Let’s embrace the changes during menopause!

What is Menopause? 

Menopause marks a significant change in a woman's life, but it should not frighten us from being our true selves, in all our strength, beauty, and authenticity. From a medical perspective, menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. However, I must say that it is the beginning of new experiences, which should be lived with care and wisdom whenever the time comes for this transition.

Alongside these natural changes in a woman’s body, a series of symptoms can affect her physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. However, with the right strategies and support, women can effectively manage these symptoms and embrace this new chapter of life with confidence and vitality.

Menopause typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55. In healthcare, we define it as the absence of periods for 12 consecutive months, marking the end of the reproductive years. During menopause, women experience hormonal imbalances, as well as a notable decrease in estrogen levels, which can lead to a wide range of physical, emotional, and health-related changes, varying from woman to woman.

Menopause Symptoms 

I believe it's essential that we first try to understand what's happening in our bodies, so let’s review these symptoms to address them effectively. Understanding the cause allows us to find simple yet effective solutions to get through this phase without struggle.

1. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: The sudden feeling of heat, often accompanied by sweating and redness, can disrupt sleep and daily activities.
2. Mood Swings and Irritability: Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even depression.
3. Sleep Disorders: Many women have trouble falling asleep, and wake up frequently during the night, leading to fatigue and sluggishness during the day.
4. Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort: The decrease in estrogen levels can cause thinning and dryness of vaginal tissue, leading to discomfort during sexual intercourse and an increased risk of urinary infections.
5. Changes in Sexual Desire: Some women may experience a decrease in sexual desire due to hormonal changes.
6. Cognitive Changes: Difficulty remembering things and maintaining concentration are common complaints among women during menopause.

Long-term Impact of Menopause on Women's Health 

Menopause can have a significant impact on a woman’s health, especially regarding chronic conditions such as heart health and bone density, alongside an increased risk of chronic diseases. The root of many health problems that arise from menopause is the decline in estrogen levels.

In these circumstances, women have a higher risk of developing heart disease, as estrogen plays a protective role in the cardiovascular system. Another typical health concern for women during menopause is the loss of bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. This is due to the lack of the regulatory effect provided by estrogen that helps protect bone mass.

Therefore, menopause is also associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, particularly metabolic disorders. Two of the most problematic diseases women face during menopause are diabetes and high blood pressure, which not only affect quality of life but also carry major health risks.

To end it on a good note, I want to say that by following a healthy diet and maintaining an active lifestyle, we can avoid many of these problems!

Managing Menopause Symptoms 

Now, let’s get to work. What do we, as pharmacists, suggest to help you manage these symptoms?

First, let’s not panic! The probability of experiencing all these symptoms is low. We simply want to inform you about them to offer solutions. With that in mind, here are some tips for managing menopause symptoms:

1. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy body weight. We also suggest avoiding smoking. All these recommendations can help ease menopause symptoms and promote overall well-being.
2. Pharmaceutical and Supplement Treatments: There are pharmaceutical treatments, as well as dietary supplements and products for intimate wellness, that can effectively alleviate hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms for many women. For example,Menopace original  by Vitabiotics is a special formulation for the menopause period, also available in a variant with added calcium for maximum bone support. At Ditë e Natë Pharmacy, you can also find supplements from other brands such as Doppel Herz and Phyto Garda. For vaginal dryness, you can start using a moisturizing and lubricating product, such as Marvinia cream or Daygin gel. 
3. Alternative Therapies: Some women find relief from menopause symptoms through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. While this approach isn’t for everyone, it might be worth exploring, under the guidance of a qualified professional in the field.
4. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress levels and alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.
5. Create a Sleep-friendly Environment: Establishing a regular sleep schedule and making the sleep environment more conducive to rest can improve sleep quality and reduce menopause’s impact on sleep. Let’s face it, we all need a piece of advice to lead a healthier life. In case of need, we can temporarily help this process with Melatonin supplements. In Ditë e Natë you can find different formulations from Sanavita, Esi , Now  etc.
6. Seek Support: Sharing experiences and seeking support from friends and family can help you cope with the challenges of menopause, both physically and emotionally. Don’t keep what you’re going through to yourself, because you’re not alone!

Menopause is a natural and inevitable phase of life that brings with it a range of physical and emotional changes. While the symptoms can be challenging, they are manageable with the right strategies and support. By following a healthy lifestyle, exploring treatment options, managing stress, prioritizing sleep, and seeking support from healthcare professionals and loved ones, women can effectively manage menopause symptoms and embrace this new chapter with grace and resilience.

MSc. In Pharmacy Beki Kokona