What are the symptoms of women's menopause "just beginning" and "about to end"? It is recommended to learn about it early

Ms. Li is a 48-year-old executive of a company with a busy work schedule. In recent months, she found that she became very irritable, often waking up suddenly at night, sweating all over, and feeling exhausted during the day. Her menstruation also became irregular, sometimes not coming for several months. After a doctor's examination, Ms. Li learned that she was in the early stages of menopause, also known as perimenopause. Menopause is a physiological stage that every woman cannot avoid, and it is very important for every woman to understand the manifestations and management methods of menopause. This article will analyze in detail the manifestations of women at the "beginning" and "near the end" of menopause, and provide some suggestions to help women better get through this special period.

Definition and stages of menopause

Menopause generally refers to a woman's transition from her reproductive years to menopause, a process that can last several years or even up to a decade.

There are three main stages of menopause: perimenopause (also called transition), menopause, and postmenopause.

Perimenopause usually begins around age 45, with menopause being the last menstrual period and postmenopause referring to the years after menopause.

Symptoms of perimenopause (the “beginning” of menopause)

Perimenopause is the period of gradual decline in ovarian function, which usually occurs when a woman is in her 40s.

During this period, a woman's body goes through a series of noticeable changes that can sometimes cause discomfort and distress.

1. Irregular menstruation

One of the most notable features of perimenopause is irregular menstrual cycles.

Your periods may become less frequent or more frequent, your cycles may become shorter or longer, or you may not have a period for several months at a time.

This is due to the gradual weakening of ovarian function and fluctuations in estrogen levels.

2. Hot flashes and night sweats

Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause and are characterized by a sudden sensation of heat that usually starts in the chest or face and quickly spreads throughout the body.

Night sweats are a manifestation of hot flashes at night, which can lead to poor sleep quality.

3. Sleep problems

Due to night sweats and other physiological changes, many women experience sleep problems during perimenopause, such as insomnia, easy awakening, and early awakening.

These problems further affect daily life and emotions.

4. Mood swings

Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause drastic changes in mood, such as irritability, anxiety, and depression.

Women may feel emotionally unstable and easily influenced by the outside world during this period.

5. Changes in the reproductive system

As estrogen levels drop, women may experience problems such as vaginal dryness and decreased libido. These changes can affect the quality and pleasure of sex life.

Symptoms of late menopause (the “end” of menopause)

Postmenopause refers to the period after your last menstrual period, which usually begins around age 50.

During this phase, a woman's body gradually adjusts to the absence of estrogen, and while some symptoms may ease, new health challenges may also emerge.

1. Decreased bone density

Estrogen plays an important role in bone density. After menopause, estrogen levels continue to be low, and women's bone density will decrease significantly, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

2. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Estrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. After menopause, the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases, such as hypertension and coronary heart disease.

Women need to pay more attention to heart health and have regular physical examinations.

3. Skin changes

After menopause, the skin loses its elasticity, becomes dry and thin, and is prone to wrinkles.

This is due to a decrease in collagen and elastin, which weakens the skin's ability to repair itself.

4. Weight Gain

A decrease in metabolic rate and hormonal changes can lead to weight gain, especially in the abdomen.

After menopause, women are more likely to accumulate abdominal fat, which not only affects their appearance but also increases the risk of metabolic syndrome.

5. Urinary incontinence and bladder problems

After menopause, many women experience urinary incontinence or bladder control problems due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles.

These problems may interfere with daily living and social activities.

How to cope with menopause

Understanding how menopause manifests is only the first step; coping with these changes and maintaining physical and mental health are equally important.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Eat a healthy diet

Diet plays a key role in managing menopausal symptoms.

Eating more foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables and legumes, can help prevent osteoporosis.

Avoid foods high in fat, sugar, and salt to maintain cardiovascular health.

2. Exercise regularly

Exercise can help control your weight, build bone density, and improve your cardiovascular health.

It is recommended to perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling, and should also be combined with strength training to strengthen muscles and bones.

3. Good sleep

Maintain good sleeping habits and ensure adequate sleep time.

You can improve your sleep quality by adjusting your sleeping environment, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining a regular sleep and sleep schedule.

If your insomnia is severe, consult your doctor for help.

4. Mental Health

Mood swings during menopause require attention.

You can relieve stress through relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation, etc., and seek help from a psychologist if necessary.

It is also important to keep communicating with family and friends and share how you are feeling.

5. Regular physical examinations

After menopause, regular physical examinations are especially important.

Physical examinations can help detect and prevent problems such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease at an early stage.

Regular bone density checks, blood pressure monitoring, and electrocardiograms are recommended.

Menopause is an important stage in a woman's life. It is crucial for every woman to understand the different manifestations of it when it is "just beginning" and "about to end", as well as how to cope with these changes. From irregular menstruation, hot flashes, and sleep problems to decreased bone density and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the changes brought about by menopause are diverse. Through healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep, mental health attention and regular physical examinations, women can better manage menopausal symptoms and maintain physical and mental health. At different stages of menopause, women may face different challenges, but as long as they respond positively and take scientific methods, they can still live a healthy and happy life. I hope this article can provide more women with useful information and suggestions to help them better go through menopause. If you have any questions or experiences, please share and discuss in the comment area. Follow me and take you to learn more about women's health knowledge~