Understanding Menopause: No Period, New Phase

Menopause- it is like that friend whom we all know but we don’t really know about. We all know what it is, but do we know what it is about? Well, that’s why you have Kofuku!

Let’s get one thing out of the way, it’s a natural transition that women and Assigned Female at Birth, also known as AFABs experience. Despite being an eventuality, it's often shrouded in mystery and even negativity.

But what if we told you menopause can be a time of empowerment, self-discovery, and a whole new chapter for you? Buckle up, because we're about to understand this exciting new chapter together!

It simply marks the end of your menstrual cycle, don’t be surprised. Yay! The monthly subscription to pain does come with an end date. Officially, you've reached menopause when you haven't had a period for 12 consecutive months. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier or later depending on various factors like genetics and lifestyle choices.

So What’s All The Fuss About?

An appropriate du-dum can be heard here because, of course, 12 months of no periods has to have some downsides, right?

During your reproductive years, your ovaries crank out estrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle and influence everything from mood to bone health. Bro has got the range and that’s why, as you approach menopause, these hormone levels’ natural decline can be felt in your bones, no pun intended.

This hormonal shift is what can cause some of the most common menopause symptoms:

• Hot flashes and night sweats : These are the classics, affecting up to 75% of women and AFABs! You feel like a sudden wave of heat radiating from your core and can be quite disruptive to your everyday life. A general feeling of ickiness and running uncomfortably hot.

• Vaginal dryness: This can lead to discomfort during sex and can be refuted with lubricants or by talking to your doctor.

• Sleep disturbances: You might have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep both in the pre-menopause and post-menopause stages as stated in a study by NLM. Creating a strict routine and quality sleep hygiene practices can help circumvent that.

• Mood swings and irritability: Take PMS, but on steroids. Fluctuating hormones and potential sleep issues can contribute to mood changes.

• Changes in memory and concentration: Some women experience "brain fog" during menopause, but Harvard researchers suggest that these issues tend to be mild and temporary.

With all that being said the first good news is, you're absolutely not alone in this. In a study about early menopause back in 2007, 8.4 % of women in the age group of 15-49 were in natural menopause just in India’s major states. That's a whole lot of people going through this transition at the same time!

One way to reduce the fear and misinformation that surrounds this is to talk about it with people who go through menopause.

Are There Any Pros at All?

While some might be disruptive, menopause symptoms don't have to define your experience of reaching a different kind of maturity in your life. Here's why you can approach this with confidence:

• Freedom from periods: No more cramps, fear of leaks, or PMS – a liberation for many women and AFAB folks. The freedom that the sanitary pad advertisements promise (Whisper, we are looking at you).

• A renewed focus on self-care: This is the perfect time to prioritize your health and well-being. Look for new activities, invest in healthy habits, and embrace a lifestyle that makes you feel fantastic without worrying about scheduling your month around that one week from hell.

• A chance to redefine intimacy: Menopause doesn't have to spell the end of a fulfilling sex life. In fact, it could very well be the opposite. Explore lubricants, communicate with your partner, and even consider talking to your doctor about potential treatment options to better enjoy your life.

• Greater emotional strength: You've weathered life's storms (menstrual cycles) and come out stronger on the other side (post-menopausal wellness)! Now be the shepherd and help others.

Now that you know what to expect, it is time to learn how to handle it with ease and welcome this new you! Here are some practical tips:

1. Healthy Habits Rule: A well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise, yeah, the most cliched ones. They are one of the few things that you can control when menopause symptoms are driving you crazy. The next time you’re out grocery shopping, steer your wayward legs away from chips to the fruits, vegetables, and whole grains aisle. With a little bit of lean protein sources like fish and chicken, your balanced diet is practically ready.

Did you know walking for even half an hour could be part of your exercise routine? Regularly exercising, even less intensive activities can make a huge difference in how you feel and how well you sleep. And the better you sleep, the more equipped you are during the transition.

2. Prioritize Sleep: Your days of staying up late without consequences are long gone. We're looking at deep, quality sleep each night. Making a bedtime routine that gradually winds you down can help a lot. This might be something from taking a warm bath, reading a book, or even meditating until you feel calm. Most of all, avoid going the “just one more episode” route and reduce screen-related activities for at least an hour before bed to get the maximum effect of Melatonin.

3. Manage Stress: Stressing out is not just bad for your skin but also can mess with your post-menopausal wellness. As pretentious and overdone as it sounds, doing yoga or any meditative activity that calms you down really does help a lot of people. For the rest of us, doing physical activities that drain excess energy and keep us less antsy is for the win. Sitting still is not for everyone, after all. So, go out once in a while with friends and have some fun, since being around people you love can also be a great stress reliever.

4. Talk to Your Doctor: It will be awkward at first but it's important you know what you're in for. Lay down your concerns and they can help you manage the more annoying symptoms with personalized advice. Don't spare your doctor any detail about your symptoms. That way when they recommend treatment options they're for the things that you're going through.

We've talked about managing symptoms naturally, but what if you're looking for additional support? HRT is an option that you can discuss with your doctor. It basically replaces the hormones that decline during menopause, most commonly estrogen and progesterone. It can come in various forms like pills, patches, creams, gels, or even vaginal rings.

HRT can be incredibly effective in alleviating common symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and even mood swings. It may also help prevent bone loss, a common concern for many after menopause.

However, you have to keep in mind that HRT isn't for everyone. There are potential risks and side effects to consider, such as an increased risk of blood clots in some women and AFABs. It's better to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about your health history and needs, to determine if HRT is the right choice for you. They can better explain the benefits and risks in detail and guide you through the best course of action.

You have to remember one important thing: every woman's experience with menopause is unique. Some women might sail through it with minimal symptoms (like the ones from sanitary pad ads), while others might require more support like Hormone Replacement Therapy, for example. Your health needs cannot be the same as others and frankly, there is no ideal way.

Be ready to welcome this period of no periods with an open heart and an open mind!

Menopause is a natural transition, not something to be feared and shunted. By understanding the way it works, you can better navigate this new chapter with confidence and create a fulfilling life for yourself. That’s the aim of this blog.

So, ditch the negativity and embrace the possibilities ahead! Menopause can be a time of growth, self-discovery, and a renewed appreciation for your amazing body. It's entirely your responsibility to yourself to rewrite the narrative and celebrate this exciting new stage!