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BY JESSICA SEGOVIA-YAP, MD
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Saturday, October 28, 2017
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MENOPAUSE is a natural biological occurrence experienced by all women. It is the total cessation of menstruation in women around the age of 50. It is confirmed or diagnosed if a woman does not have her period for 12 consecutive months with no biological or psychological causes.
Most of my female patients within the 45-55 age range attribute everything bad that they feel on menopause. Well yes, most of the signs and symptoms these women have at this time could be blamed on menopause but it is very important for us doctors to always be the devil’s advocate (pardon the pun) and rule out other medical or even psychological causes before we confirm that it is indeed because of menopause.
I have here a checklist of signs and symptoms that you can refer to and see if you are already in the perimenopausal or menopausal stage. At least one of these in women 45 years old and above may mean that you are already in this stage.
- Hot flashes, sweating (episodes of sweating)
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Heart discomfort (unusual awareness of heartbeat, heart skipping, heart racing, tightness) – I just would like to reiterate that since these concerns the heart, which is a very vital organ, other organic causes should always be ruled out.
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Sleep problems (difficulty in falling asleep, difficulty in sleeping through, waking up early)
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Depressive mood (feeling down, sad, on the verge of tears, lack of drive, mood swings)
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Irritability (feeling nervous, inner tension, feeling aggressive)
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Anxiety (inner restlessness, feeling panicky)
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Physical and mental exhaustion (general decrease in performance, impaired memory, decrease in concentration, forgetfulness)
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Sexual problems (change in sexual desire, in activity and satisfaction)
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Bladder problems (difficulty in urinating, increased need to urinate, bladder incontinence)
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Dryness of vagina (sensation of dryness or burning in the vagina, difficulty with sexual intercourse)
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Joint and muscular discomfort (pain in the joints, rheumatoid complaints)
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Irregular menstruation (too heavy or too light or none at all for months)
It is important then to manage menopause, the earlier the better. Because not only will it relieve you of these menopausal symptoms, it will also help protect you from long-term health risks later in life, such as osteoporosis, coronary artery disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Since I would like to give emphasis on menopause management, I plan to devote another article specifically for this. For now, I will leave you this list and do your check not only for women in the menopausal age range but husbands as well so you would fully understand what your wives and partners are going through. And even children, that you would not take it against your moms, your grandmas or your aunts if they act a bit crazy sometimes.
Jessica P. Segovia-Yap, M.D., FPAFP is a Diplomate and Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians. She is a practicing Family Medicine Specialist and holds clinic at the Medical Arts Building of Iloilo Mission Hospital. For comments, questions and suggestions, you may email at drjec.is.in@ gmail.com./PN
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