Hot flashes or hot flashes
Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of perimenopause (time before Menopause)
- They occur because hormonal imbalance affects the thermoregulatory center of the brain causing dilation of the body's blood vessels.
- A hot flash is a sudden sensation of heat that moves to the upper body and face.
- It can be accompanied by profuse sweating and facial flushing.
- The hot flash can last a few seconds or several minutes.
- Some women have hot flashes several times a month and in others they occur several times a day.
- Hot flashes that occur at night can wake you up and make you feel tired and heavy the next day.
- While hot flashes are not harmful, they can be embarrassing and interfere with daily life.
- Treatment of hot flashes is symptomatic
- Become aware that hot flashes will pass soon, breathe deeply and deeply, take a bath, or natural estrogen treatments from plants such as phytoestrogens, Cimífuga or black cohosh, improve symptoms.
- Hormone replacement therapies improve hot flashes but must be prescribed by a Gynecologist.
Recommendations to avoid hot flashes
- Wear light clothing.
- Drink a glass of cold water or go somewhere cooler.
- Try to identify what triggers hot flashes.
- For many women it can be hot drinks, caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, hot weather and even a warm room.
- Wine, especially red, predisposes to hot flashes and night sweats.
A greater knowledge of how we manage it allows us to improve our quality of life and that of those around us
When a woman gets in a bad temper, she is always told: "You are menopausal" and this sounds like an insult, is it true? Is there relationship? what can be done?
- Menopause does not cause depression or a bad mood, but it can accentuate the most vulnerable part of a woman.
- Sudden changes in mood, irritability, low self-esteem or sadness are some psychic symptoms.
- Once you know this, take a deep breath, try to smile and relativize those problems.
- Your brain has certain chemical deficiencies that affect you more than you think.
- Estrogens are linked to neurotransmitters that manage emotions, serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine.
- By lowering estrogen levels, the hormones of happiness, serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine are lowered.
Recommendations to avoid changes in mood:
- Do things that make you feel good.
- Exercise daily in the morning hours.
- Practice stress management techniques.
- Boost your social relationships.
- Take time to yourself.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Always think positive.
Menopause is not a disease but if it is associated with chemical processes that influence your mental well-being and your mood, "menopause is a stage of personal self-knowledge and wisdom for women"
Hormonal imbalance at the time of perimenopause is a reality almost similar to the hormonal imbalance of adolescence, for this reason, emotional vulnerability in both periods of life and hence the nickname of "second adolescence" for the Menopause.
It is undoubted that irritability, depression, bad temper and changes in mood in women can improve with a healthy lifestyle, avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol, eating healthy fish, omega-3-rich vegetables and fruits, grains, almonds, and nuts to regulate insulin, exercise that improves endorphin and serotonin levels to make us feel good, have a restful sleep with normal melatonin release, and practice techniques for managing the stress to improve blood cortisol levels, improves mood swings in both periods of life.
Many women in menopause complain of vaginal dryness that makes it difficult for them to have sex. What can you recommend about it?
As estrogen levels decrease, changes occur in the female intimate area. Over time, the lining of the vaginal canal becomes thinner, dry, and less elastic. The vaginal dryness that occurs can cause pain during intercourse. Vaginal infections can also occur more frequently due to alteration of the vaginal flora. The urinary tract also changes with age. The urethra can become dry, inflamed or irritated. Some women may have to urinate more often. Women are at higher risk for postmenopausal urinary tract infections and urge urinary incontinence
These symptoms improve with:
- Intimate moisturizers and lubricants.
- Estrogen vaginal creams and ovules.
- Hyaluronic acid in gel or applied with micro-injections.
- Serum rich in platelets and stem cells.
- Vaginal rejuvenation with fractional co2 laser.
Tell us about the controversial treatment with hormones for menopause as many women are scared by cancer risk
Today the benefits of hormone replacement treatment are accepted to improve the symptoms of Menopause at the lowest effective concentration for the shortest possible time, as long as the risks versus benefits are evaluated together with the patient to take the best decision
The short and long-term benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) are:
- Relieves hot flashes, irritability, insomnia, and night sweats from Menopause.
- Improves vaginal dryness and genitourinary symptoms.
- Protects against bone loss that occurs at the beginning of Menopause and helps prevent hip and spine fracture.
- Improves dry skin and energy.
- Increases energy and improves mood.
