MEXICALI — José Rojas Serrato, director of the Mexicali Maternal and Child Hospital, makes a social call to raise awareness about climacteric, which, he explained, is a period in women that begins between the ages of 45 and 50 and is characterized by the gradual decrease in the production of female sex hormones, mainly estrogen.
This can last several years and can cause a series of symptoms that could lead to other diseases if this transition is not attended to properly.
He pointed out that during the climacteric, women should carry out periodic medical assessments, in order to reduce the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, breast cancer and changes in cognitive function. Given that cultural stigmas still persist towards those who go through this stage of life.
“The global and national health authorities make a recommendation so that all women are evaluated periodically during this process, in order to detect them in time and, above all, prevent health sequelae.
“Unfortunately, this stage of female life is the subject of ridicule and stigma that could influence them to minimize the importance of taking care of themselves,” she added.
The symptoms of climacteric can vary from woman to woman, but generally include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, insomnia, tiredness, weight gain, and changes in the menstrual cycle.
The health risks associated with this stage are an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, breast cancer, and changes in cognitive function.
He explained that treatments can include hormone therapy, dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and medications to treat symptoms.
She stressed that there are some myths about the climacteric that it is important to clarify, such as the fact that all women require hormone therapy, when this is not the case. Some won’t need it.
Another mistaken belief is that sexual desire or performance is always affected, when this is not necessarily true in all cases; if so, the treating physician can follow up on the issue.
He concluded by pointing out that it is important that society have a positive attitude towards women who are going through the climacteric and avoid judging them for the difficulties they may have during this period of their lives, since it is a natural physical process in which they deserve considerate treatment. and respectful.
