Guel Zow

Menopause is usually experienced at different ages. Some women experience it later in life, while others experience it earlier than expected. Menopause is a significant change in a woman’s life. Hormones cause many side effects that can differ from woman to woman. Usually, the first sign of menopause is when a woman does not menstruate for several months. Have you missed your period for a while and are you curious to know if your menopause has started? Keep reading to find out more about the symptoms and what to do if you think you’ve reached menopause. 

What is menopause?

Menopause is the period that comes after your menstrual cycle has ended. During this period, your hormone levels will start to drop, causing a stop in the menstrual cycle. This happens most likely between the ages of 45 and 55, but it is also possible to experience menopause earlier, such as in your thirties. Several medical conditions and treatments can also cause the menopause to start earlier. For example, when the ovaries or uterus are removed, or when going through chemotherapy. 

What are the first signs of menopause?

Often, the first thing that a woman experiences is a difference in her menstrual cycle. This could indicate the phase before menopause and is also referred to as perimenopause, or premenopause (Prämenopause in German). You’ll experience symptoms, such as bleeding more or less than usual, periods that last longer than a week, or periods that are very close to each other. 

Besides changes in the menstrual cycle, there are other symptoms that could indicate menopause. You might experience vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and changes in your body composition and physical abilities. There is also a range of emotional symptoms that come with menopause, such as heavy mood swings, sleeping problems, or even depression. Furthermore, a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that menopause significantly influences brain health.

Premenopause lasts for about three to four years. If you’re in premenopause you should continue to take birth control for at least a year after your menstrual cycle seems to have ended. During this year, it is still possible to become pregnant. There is no bleeding anymore, but the body still produces eggs. 

Source: picture from Pixabay.com by Ingela Skullman https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-middle-aged-mischievous-happy-797394/ 07-06-2015

What happens after premenopause?

After you’ve had a period stop for a full consecutive twelve months, menopause has officially started. This typically happens between the age of 45 and 55. During menopause, your ovaries no longer release eggs and hormones. You’ll experience similar symptoms as during premenopause. Women often have strong mood swings during menopause and can even experience depression. You might also experience pain during sexual intercourse.

Menopause is a significant change in a woman’s life. It can change the physical and emotional state, and cause many unpleasant symptoms. It is therefore recommended that you talk to a doctor if you think you have reached menopause. A doctor can give medication to relieve symptoms and refer you to a psychologist if deemed necessary. Talking about the changes that you are experiencing can give great relief and can lower the chance of depression. 

The Rimkus method

Over the last few years, promising studies to fight the symptoms of menopause have been conducted. One of the most promising studies is that of Dr. Volker Rimkus and Dr. Med. Barbara Rimkus. They have developed the Rimkus method, the first treatment method with human-identical (bio-identical) hormones. This hormonal therapy method can significantly reduce the symptoms of menopause.