What is the risk of hormone replacement therapy?
Like any treatment, hormonal therapy is not risk-free, so it should be formulated only by a Gynecologist and risks vs. benefits are evaluated together with the patient to make the best decision HRT has been associated with:
- Risk of endometrial cancer which is the lining of the uterus. This risk decreases the combination with progesterone.
- Risk of heart problem when it starts late and only with certain types of hormonal combinations.
- Deep vein thrombosis and major stroke with pills and minor with transdermal gel.
- Hormonal Therapy, combined slightly increased risk of breast cancer.
Today it is recommended that women with a history of hormone-sensitive breast cancer should avoid hormone replacement therapy, HRT combined with slightly increased risk of gallbladder disease (pills)
There are many hormone treatments, which is the best?
Hormone replacement therapy relieves the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, but its treatment must be evaluated by a specialized gynecologist in conjunction with the patient to decide risks versus benefits. In general terms:
- Combined hormone therapy estrogen with progesterone is recommended when the patient has a uterus as it prevents cancer of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus)
- Hormone therapy with estrogen only is recommended when the patient does not have a uterus and therefore there is no risk of endometrial cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy can be given in a number of ways: pills, patches, gels, injections, and vaginal rings. in this way the hormone is released into the blood and moves to the organs and tissues where it is needed.
- Women whose only symptom during menopause is vaginal dryness can receive only estrogen therapy locally in the form of an ovum or vaginal cream.
The decision to use hormone replacement therapy
Before making a decision about hormone therapy, a full evaluation should be done with your gynecologist, analyzing the pros and cons of the different treatments based on your personal and family medical history.
Trh use should be limited to the treatment of menopausal symptoms, the lowest effective doses should be used and given for the shortest time possible. When you decide to stop this should be slowly so as not to relapse with the symptoms.
Does menopause make you fat?
Unfortunately, with age, sex hormones are altered, as well as metabolic hormones such as thyroid, cortisol, and insulin, responsible for using the food we eat as energy. On the other hand, we have less activity in our daily life and this produces an imbalance between the calories ingested and those expended, in such a way that the excess calories are stored in the body in the form of fat, and we gain weight. In addition, hormonal imbalance predisposes us to stress and increased levels of cortisol in the blood, with accumulation of fat especially in the abdomen
For this reason, a good diet, regular exercise and practicing stress management techniques help these metabolic hormones work better, especially Insulin, which is triggered if we eat a lot of sweets and runs the risk of ending up in Diabetes type II with all its consequences, obesity, hypertension, increased cholesterol and triglycerides, cardiovascular and neurological problems.
Sex and menopause
Testosterone is the male sex hormone that women produce in small amounts and it is the one that intervenes in the brain by activating the senses and stimulating sexual desire.
In menopause, testosterone levels drop and therefore sexual libido decreases. If we add to this the decrease in vaginal lubrication that makes sexual intercourse difficult due to vaginal dryness caused by the decrease in estrogens, we understand why sexuality is so affected in women during menopause.
What can we do?
- Improve vaginal hydration and lubrication with creams and ovules with and without hormones.
- Improve Testosterone levels with Gel or Pellet (Rejuvchip)
- Natural alternatives such as Macca in pills.
- Psychological therapies.
What are the warning signs for which we should consult during menopause?
During menopause we must always attend the Gynecologist not only for cervical cytology but also to evaluate the hormones and the alterations that their decrease is causing over time, taking into account the alarm signs to rule out a tumor or cancerous problem .
Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse, or at any time in the menstrual cycle other than menstruation
Menstrual bleeding that is heavier or lasts longer than normal
Vaginal bleeding after menopause should always be evaluated by the gynecologist due to a higher risk of tumor problem
Let us remember that a diagnosis in time allows a timely treatment
There are times when many women complain of heavy and painful periods that affect them so much that before the period ends, many women want menopause to come quickly, is this due to a hormonal problem?
It is true, they are the symptoms of perimenopause, the time before menopause and are often associated with heavy, irregular and painful periods.
To understand these changes, we are going to remember that the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone that regulate the menstrual cycle are produced in the ovary during a woman's fertile years. This hormonal balance is affected in the pre-menopausal era.
With age, the ovules in women decrease and this causes a hormonal imbalance that generates abundant and irregular menstruation in women, and a predisposition to generate fibroids, polyps, endometrial hyperplasia for which the gynecologist should always be consulted. < / p>
How should women cope with menopause?
