On World Menopause Day, Marathon Health would like to join organizations around the globe in recognizing those managing menopause and its symptoms. As part of that recognition, we wanted to take a moment to raise awareness of menopause and provide some education about what it is, how to recognize it, and highlight a key method of treatment for those with a menopause diagnosis.
Overview
What we commonly call menopause — the set of symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, trouble sleeping, and more — is actually perimenopause, or the “menopausal transition”1. Menopause is marked by the moment in time a woman has gone 12 months since her last period. In comparison, perimenopause often lasts around seven years and begins between the ages of 45 and 55.
The menopausal transition affects each woman uniquely and in various ways. The body begins to use energy differently, fat cells change, and women may gain weight more easily. You may experience changes in your bone or heart health, your body shape and composition, or your physical function.1
However, it is important to note that each woman’s journey through perimenopause is unique and can look drastically different from one to another — from age or reason of onset to duration and symptoms. So, if you’re experiencing some symptoms and wondering if it’s menopause, how can you know?
The National Institute of Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), recommends seeing your women’s health provider if you suspect you’re experiencing menopause. There are a few diagnostic tests your provider can perform to confirm a diagnosis and discuss potential treatment plans moving forward.
The NIA recommends seeing your provider if you are experiencing a change in the frequency, duration, or flow of your period, hot flashes, mood changes, sleep disruption, or a change in vaginal or sexual health and comfort.
What You Should Know about Menopause Hormone Therapy
The International Menopause Society — the founding organization of World Menopause Day — has declared Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) as the theme for World Menopause Day 2024. MHT is a form of treatment for managing menopause that uses hormone supplements to help ease menopause symptoms while limiting certain side-effects.
MHT can also be important in safeguarding long-term health for those undergoing early menopause or otherwise in need of support in addressing the long-term side effects of postmenopause such as risks of osteoporosis and heart disease.
While MHT is an effective form of symptom treatment, it can cause a slight increase in risk of stroke, blood clots, or breast cancer. It is best to speak with a trusted provider who is aware of your medical history and current health to discuss if MHT is a good fit for you.
If you’re dealing with perimenopause symptoms, the IMS recommends that you2:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Stay informed
- Don’t suffer in silence
“Every woman’s experience is different in the perimenopause and menopausal time, but if you’re noticing changes it’s a great time to pop in and talk with you provider about some of the symptoms you are having. Your provider can get you with a health coach, talk about mood with a behavioral therapist, they can talk about lifestyle, diet, exercise, stress…all those things. You can even talk with your provider about medications or hormonal therapy that can help you manage symptoms, as well as the risks and benefits of each.” — Riley Summers, PA
Sources
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/what-menopause
- https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-WMD-Leaflet_English.pdf
