Understanding Menopause: What Are Menopausal Symptoms?

What Is Menopause?

Menopause refers to the period around five years before and after the cessation of menstruation.

Throughout life, women experience several stages. Menstruation begins in adolescence, followed by reproductive maturity, a phase characterized by regular menstrual cycles. As women reach the menopausal phase, menstruation becomes irregular and eventually ceases, marking the beginning of a new stage of life, known as post-menopause.

The average age for menopause is around 50, with the menopausal phase generally spanning from ages 45 to 55. However, the timing varies widely; some women may experience menopause in their early 40s, while others might go through it in their late 50s. The kanji character "更" in “更年期” (menopause) means "to renew," signifying the transition to a new life stage.

What Happens During Menopause?

As a woman’s reproductive years near their end, ovarian activity gradually declines, leading to the eventual cessation of menstruation, which we refer to as menopause. Menstruation becomes increasingly irregular in the years leading up to menopause, making it difficult to pinpoint the end precisely. Menopause is diagnosed retrospectively after 12 months of amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

Physical Changes During Menopause

As women transition into menopause, several physical changes accompany this shift to a new life stage.

• Changes in Ovarian Function

One of the primary changes during menopause is the alteration in ovarian tissue. As the ovaries produce fewer hormones, estrogen levels decline, leading to various physical effects. The loss of ovarian follicles results in the cessation of ovulation and a drop in estrogen levels, which affects not only the reproductive system but also other parts of the body.

• Physical Symptoms

The reduction in estrogen often causes symptoms like hot flashes and excessive sweating. Other symptoms resembling autonomic nervous system disorders, such as fatigue, depressive moods, and insomnia, are also common.

Decreased estrogen also affects organ systems, sometimes leading to reduced bone density and abnormalities in lipid metabolism.

Common Menopausal Symptoms

Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms that frequently occur during menopause.

• Symptoms Related to Blood Vessel Dilation and Heat Regulation

Hot flashes, warmth, facial flushing, and sweating are common. These symptoms arise due to autonomic nervous system imbalances. Menopause affects the body’s ability to regulate blood vessel dilation and constriction, which results in these symptoms.

• Psychological Symptoms

Mood swings, decreased motivation, irritability, emotional instability, and insomnia are typical psychological symptoms. These symptoms also relate to autonomic nervous system disturbances. Estrogen plays a role in serotonin production, and fluctuations can therefore lead to these mood-related symptoms.

• Other Physical Symptoms

Dizziness and palpitations are also common. Additionally, many women experience headaches, shoulder stiffness, and pain in the back or lower back. These symptoms often result from poor blood circulation due to decreased estrogen levels. Cold sensitivity, numbness, and fatigue are other common complaints.

As we can see, menopausal symptoms are varied and can affect multiple aspects of well-being. Rather than enduring these changes as inevitable, women experiencing strong symptoms should consider consulting a gynecologist to explore treatment options and support.