Menopause follow-up and treatment Ankara
What is menopause?
Menopause refers to the period when a woman’s reproductive ability ends and her menstrual cycle ends. It can generally be said that women enter menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, but this age range varies from person to person.
The menopause process usually occurs in three stages.
Perimenopause (Transition period):
This period begins in the mid-40s and continues until menopause occurs. The menstrual cycle may become irregular, and symptoms may occur due to hormonal changes.
Menopause:
Natural menopause: This is the period when a woman’s menstrual cycle ends naturally.
Surgical menopause: Occurs as a result of surgical removal of the uterus or ovaries.
Postmenopause:
The period after menopause. During this period, hormonal changes continue, but the complaints of menopause gradually decrease.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Menstrual irregularity and amenorrhea:
As menopause approaches, the menstrual cycle begins to deteriorate
Hot flashes:
Sudden flushes and a feeling of warmth in the body
Sleep problems:
Irritability
Mood swings:
Symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness and nervousness may be observed
Skin changes:
Thinning, dryness, weakening of collagen support tissue and loss of associated tissue elasticity are observed in the skin.
Osteoporosis:
A decrease in bone mass occurs due to estrogen hormone deficiency.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause:
Thinning, dryness, burning, stinging, itching, sensitivity and complaints related to the urinary tract in vaginal tissue
What are the causes of menopause?
Menopause is associated with hormonal changes related to the decrease in women’s fertility capacity. In particular, the decreased estrogen production by the ovaries plays an important role in this process.
Does hormone replacement therapy relieve menopause symptoms?
Hormone replacement therapy can be used to reduce the risk of hot flashes and osteoporosis, but it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits.
What can be done to protect bone health after menopause?
Taking precautions such as paying attention to calcium and vitamin D intake, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can support bone health.
Can postmenopausal women get pregnant?
Pregnancy is generally not possible after menopause, but the possibility of pregnancy continues until menopause.
What are natural solutions to relieve menopause symptoms?
Many women can use natural methods such as herbal supplements, lifestyle changes, and alternative treatments to relieve menopause symptoms.
What are the effects of hormonal changes after menopause?
Hormonal changes can have an impact on bone health, heart health, skin condition, sexual health, and overall quality of life.
How is sexual health affected after menopause?
A decrease in estrogen levels can lead to problems such as vaginal dryness. It is important to talk about this and seek appropriate treatments.
How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle After Menopause?
Factors such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding stress, and regular health check-ups can support a healthy lifestyle after menopause.
What is bioidentical hormone therapy?
Bioidentical hormone therapy is a treatment method used to regulate hormone levels in a patient’s body or to supplement deficient hormones. This term generally means that the drugs used to correct hormonal imbalances have a similar effect to the original hormones produced by the body. This treatment is often used to manage hormonal changes experienced by women during menopause or to treat other hormone deficiencies.
Bioidentical refers to the fact that the drug is absorbed and distributed in the body at the same speed and to the same extent. Bioidentical hormone therapy includes special formulations used to provide the hormones a patient needs and to correct hormonal imbalances in the body. This treatment is usually customized under the supervision of a doctor and according to the person’s health condition and needs.
For example, bioidentical hormone therapy for women during menopause usually contains estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can help balance the decreasing estrogen levels in the body and relieve menopausal symptoms. However, this treatment option has its advantages and risks, so its suitability for each patient should be carefully considered. The treatment plan is usually determined by individual health status and symptoms.
Does bioidentical hormone therapy increase cancer risk?
The issue of cancer risk associated with hormonal replacement therapy has long been studied by researchers and healthcare professionals.
On the other hand, the relationship between hormone therapy and breast cancer risk is more complex. Some studies have shown an increased risk of breast cancer among women taking hormonal replacement therapy. However, the magnitude of this risk, and especially the duration of treatment, can vary depending on age, general health, and other factors.
The results highlight the complexity of the relationship between hormonal replacement therapy and cancer risk. Therefore, in any case where hormone therapy is considered, the individual’s general health, personal risk factors, and symptoms should be carefully evaluated by the doctor. Before such treatment is started, there should be open communication between the patient and the doctor, and the risks and benefits should be carefully weighed. In addition, regular health checks and follow-ups are important.
What are the recommendations for treating vaginal dryness during menopause?
Vaginal dryness is a common condition during menopause and can cause discomfort, pain, or irritation during sexual intercourse. There are a variety of methods and options for treating vaginal dryness. However, each person is different, so it is important to consult with a health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment. Here are some common methods for treating vaginal dryness:
Vaginal lubricants and gels: Specially formulated vaginal lubricants or gels can help relieve dryness. These products are usually used with the advice of a healthcare professional.
Topical estrogen creams: For some women, topical estrogen applications (in the form of a cream, gel, or ring) can be effective in treating vaginal dryness. However, the risks and benefits of using estrogen should be carefully considered, especially for women who have other health risks associated with using estrogen.
Vaginal moisturizers: Vaginal moisturizers are used to reduce dryness and moisturize vaginal tissue. These products are usually used daily or before sexual activity.
Regular sexual activity: Regular sexual activity can increase the elasticity of vaginal tissue and promote blood flow, providing a natural solution to vaginal dryness.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Hormone replacement therapy can be effective in relieving symptoms of menopause, especially vaginal dryness. However, the risks and benefits of this treatment should be carefully considered.
Nutrition and drinking water: Drinking enough water and paying attention to dietary habits can help maintain overall body health and keep vaginal tissue moist.
Vaginal laser application: Vaginal laser creates partial damage to the subcutaneous tissue, triggering an increase in blood flow and tissue regeneration factors in the area, and tissue repair occurs.
Vaginal hyaluronic acid application: Moisture support injections can be applied into the tissue using special products.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate options for treating vaginal dryness. Before starting any treatment, you should talk to your doctor about your health status and special needs.
What is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause?
A condition in which women experience various changes in the genitourinary system as estrogen levels decrease in the postmenopausal period is called “genitourinary syndrome”. This syndrome is usually called genitourinary atrophy or atrophic vaginitis and can affect women’s sexual health, urinary tract health and overall quality of life.
Symptoms and effects of genitourinary syndrome may include:
Vaginal dryness: The thinning and drying of vaginal tissues due to estrogen deficiency can lead to vaginal dryness. This condition can cause pain and discomfort during intercourse.
Vaginal atrophy: The thinning and loss of elasticity of the vaginal walls can lead to vaginal atrophy. This condition can be associated with pain, burning sensation and discomfort during intercourse.
Urinary tract infections: The thinning and drying of the urinary tract tissues can increase the susceptibility to urinary tract infections. Frequent urination, incontinence and urinary tract infections can be among the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome.
Urinary incontinence: The weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and changes in the urinary tract can cause urinary incontinence problems.
Lack of sexual desire: Sexual problems such as vaginal dryness and pain can cause women to experience a lack of sexual desire.
Itching and burning in the genital area: Changes in the vaginal tissues can cause itching and burning sensations in the genital area.
Genital tenderness: The thinning of the vaginal walls can cause tenderness and discomfort in the genital area. The effects of genitourinary syndrome can vary from person to person, and the symptoms can significantly affect quality of life. Therefore, women with these symptoms should generally talk to a healthcare professional and consider appropriate treatment options. Hormone replacement therapy, local estrogen therapy, and other drug therapies are often options used to manage genitourinary syndrome.
