Everything You Want to Know About Menopause – and Then Some
Please note that this article is based on Swedish medical advice and guidelines.
Menopause. A word most people have heard – and while we often think we know what it means once we get there, it turns out that much of what we thought we knew isn’t quite accurate. It’s a time of change – sometimes confusing, often frustrating – and that’s exactly why we want to clear up what’s really happening.
What does menopause actually mean? What are the most common symptoms? What can you do when your body starts to feel “not quite like it used to”? And how do you know when it’s time to seek help?
We spoke with Åsa Ghazale, midwife at Akleja Kvinnoklinik (Akleja Women’s Clinic), to get answers to the most common (and uncommon) questions.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is the natural transition when the menstrual cycle gradually ceases and estrogen levels decrease. It usually begins sometime between the ages of 45 and 55. The actual menopause is defined as the point when you haven’t had a period for one full year. The period leading up to that is often called perimenopause or the menopausal transition, and it’s typically when symptoms start to appear.
Some experience many noticeable symptoms that affect daily life, while others pass through menopause with few or none at all.
Common (and Uncommon) Symptoms
The most well-known signs are hot flashes and night sweats, but menopause can show up in many more ways:
Low mood or feelings of depression
PMS-like mood swings
Decreased libido
Vaginal dryness
Sleep problems
Joint and muscle pain
Dry skin, dry eyes, hair loss
Weight gain
Difficulty concentrating
“Many women say they don’t recognize themselves – that they’ve lost their zest for life and that things they used to enjoy no longer feel fun,” says Åsa. “It’s often an aha moment when they seek help. Most women respond very well to treatment and feel like they find themselves again.”
How Do You Know You’re in Menopause?
A clear sign that you’re entering menopause is that your periods become less frequent, as your egg reserve decreases. However, for some women, bleeding may become longer or heavier.
Regardless, it’s mainly your symptoms and how you feel that determine whether you’re in menopause or not. When you meet with a doctor, they’ll make an overall assessment to decide if treatment should begin – blood tests are usualley not necessary. This means you can seek help even if menopause or perimenopause hasn’t been confirmed.
What Kind Of Support is Available?
A visit to a gynecologist or midwife usually starts with a conversation about lifestyle – looking at your overall life situation and the factors that can affect your wellbeing, such as work, relationships, sleep, stress, and diet.
There are medical hormone treatments with estrogen, available as tablets, sprays, patches, or gels. Estrogen is always combined with progesterone. The recommended treatment duration is up to 5 years, but it can be extended if needed.
For those who prefer not to take hormones, there are other options – such as advice on exercise and nutrition, acupuncture, sex therapy, or specialized menopause training.
The chosen treatment, and its duration, is always tailored to the individual. It’s about balancing benefits and potential drawbacks to find the right solution.
What We Wish Every Woman Knew
- You don’t have to suffer – there is help available!
- You don’t need to wait until your periods have stopped.
- Symptoms can easily be mistaken for burnout or depression.
- There are several ways to feel better – both medically and through lifestyle changes.
Checklist: Could It Be Menopause?
Has your period become irregular?
Are you sleeping worse than before?
- Do you feel low and easily irritated?
- Have you lost interest in sex?
- Are you experiencing vaginal dryness?
- Do you have joint pain or stiffness?
- Does your skin or your eyes feel drier?
- Does life feel a bit heavier than usual?
If you answered yes to several of these questions, it might be time to talk to your midwife or gynecologist.
A Final Word from the Midwife
“The most important thing to know is that you’re not alone. Help is available. Many women describe getting the right support as a turning point – like finding their way back to themselves.”
Further Reading & Support
- Learn more about menopause at your healthcare information.
- Explore Miss Mary’s lingerie for menopause
Keywords: menopause, perimenopause, menopause symptoms, signs of menopause, menopause healthcare, menopause medication
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