Menopause is a physiological state accompanied by involution (reverse development) of the reproductive system, which occurs against the background of age-related changes in a woman's body. At this stage, hormonal changes begin in the ovaries, hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which lead to the gradual fading of menstruation.
Can there be menopause at 40?
Menopause in women most often occurs on average after 52. However, it is not uncommon for the childbearing process to end at 38-40. This phenomenon is considered early, it does not occur very often, its negative consequences at the moment can be easily solved with the help of modern medicine. It is characterized by signs that are standard for such a period, namely, an increase in the level of gonadotropins in the blood, a decrease in estrogen, hot flashes are often observed, and menstruation generally stops. At the same time, the climacteric syndrome proceeds long enough and hard.
Reasons
Most often, when a woman crosses the fifty-year mark, in her bodymultiple changes begin to occur:
- the work of the pituitary gland is significantly reduced;
- the functionality of the ovaries is disturbed;- the production of hormones decreases.
As a result of this, the natural possibility of childbearing fades away, this is how normal menopause goes. If all these symptoms occur in the body at the age of 35–40, then this is considered an early menopause. There can be many reasons for this phenomenon:
- Hereditary predisposition. If in the family of a grandmother or mother a hormonal decline began around this period, then there is a high probability that the younger generation will have the same problem.
- Tobacco and alcohol abuse can also cause early menopause at age 40.
- If various infectious diseases were transferred at a young age, then in the future they may affect a woman's sexual activity.
- Scientifically proven fact is that residents of megacities are much more prone to the onset of early menopause. The reason for this is continuous stress, crazy rhythm of life, bad ecology. Therefore, residents of the metropolis often have early menopause.
- Climax in women 40 years old (symptoms are described in the article) can be expected due to various autoimmune diseases, childbirth with problems and operations on the internal organs of the small pelvis.
Studies have confirmed that those who take hormonal contraceptives are less prone to premature menopause. At whatever age such transformations occur, they cannot be stopped.succeed.
Symptoms
Signs of menopause in women at 40 are different, but it is especially difficult:
1. The menstrual cycle changes, namely, the duration between discharges increases and the amount of blood decreases. It also happens that in one month they are scarce, and in the second - plentiful.
2. Hormonal failure, accompanied by a drop in estrogen levels, which reduces the strength of the pelvic floor muscles, which leads to the prolapse of the walls of the uterus and vagina. The same happens with the urethra and bladder, which is fraught with incontinence.
3. The absorption of calcium by the intestines is significantly reduced and its excretion from the body increases. If no action is taken, osteoporosis will begin to develop.
4. Menopause at 40 is fraught with a decrease in susceptibility to infectious diseases, as well as to temperature fluctuations. As a result, the level of sugar and cholesterol in the blood may increase, and disorders of the cardiovascular, endocrine and metabolic systems may occur.5. Hot flashes often occur, namely, heat attacks lasting several minutes, mainly at night, libido decreases. Also characteristic are headaches, mood swings, drowsiness, palpitations, irritation and loss of energy.
The symptoms of menopause in women at the age of 40 are observed for a long time, during this period it is necessary to visit a doctor. He will prescribe therapeutic treatment, as well as adjust the diet and daily routine.
Depression
Menopauseclosely connected with the psycho-emotional background. It has been proven by experts that astheno-neurotic syndrome may appear at this time. A woman begins to be subject to constant neuroses, becomes tearful, dissatisfied with her appearance, lifestyle and familiar environment. It is quite difficult for her to accept the fact that the peak of her sexual and physical activity has come to an end. This is hard to realize for any person, especially the fair sex. Some try to regain their former youth through their appearance, do expressive hairstyles and makeup, and also put on defiant outfits. In fact, this is an ordinary escape from reality. It is desirable at such moments to receive support and understanding from loved ones.
Pregnancy
It is quite possible to conceive a child during menopause, as this will not bring any special complications to the body. If menopause occurs at the age of 40, then you should not put an end to yourself as a mother. According to doctors, it is quite possible to give birth to a baby in this condition. For this, experts recommend using IVF. Various donor programs can help bear a child genetically similar to the mother. Especially if you choose the egg of one of the closest relatives. Acquired symptoms of menopause at 40 is not a reason to give up all the joys of motherhood.
Consequences
Any changes unplanned by nature are not good. First of all, appearance suffers:
- becomes sagging skin in the area of the face, arms and neck;
- the firstwrinkles;
- pigmentation appears;- sides, buttocks, thighs, chest and abdomen increase.
Climax at 40 brings with it hormonal changes that can provoke the development of dangerous diseases, including malignant and benign neoplasms.
Diagnosis
Menopause occupies a special place in gynecology, as every woman inevitably faces it, some a little earlier, and others a little later.
It is important to control the content of cholesterol in the blood. To do this, an analysis is made for the lipid complex, and then the data obtained are kept under constant control in order to maintain he alth for as long as possible. It is also recommended to check the sugar content in order to exclude the latent form of diabetes, which may later appear. Blood pressure should be measured in the morning and evening.
