Hormonal Changes During Menopause And Its Potential Effect On Health

This biological transition, typically happening in late 40s to early 50s, involves significant hormonal shifts, particularly a reduction in estrogen levels.

New Delhi: Menopause is a natural life stage for women, typically occurring between the age of 45 and 55, marking the cessation of reproductive capacity. Defined as the absence of menstruation for at least 12 months, menopause signifies the end of the fertile phase. This biological transition, typically happening in late 40s to early 50s, involves significant hormonal shifts, particularly a reduction in estrogen levels, potentially impacting cardiovascular health through various mechanisms. Premature menopause can also occur when a woman's ovaries are affected by treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or removal of ovaries surgically.

Hormonal Changes During Menopause:

Menopause brings about hormonal changes that impact women's physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. Symptoms encompass vasomotor issues like hot flashes and night sweats, as well as vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Sleep disturbances, mood swings, and weakened pelvic floor support leading to uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence are also common. The decline in estrogen post-menopause has long-term effects, elevating cardiovascular disease risk due to the hormone's protective effects. Additionally, reduced estrogen contributes to bone density loss, leading to a higher incidence of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly hip fractures.

Raising awareness about menopause among perimenopausal women is essential. By understanding the physiological aspects of menopause and emphasizing healthy lifestyle choices such as dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and discontinuing smoking or alcohol consumption, the menopausal journey can be significantly improved.

Both non-hormonal and hormonal therapies, along with counselling, can provide relief from both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms.

Dr. Rashmi Dharaskar, Senior Consultant- Surya Mother & Child Super Specialty Hospital, Pune discussed the impact of hormonal changes during menopause on bone health, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being:

Bone Health: The significant decrease in estrogen levels post-menopause directly affects bone health. Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining bone density by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone formation. With declining estrogen, bone resorption might outpace formation, leading to gradual bone density loss and heightened osteoporosis risk. Brittle, fragile bones are indicative of osteoporosis, increasing susceptibility to fractures, particularly in the wrists, hips, and spine.

Cardiovascualr Health: Reproductive hormone production, notably estrogen and progesterone, diminishes during menopause, impacting various body systems. Notably, estrogen safeguards the cardiovascular system, as mentioned earlier. Reduced estrogen after menopause elevates the risk of heart disease, hypertension, unfavorable lipid profile changes, and impaired blood vessel function. The collective effect of these factors increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disorders post-menopause. 

It is crucial to remember that each person's risk differs depending on things like genetics, lifestyle, and general health. Some of these risks can be reduced by leading a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a nutritious diet, quitting smoking, and stress management. In addition, healthcare professionals may advise hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat specific menopause symptoms and perhaps lower cardiovascular risk, but the choice to take HRT should only be made after carefully weighing the risks and benefits. Maintaining cardiovascular health during and after menopause requires routine examinations and consultations with medical professionals.

Overall Well-being: Menopause-induced hormonal changes can also influence a woman's overall well-being. Many women experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can impact physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Mood swings, irritability, and an elevated vulnerability to mood disorders like depression and anxiety can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations during menopause. Sleep disruptions can exacerbate these issues.

Skin Challenges During Menopause:

Dr. Ajay Rana, who is a Dermatologist, Surgeon, Aesthetic Physician and the Founder & Director of ILAMED & Dermalyn Aesthetics talked about the skin problems that a woman may encounter during menopause:

• Skin Dryness and Dehydration: Estrogen, a vital component for maintaining skin moisture, supports the production of hyaluronic acid. As estrogen levels decrease, the skin's capacity to retain moisture diminishes, resulting in dry, flaky, and dehydrated skin.


• Formation of Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Estrogen influences collagen and elastin, crucial elements for skin's elasticity and firmness. Reduced estrogen levels lead to diminished collagen production, contributing to the emergence of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.


• Thinning Skin: Hormonal changes linked with menopause can lead to decreased skin thickness due to reduced collagen and elastin fibers. Thinner skin becomes more vulnerable to bruising, tearing, and other injuries.


• Occurrence of Acne and Breakouts: Surprisingly, some women experience acne or increased breakouts during menopause. Fluctuating hormone levels can stimulate sebum production, clogging pores and resulting in acne outbreaks, particularly around the jawline and chin.


• Uneven Skin Tone and Dark Spots: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger excessive melanin production, causing uneven skin tone and the formation of dark spots, commonly known as age spots or hyperpigmentation.
  

Importance Of Self Care During Menopause:

Menopause, a significant chapter in every woman's life, introduces profound hormonal shifts that influence her physical, emotional, and mental well-being. During this transformative period, prioritizing comprehensive self-care becomes paramount to preempt potential health challenges. From grappling with physical discomforts to weathering emotional upheavals and psychological strains, the spectrum of issues a menopausal woman might encounter is vast. Amid her roles and responsibilities, a woman must allocate ample time to nurture herself, easing the journey through menopause.

Tamanna Singh, a Menopause Coach and the founder of Menoveda, sheds light on the significance of self-care during menopause.

The Unexpected Reverberations Of Menopause On Well-being:

Menopause brings forth an array of unforeseen challenges, capable of impacting both personal and professional spheres. Self-care emerges as a potent tool to fortify the mind and body against these challenges, fostering resilience.

Combating Sleeplessness and Workplace Pressures:

Insomnia, a common companion of menopause, can disrupt sleep patterns, leaving one fatigued and inefficient during the day. By incorporating self-care practices into your nightly routine—such as meditation, reading, or soothing music—you can cultivate improved sleep quality and heightened daytime vitality.

Finding Solace in the Face of Hot Flashes:

The sudden onset of hot flashes, a hallmark of menopause, can trigger discomfort as warmth and perspiration surge unexpectedly. Navigating these episodes tests one's composure, underscoring the urgency of managing these symptoms to regain equilibrium.

Balancing Mood Swings and Interpersonal Relationships:

Menopause ushers in mood swings that manifest unpredictably, potentially straining personal and professional relationships. Mindfulness emerges as a potent ally in maintaining emotional equilibrium, mitigating the impact of these fluctuations.

Nurturing Self-Care: Practical Pointers

To counter physical discomfort and emotional turbulence, adopting these self-care strategies during menopause proves invaluable:

• Embrace Yoga and Meditation: Engaging in daily yoga and meditation sessions serves to restore mental serenity, alleviating anxiety, mood swings, and depression, among other challenges.


• Seek Support: Rather than internalizing emotions, seek solace in your loved ones, sharing your feelings to garner understanding and necessary support.


• Cultivate Nutritious Habits: Prioritize a clean and healthy diet, recognizing the pivotal role of nutrition in managing menopausal symptoms.


• Champion an Active Lifestyle: Regular physical activity not only keeps your muscles engaged but also enhances blood circulation, bolstering your overall well-being.