality of life, for example because you can no longer do your job properly. Or you have a short fuse, which really spoils the atmosphere of the house.

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Corla Fredevoogd is a passionate gynecologist who passionately guides pregnant women and their partners through pregnancy and childbirth at Hagelanden Medical Center. She also loves sharing her experiences about menstruation and menopause. Her professional background includes training at Leiden University, followed by specialization at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), HMC Pronovo.

Mary Beshai is a comprehensive gynecologist who sees women at Hagelanden Medical Center (HMC) and asks all kinds of gynecological help questions such as menstrual disorders, vulvar and cervical abnormalities, contraception, and menopause. Her professional background includes training at Leiden University, followed by specialization at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), HagaZiekenhuis with a menopause distinction at OLVG in Amsterdam.