What is menopause? A doctor explains recommended measures for each symptom!

How long is menopause? What Causes Menopause?

Menopause refers to the five years before and after menopause, and generally refers to about 10 years from about 45 to 55 years old. Due to the decrease in female hormones, the hormone balance is disturbed, and not only the body but also the autonomic nervous system and the state of the mind are disturbed.

These symptoms of menopause are called “menopausal symptoms,” and severe symptoms that interfere with work, housework, and daily life are called “menopausal disorders.”

The most significant cause of menopausal disorders is the rapid decrease in estrogen secretion due to the weakening of ovarian function. It is believed that the symptoms are caused by

Some people have menopausal irregularities such as prolonged menstruation, short cycles, heavy bleeding, and fresh blood . In addition, some people go through ” pre-menopause ” from around their late 30s , which causes mental and physical disorders similar to menopausal symptoms, irregular menstruation, and decreased menstrual flow.

How can I treat menopause on my own?

There are two main types of treatment for menopausal disorders: self-care that you can do yourself and treatment that you can do at a hospital.

Self-care recommended for preventing menopausal disorders and alleviating painful symptoms is “review of eating habits”. If you have irregular meal times, eat only what you like, or eat or don’t eat at all, you should review your eating habits.

It is also important to actively incorporate ingredients that are effective in preventing menopausal disorders in your diet.

Based on what people who do not experience menopausal disorders eat, the strongest ingredients for supplementing female hormones, soy products (tofu, fried tofu, natto, soybean flour, okara, soy milk, etc.), vitamin-rich green and yellow vegetables, and bones. Let’s eat small fish, seaweed, milk, etc.

In addition, it is effective to prevent and improve menopausal disorders by adjusting lifestyle habits, such as refreshing with moderate exercise and hobbies, and trying to get enough rest and sleep. Recently, it seems that many people use supplements for menopause and over-the- counter medicines for menopause.

What is the treatment for menopause in a hospital?

Many of the symptoms of menopause are similar to those caused by other diseases, so it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if self-care does not improve the symptoms.

Check the self-checklist for menopausal disorders, such as the “Menopausal Symptom Evaluation Chart for Japanese Women” created by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and if any of the items apply, visit a gynecologist, menopausal outpatient clinic, or outpatient clinic for women. Let’s consider

Once menopause is diagnosed, treatment is started according to the symptoms. There are three main treatments for menopause:

• Treatment for menopause 1: Hormone replacement therapy
• Treatment for menopause 2: Kampo therapy
• Treatment method for menopause 3: placenta therapy

Affects both mind and body! What are the symptoms of menopause?

Since the autonomic nerves are involved in the symptoms of menopause, “autonomic imbalance symptoms” such as palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and coldness appear. The type and severity of symptoms vary from person to person, but the main symptoms and recommended treatments by doctors are as follows.

Physical symptoms of menopause and how to deal with them

• Tinnitus
  “Tinnitus can also occur due to diseases of the ear or brain. Therefore, be sure to see an otolaryngologist at least once and undergo an examination to determine if there is a hidden disease. In addition to treatment with female hormones, tinnitus can also occur. It’s effective to turn down the volume and turn on the music or radio so that it doesn’t bother you.” Norihito Yoshioka (Director, Tsuzuku Women’s Clinic)
• Feeling tired /malaise
  “If you feel tired or sluggish, treat it as an SOS signal from your body and have a hormone test or treatment at a gynecologist. As for self-care, we recommend taking a bath to refresh your mood. Mood When you feel good and can move, do some light calisthenics or exercise.” Norihito Yoshioka (Director of Tsuzuki Ladies Clinic)
• Hot flashes (hot flashes)
  “In order to soothe hot flashes on the face, it is useful to cool the face with a towel that has been wrung out with cold water, or to carry a frozen ice pack with you. In addition, gynecologists offer hormone replacement therapy ( HRT) can also be done.Some people can dramatically improve by using hormones for menopause.” Norihito Yoshioka (Director of Ladies Clinic)
• Stiff shoulders and lower back pain
  “Bathing is the best way to promote blood circulation. Warm water at 38-40°C is better than hot water. Soaking slowly expands your blood vessels and improves blood circulation throughout your body. After bathing, your muscles will relax. It’s even more effective if you do some stretching or light exercises while you’re loosened up.” Norihito Yoshioka (Director, Tsuzuki Ladies Clinic)
• Headache/Heavy Head
  “A throbbing pain that feels like a pulse, and the pain increases when you move your body. The best way to deal with a headache is to rest in a dark, quiet place and cool the area that feels pain. On the contrary. , Pain in the neck and shoulders, and a headache that feels like the whole head is tightening, heat is used to relieve stiffness and promote blood flow.It is effective to slowly soak in the bath and massage the neck and shoulders.” Mr. Norito Yoshioka (Director of Tsuzuku Ladies Clinic)
• Insomnia/poor sleep
  “If insomnia continues during menopause, first check your lifestyle habits to see if there are any factors that interfere with sleep. Do not drink too much caffeine-rich coffee or tea. Avoid alcohol. Don’t forget to review your bedroom and bedding.” Satoko Hamanaka (Director, Creage Tokyo Aging Care Clinic)
• Dizziness
  “Regarding dizziness and tinnitus, it is important to see a doctor first to see if there is any possibility of other diseases. It is possible that the autonomic nervous system is disturbed by stress or psychogenic dizziness caused by stress.Reconsider your lifestyle, such as eating and sleeping.Kampo treatment is also recommended.”Tsuneo Yokokura (Yokokura Clinic)
• Dry Mouth (Dry Mouth)
  “Dry mouth can be caused not only by menopausal disorders but also by other diseases. To encourage saliva secretion, move your tongue, mouth, and chin consciously.If self-care does not help, we recommend herbal medicines that are used to treat oral diseases.”Mr. Tsuneo Yokokura (Yokokura clinic)

Psychological symptoms of menopause and how to deal with them

• Anxiety and lethargy (menopausal depression)
  “If mental depression is severe, it can be treated with antidepressants or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A doctor confirms whether or not it is possible to receive it.Only those who have been recognized as being safe will start the treatment.There are two types of hormones that can be supplemented with HRT, and the doctor will present the usage method according to the user’s condition.” Ms. Ruriko Tsushima ( Tsushima Ruriko Women’s Life Clinic Ginza Director)
• Frustration
  “When you’re having a hard time, you can ask your family and friends to listen to you instead of trying to keep it to yourself. One way to do this is to boldly tell them that ‘I’m feeling a little unstable right now.’ Of course. It is also a good idea to actively seek treatment at a gynecologist or mental clinic.Exercise and walking are effective in stabilizing the mind.” Ms. Satoko Hamanaka (Director of Creage Tokyo Aging Care Clinic) )