Symptoms of menopause?5 answersMenopausal symptoms encompass a wide array of manifestations affecting various biological systems. These include central nervous system-related disorders, metabolic changes, cardiovascular issues, musculoskeletal alterations, urogenital and skin atrophy, sexual dysfunction, depressive disorders, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, muscle and joint discomfort, osteoporosis, fatigue, headaches, irritability, and insomnia. While estrogen deprivation plays a significant role in symptom development, factors like ethnicity, geography, and individual characteristics influence symptom prevalence and severity. Vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes, are prevalent during the peri- and postmenopausal period, with varying durations and intensities among women. Additionally, menopausal symptoms can overlap with conditions like Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), necessitating an understanding of the base rates of these symptoms. Menopausal symptoms extend beyond commonly known issues like hot flashes and poor sleep, encompassing a range of distressing manifestations.
What are the specific physical stimulations that have been found to promote menopause care?5 answersPhysical exercise has been found to promote menopause care by improving hormonal balance, body composition, cardiovascular health, and reducing menopausal symptoms. Specific types of physical exercise that have shown benefits during the menopausal period include self-help cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Raja yoga, and health promotion interventions such as menopause consultations, work-life coaching, and physical training. These interventions have been associated with significant improvements in menopausal symptoms, mental resources for work, presenteeism, work and social adjustment, knowledge and attitudes about menopause, and overall quality of life. Additionally, mobile physical activity (PA) interventions in the form of smartphone apps and wearable trackers have been found to be potentially effective in increasing moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among midlife women with menopausal symptoms. These interventions have also shown positive improvements in weight reduction, anxiety management, sleep quality, and menopause-related quality of life.
What are the experiences of women during menopause?5 answersWomen's experiences during menopause vary, but common themes emerge from the abstracts. Women often face physical, mental, and social changes during this period. They may experience symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety, and changes in body composition. Some women view menopause positively, while others find it uncomfortable or challenging. Women seek reassurance about the future and solutions to their problems from healthcare providers, peers, and family. Many women develop coping techniques and find alternative sources of care to manage their symptoms. The current medical model of care and management may not meet the needs of women during menopause, highlighting the need for adequate support structures and nursing interventions.
What are the symptoms of menopause?5 answersThe symptoms of menopause include central nervous system-related disorders, metabolic changes, cardiovascular changes, musculoskeletal changes, urogenital and skin atrophy, sexual dysfunction, vasomotor symptoms (such as hot flashes and night sweats), genitourinary symptoms (such as vulvovaginal irritation and dryness, dyspareunia, urinary problems), changes in sexual function, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life and may vary between individuals depending on various factors such as age, health, social context, environment, and culture. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and vaginal dryness, but it is not recommended for the treatment of chronic diseases of aging. Nonhormonal treatment options for vasomotor symptoms include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and gabapentin. Hormone-free vaginal moisturizers and other medications like ospemifene and intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for genitourinary symptoms. Complementary and alternative treatments such as herbal therapy, reflexology, worship, occupational therapy, thematic spa, cupping, and leech therapy are also used by some women to manage menopausal symptoms.
Why do women have a menopause?5 answersWomen have a menopause due to the ageing of their reproductive organs, particularly the uterus, which limits their ability to carry offspring to term. The menopause is a non-adaptive consequence of two evolutionary developments. The first is the entry of all female gametogonia into meiosis before birth, resulting in a finite store of oocytes in the ovary. The second is the increased longevity of humans compared to other mammals, which leads to the depletion of oocytes in the ovary during middle age. Recent studies on olive baboons and lions suggest that menopause is non-adaptive and occurs due to senescence, rather than any benefits it may provide to offspring survival. Menopause is a natural part of female ageing, typically occurring around 52 years of age, and is caused by ovarian failure. It is associated with hormonal imbalances, decreased production of sex hormones, and physiological changes that can lead to various physical and psychological symptoms.
What are the implications of perimenopause and emotional and psychological wellbeing?4 answersPerimenopause is a complex phase that can have implications for emotional and psychological wellbeing. It is influenced by a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors. The menopausal transition, which includes perimenopause, has been studied extensively in relation to women's mental health. The changes in reproductive hormones and psychosocial life events during this time have been debated as potential risk factors for psychological symptoms and disorders. While some women may experience psychological distress during perimenopause, the majority are resilient and cope well with this transition. Positive well-being may be largely unaffected by menopause, suggesting that it can serve as a resilience factor for women to navigate the challenges of midlife. The relationship between perimenopause and mental health is complex, involving hormonal vulnerability, psychosocial resources, overall well-being, and coping demands. Taking a biopsychosocial approach is important for understanding and addressing mental health difficulties during perimenopause.