Menopause is not a disease but another stage in a woman's life. It is an important transition that involves a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual evolution, which only resembles adolescence.
Dr. Christiane Northrup, an American gynecologist and obstetrician, gave a holistic turn to menopause, considering the woman as a whole, body, mind and spirit. a new paradigm that is not limited to treating the symptoms of menopause, but helps women to discover the cause of their health problems and to change their living conditions to make this time of transition more bearable. "Menopause is not a time of loss "says Dr. Northrup in her book" wisdom of menopause "that helps us women to interpret the authentic message that the body is sending us and that tells us that" we are in a moment of great vital strengthening and positive energy, a time conducive to liberation and full realization ”.
"Now the interest in raising, producing, caring, working goes to the background and we are entering a new stage of self-knowledge and personal growth"
We continue to export and import in the world.
The experts in feminine spirituality say that each one of the menstrual cycles brings wisdom to the woman.
In the fertile stage, a woman is in contact with her inner wisdom only a few days a month, during menstruation. In menopause the woman comes in contact with that inner wisdom all the time because there is no menstruation. It is a position of constant self-awareness and self-knowledge that we must take advantage of!
If the womb is removed before age 50, can this cause premature menopause?
The removal of the uterus alone does not cause Menopause but the removal of the ovaries does because they are the ones that produce hormones. If the ovaries are healthy, most of the time they are left for Menopause to come naturally and are only removed in older patients to prevent ovarian cancer in patients at risk.
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Does menopause cause trouble sleeping?
Sleep problems are common in perimenopausal women.
- You may have insomnia (trouble falling asleep) or wake up much earlier than usual.
- Night sweats can disturb sleep.
- It is unknown if changes in sleep are part of the aging process, the result of hormonal changes, or a combination of both.
Melatonin is the sleep hormone. It is affected with menopause but also with bad sleep habits. For example, leaving the TV or computer light on inhibits it.
It is also inhibited if we eat heavy at night, take stimulants like caffeine and if we are stressed.
Exercising in the morning and staying active during the day, relaxing an hour before bed, and turning off all the lights help maintain a restful sleep. If it is not enough, there are preparations based on Melatonin that should always be formulated by a specialist.
How true is it that after menopause the risk of bone decalcification increases?
Very true, a small amount of bone loss occurs in both women and men after age 35. However, during the first 4 to 8 years after menopause, more rapid bone loss occurs in women. This rapid loss of bone is due to the progressive decrease in estrogen levels. Extensive bone loss can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis and bone fractures, the highest risk in the hip, wrist, and spine.
Recommendations to avoid decalcification of bones
- Exercise daily accompanied by muscle strengthening that improves bone mass
- Eat foods rich in calcium
- Take Vitamin D
Does the risk of heart problems increase during menopause?
The estrogen produced by a woman's ovaries before menopause protects against heart attacks and strokes. When less estrogen is produced after menopause, women lose much of this protection. At this age is the time when risk factors for heart disease increase, such as high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack and stroke
Hence the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to avoid heart problems after menopause.
There are many women who are afraid and do not want to take hormones, what alternatives do they have?
Many women prefer therapies other than hormonal treatments to treat the symptoms of menopause
- Alternative of plant origin
Medicinal plants and herbs that have been used to relieve symptoms of Menopause include SOYA, COHOSH NEGRO, CIMIFUGA, and Chinese herbal remedies. The safety and efficacy of some of these substances, such as Soy, have only been investigated. An evaluation in conjunction with your doctor is recommended:
- Antidepressants evaluated with Psychiatry
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best recommendation to improve the symptoms of menopause and avoid its problems
Healthy and balanced diet Eating a balanced diet will help you stay healthy before, during and after Menopause. Make sure you eat a variety of foods to have all the nutrients, maintain a diet low in saturated fat but rich in calcium (yogurt, broccoli, sesame). VITAMIN D promotes calcium absorption and can be increased naturally by eating fish such as salmon and tuna, and sunbathing for 15 minutes in the morning.
Exercise is very important especially as the years go by because it has many benefits:
- Improves general health
- Helps maintain body weight
- Strengthens muscles which is good for bones
- Improves balance to avoid falls
- Control blood pressure levels
- Prevents Type II Diabetes and heart problems
- Lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol
- Improves memory and sleep
- Increases energy and feelings of happiness
- Prevents depression and improves mood
What is laser vaginal rejuvenation and how does it improve symptoms caused by vaginal dryness at menopause?
