The difference between menopause and perimenopause
Stating that menopause means the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle due to the end of ovarian activity in women, Assistant Professor Dr. Nagihan Yılmaz said, “Menopause occurs at an average age of around 51. The period before menopause when periods become irregular is called ‘perimenopause.’ This process also starts at an estimated age of around 46.”
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Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Assistant Professor Dr. Nagihan Yılmaz provided information about menopause. Emphasizing that many women experience irregular or heavier periods during the perimenopause period, Yılmaz said, “Some women may encounter emotional and physical problems they have not experienced before.
If you have not had a period for 12 months, you can look back and say that you have gone through menopause (that you had your last period).
In some women, this process can be experienced earlier due to natural causes, illnesses, or various treatments,” she said.
HORMONAL CHANGES
Stating that changes in hormone levels, primarily the change in estrogen levels, are among the factors leading to menopause, Yılmaz said, “As women age, the ovaries produce fewer eggs, and estrogen levels fluctuate and then gradually decrease.
This leads to symptoms of menopause. Of course, this process does not happen in one day. The drop in estrogen levels can take several years, and when the hormone decreases, it remains at a low level, which causes various changes in the body.
When the ovaries completely stop producing eggs, pregnancy is no longer possible, and menopause occurs at this point,” she stated.
“IT AFFECTS EVERY WOMAN DIFFERENTLY"
Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Assistant Professor Dr. Nagihan Yılmaz pointed out that menopause and the pre-menopause process can affect every woman differently, saying, “The drop in estrogen levels can affect the brain, periods, skin, muscles, and mood. Many different symptoms can be experienced during this process, and which symptom will appear when varies from person to person,” she said.
“SEEN IN 75 PERCENT OF WOMEN"
Stating that symptoms that can be seen in menopause include heavy or irregular bleeding, hot flashes, night sweats, low mood, vaginal dryness, and urinary tract problems, VM Medical Park Samsun Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Assistant Professor Dr. Nagihan Yılmaz included the following statements:
“Joint pain, dry skin, memory problems referred to as brain fog, and difficulty focusing are also among the frequently mentioned other symptoms.
While one or more symptoms are seen in approximately 75 percent of women, one-fourth of women entering menopause state that they experience severe symptoms. These symptoms can last up to 7 years, and one-third of women state that their complaints last longer. If you are using birth control pills, remember that your menstrual periods may make it difficult to understand that you have entered menopause.”