Common symptoms of menopause, perimenopause and menopause – women and doctors should know them

Other possible signs: No more desire for sex, vaginal dryness

Stressful: vaginal dryness and urinary tract infections

Not a topic that women like to bring up with the doctor: vaginal dryness. Above all, the decline in estrogen leads to the Skin in the genital area becomes thinner and drier and more susceptible to injury. The vagina may feel drier, women may have Pain during sex.

Vaginal dryness is the only symptom of menopause that doesn’t stop under any circumstances, but unfortunately increases. Basically 100 percent of all women are affected. But not everyone has symptoms.

Dr. Katrin Schaudig, President of the German Menopause Society MDR podcast “Hormone-controlled”

The mucous membrane of the urethra can also be affected, making urinary tract infections more common. Some women also report increasing incontinence during menopause.

Other menopause symptoms: weight gain – especially in the stomach, concentration problems and more…

How could it be otherwise – estrogen again plays an important role here: metabolism changes during menopause. Many women gain weight during menopause. In addition the fat distribution pattern changesmoving away from the “pear” shape to the “apple” shape, in which the fat accumulates mainly on the stomach. This Belly fat is very unhealthybecause inflammatory substances form there.

So go on a diet? Well: Energy requirements decrease with age, so fewer calories are needed. However, the need for nutrients – vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein – does not decrease, on the contrary. More exercise and a change in diet with less white flour and sugar is therefore a better idea than starving.

So many symptoms – why doesn’t my doctor know them?

Women report numerous other possible symptoms such as concentration problems, “brain fog”, forgetfulness, dry skin and eyes, migraines and headaches, exhaustion, high blood pressure, hair loss, muscle pain or water retention.

However, according to the current S3 guidelines “Peri- and postmenopause, diagnostics and interventions”, only sweating and hot flashes are proven to be symptoms caused solely by menopause. According to the S3 guidelines, other symptoms such as joint pain, mood swings and sleep disorders could occur in a temporal connection with the climacteric.

Many menopause activists are currently calling for menopausal symptoms to be defined more comprehensively.

Feel comfortable discussing them with their healthcare⁤ providers?

1. Interview with Guest 1: Dr.⁢ Katrin Schaudig, ⁢President of the German Menopause ⁢Society

Website Editor: Good day⁣ Dr. Schaudig, thank you for taking the time to speak ​with us​ today. Can you provide some ​insights into the significant changes that occur during ‍menopause?

Dr.⁣ Schaudig: Certainly, menopause‍ is a natural biological process in ​a woman’s‍ life when her periods stop permanently. During this time, estrogen levels⁣ decline, and this decline can lead to a ‍range of symptoms. The most common ones, like hot flashes and night sweats, are well-known, but many ⁢women don’t know that they ⁢can also experience vaginal dryness and ​skin changes. The mucous membrane‍ of the urethra can also be affected, making urinary tract infections more common.

Website Editor: That’s interesting. ​Can you explain the link between estrogen decline and these symptoms?

Dr. Schaudig: Declining‌ estrogen levels can have a significant impact on ⁤the body. For example, in⁤ the genital area, the skin becomes thinner and drier, and the vaginal epithelium can thin out, ​leading to ‌pain ⁣during sex. The​ mucus production in ​the cervix ‌and vagina also decreases, which can ⁣make it harder for bacteria to be​ washed away, increasing the risk of infections. ‍The decline in estrogen also⁢ contributes⁤ to⁢ a loss of collagen in the vaginal walls, which can make sex ‌uncomfortable or painful.

Website Editor: What’s your advice for women experiencing these symptoms?

Dr. Schaudig: Women should talk to their doctors about their concerns. Many treatments are available, including hormone therapy, lubricants, and vaginal estrogen creams. However, it’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits carefully, as hormone therapy ⁣is not appropriate for everyone. Lifestyle changes,⁤ such ‌as exercise and healthy eating, can also help alleviate some of these symptoms.

Website Editor:‍ That’s good to know. Given the range of symptoms women experience during menopause, why do you think they might not