To diagnose the possible occurrence of osteoporosis, it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound examination. This is primarily important for those who have relatives who had signs of early menopause at the age of 40. And the condition of the mammary glands is also checked, for this you need to pass:
- Ultrasound;
- Mammography;- Radiothermometry (RTM).
Every month you need to independently monitor the condition of the breast for various indurations. If this is found, it is immediately recommended to contact a specialist.
Treatment
Signs of menopause in women at the age of 40 are very painful and difficult. Thanks to the development of modern medicine, allmenopausal symptoms can be successfully managed with hormone replacement therapy.
For treatment, drugs with synthetically produced sex hormones - progesterones and estrogens - are used. The essence of this technique is to replace the missing components, but in a smaller amount than the ovary itself produces. Therefore, therapy is more supportive. All unpleasant symptoms are smoothed out and cease to cause such discomfort to a woman, but menopause still cannot completely disappear.
If the use of hormones is not allowed for medical reasons, then the doctor reduces the first signs of menopause at the age of 40 with the help of homeopathic components of a plant analogue of estrogen.
Whatever of the methods of treatment is chosen, you should not use drugs on the advice of girlfriends or acquaintances, as this is very dangerous with the most serious consequences. Uncontrolled use of drugs can exacerbate all the symptoms that have appeared, as well as spur the development of various diseases.
Vitamins
In order to choose the right supplements, you need to understand their action and the benefits that they can bring to the body.
1. Retinol (A) improves the appearance of the skin, restores the functioning of the ovaries, and also prevents the occurrence of neoplasms in the soft tissues of the uterus, breasts and intestines.
2. Ascorbic acid (C) helps strengthen the walls of small capillaries and large arteries. At the time of menopause, it reduces puffiness well, which helps to improve the condition of a woman.
3. Vitamin D prevents the aging of connective tissues and bone fragility. It also promotes the retention and accumulation of calcium in the body. Stabilizes the hormone estrogen, as it is responsible for the development of osteoporosis.
4. Thiamine (B1) improves the functioning of the nervous system and heart, normalizes blood pressure and blood circulation.
5. Pyridoxine (B6) helps to strengthen the immune system, helps increase mental activity, and prevents early aging of the skin.6. Vitamin E perfectly improves mood, relieves excessive nervousness and irritability.
Phytotherapy
The use of folk remedies remarkably allows you to remove the negative effects of early menopause. This method of therapy is not recommended to be used as the main one, it is advised as an auxiliary one. Some common recipes can be adopted:
1. Prepare and take tea with plants that can have a sedative effect (lemon balm, valerian, motherwort, mint, echinacea, and hawthorn).
2. For prolonged and heavy bleeding, herbs such as shepherd's purse, nettle or water pepper may be indicated for use.3. To strengthen the body and general tone, you can use decoctions of lemongrass and ginseng or add their alcohol tinctures to tea.
All of these herbs can be found in pharmacies and are listed on the packaging as far as the formulation is concerned.
Food
Despite the attempts of girls to keep their youth, the hormonal decline is stillwill come - it can be both late and early. Menopause in women 40 years old, the symptoms of which are quite unpleasant, can be practically not felt at all thanks to a balanced diet. The diet must exclude or minimize high-calorie foods, fried and fatty foods, pastries, and foods with a high percentage of rapidly absorbed carbohydrates. It is also required to reduce the consumption of s alt, meat and alcohol to the maximum and turn to the principle of fractional nutrition, eat little, but often, increasing the number of meals up to 5-6 times a day.
The most recommended products include all dairy products (cottage cheese, kefir, fermented baked milk and hard cheeses) and seafood. Be sure to include sesame seeds and a large number of fresh vegetables and fruits, selected according to the season, as they contain the most useful vitamins.
Tips
Climax at the age of 40 is a condition that brings a lot of discomfort and changes in life, therefore, in order for a woman to feel better, certain recommendations must be used. It is very important to control your weight and keep it at a specific level with the help of restrictions:
- animal fats;
- s alt;
- carbohydrates;- alcohol.
An important aspect is the improvement of bowel function. Therefore, it is recommended not to forget about dried fruits, which include raisins, dried apricots and prunes.
Women who smoke should quit their addiction as soon as possible.
Required inMandatory:
- undergo a gynecological examination;
- then take a smear;- go for an ultrasound scan to determine the condition of the reproductive organs, this is done regardless of complaints and the presence of negative symptoms.
As soon as possible, you need to start doing gymnastic exercises, physical education of the therapeutic type and hiking for 30 minutes every day. It is useful to take a course of massage (general) twice a year.
Doctors are required to discuss the results of the study and decide how great the need for additional measures after the main treatment (if any). This includes hormone replacement therapy, which helps to overcome menopause at age 40.
Reviews
According to women, menopause is a phenomenon that does not bring positive emotions, but on the contrary, during this period, the fair sex feels unwell and complains of feeling unwell. Experts unanimously say that after the first signs appear, you should definitely consult a doctor, since a decrease in the amount of female hormones can lead to serious diseases. Also, doctors do not recommend self-medication, which many people like so much, the only thing that can be done is to refrain from addictions, alcohol abuse and smoking, and also lead an active lifestyle.