The fractionated co2 laser is the latest in vaginal rejuvenation technology. It is the same laser used to rejuvenate the skin of the face and neck, but adapted to the delicate vaginal tissue. Laser Vaginal Therapy has proven to be effective in restoring collagen and vaginal hydration, increasing lubrication and elasticity, promoting sexual pleasure for women and her partner. It is an office treatment that does not bother or hurt and has no side effects.
What are phytoestrogens?
Phytoestrogens are plant estrogens found naturally in certain foods. There are two main types Isoflavones and Lignans
- Isoflavones are found in: soybeans, lentils, chickpeas and other legumes
- Lignans are found in: flax seeds, whole grains and in some fruits and vegetables
It has not yet been proven whether the estrogens in these foods can relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, but although most studies found that they are not effective, many patients do improve with preparations based on these natural estrogens .
What are bioidentical hormones?
The term bio-identical implies that the hormones in the product are chemically identical to those produced by your body, however, despite the fact that some bio-identical hormones marketed are FDA approved, many that are prepared in pharmacies are not they are
Miranda Gray in her book "Red Moon, the gifts of the menstrual cycle" tells that from this beneficial position of constant awareness, the menopausal woman is by nature a priestess, shaman, healer and seer.
She is a woman who can accompany young women in their life processes because she already knows them and helps them from the understanding and compassion of a wise, strong and powerful woman.
Her mission is to initiate other women into spiritual awareness and help them connect with their divine feminine power
Conclusions of Dra Lucy Abdala, Gynecologist in Barranquilla
Menopause is a natural event, empowering ourselves with knowledge regarding what is happening in our body and how to handle it is important because it helps us face it with a positive attitude.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and visiting your gynecologist regularly will help you feel more motivated in the transition of this time in your life.
Actively participate in the TRH decision and use it when the benefits outweigh the risks
Despite the controversy, HRT continues to be an option with great benefits, individualizing its management according to the symptoms, age and risks of each patient.
Recommendations for menopause
- Menopause is a natural process, let's learn how to manage it, it is important to get physically and emotionally healthy to compensate for hormonal variations and accept that like any natural transition it will come with changes until the body adapts.
- Treatment of symptoms for that we are gynecologists either naturally or supported with hormonal treatments. Evaluate risks benefits with your gynecologist and if you have to take hormones it won't be for long. Slowly suspending them helps so that they do not return. You don't have to put up with those symptoms
- Improve your lifestyle
- Eat a balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, foods rich in omega 3, vitamins and minerals, get enough sleep, exercise and relaxation techniques.
- limit the consumption of fried foods and sugars that affect your metabolism
- Do not smoke increases the risk of lung problems, cardiovascular problems, hot flashes and the risk of premature menopause.
- We must take into account our lifestyle not only to improve symptoms but also the problems that can come later such as osteoporosis, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular and brain problems.
- What we must do is listen more to our body and give it what it needs in this new stage.
- We must leave behind harmful habits and create a state of health from the inside so we will have a high level of energy to continue counting and sharing.
- Do a ritual to celebrate your menopause and say goodbye to the past
- Get together with your friends and perform a woman's farewell ritual with menstrual cycles and entry to the new stage of wisdom (something similar to a bachelorette party)
- Acceptance and farewell to past life including gratitude for all gifts received.
- The break with the previous vision of life.
- Welcome to this new and stimulating stage.
- Do catharsis and reinvent yourself.
- Improves the Symptoms and Negative Effects of Menopause.
- Calms Hot Flashes.
- Reduces vaginal discomfort.
- Get enough sleep and exercise in the morning.
- Practice relationship techniques.
- Strengthens the pelvic floor.
- Don't smoke.
- Exercise regularly.
Menopause message
Menopause is an invitation for all women in this new stage of life to reinvent ourselves and improve our lifestyle, with a healthy and balanced diet, doing daily exercise, and regularly visiting the gynecologist for timely follow-up.
That is why we must explore and redefine Menopause in this new era and live it in our own way, preparing ourselves for the positive change that the second half of our lives implies. Connect with your inner wisdom, recognize your individual and collective capacity for growth, freedom, joy and the balance of a better life.
Get ready because we are going to make the change together!