Specialist Dr. Özak: “Enter menopause phase with awareness”

Gynecologist Elifnur Özak warned women about the health problems awaiting them in the early and late stages of the menopausal process. Emphasizing the importance of entering this new phase with knowledge and awareness, Dr. Özak stated, ‘There are things that can be done to reduce the problems seen during the menopausal period. For example, walking briskly for 30 minutes every day speeds up metabolism, helps with hot flashes, and assists in controlling weight gain.’ Acıbadem Kent Hospital Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology Dr. Elifnur Özak provided information about the menopausal process that starts with the cessation of reproductive ability. Dr. Özak stated that menopause in women is a part of the natural cycle of life, similar to childhood and adolescence, explaining, ‘As women age from birth, the number of eggs in the ovaries decreases day by day. When a certain point is reached, the ovaries shrink further, and the amount of estrogen produced decreases. As a result, the menstrual cycle becomes less frequent, eventually ceasing altogether, and reproductive ability comes to an end. The average age of menopause in Turkey is between 46-48. Menopause in women usually does not manifest abruptly by stopping menstruation. The first stage, called perimenopause, covers the period from the onset of the first symptoms until menopause. Activity in the ovaries slows down. Menstrual periods become irregular. They first become more frequent, then start to become less frequent. This process can last for several months or years. Menopause is defined when no menstruation occurs for a year.’ Natural, early, surgical, treatment Dr. Özak noted that menopause can manifest in different ways depending on its onset: natural, early (before the age of 40), surgical (removal of ovaries through surgery), or due to cancer treatments (radiotherapy, chemotherapy). Özak listed common discomforts during this period as ‘menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, frequent sweating, insomnia, tension, irritability, forgetfulness, inattention, fatigue, decreased sexual desire.’ Increased risk of heart diseases Gynecologist Özak added that due to the decreased estrogen hormone in menopause, symptoms such as frequent urination, dryness and itching in the external genital organs, painful sexual intercourse, uterine prolapse, urinary incontinence, bladder prolapse, constipation can also be observed. Dr. Özak drew attention to the fact that after menopause, the amount of hair and body hair decreases, and thick hair may appear on the chin and upper lip, and described other health problems that can be seen in this period as follows: ‘The risk of developing heart diseases in women increases with menopause. The natural estrogen level in the body protects women from heart diseases at an early age; with menopause, this estrogen will decrease, leading to an increased risk of heart attack. Cholesterol levels increase with menopause. High blood pressure may develop. Arterial stiffness is observed. Osteoporosis, or bone loss, is frequently seen after menopause. Weight gain occurs in women after menopause, metabolism slows down. Decreased sexual desire emerges. Pain may be felt during sexual intercourse due to vaginal dryness.’ What can be done Dr. Özak also mentioned that there are things that can be done to reduce the problems encountered during the menopausal period and made the following recommendations: – Attention should be paid to the sleep schedule. 6-8 hours of sleep per day is recommended. – To cope with common hot flashes, layering clothes and adjusting clothing according to the feeling of heat can be helpful. Taking lukewarm showers frequently, especially in the summer, can relieve these complaints. – Limiting the consumption of spicy foods, tea, and coffee, staying away from smoking and alcohol also contributes to a more comfortable experience during this period. – Walking briskly for 30 minutes every day also speeds up metabolism, helps with hot flashes, and assists in controlling weight gain. – Increasing calcium intake is necessary to prevent osteoporosis. For this, milk, yogurt, and cheese should be added to the diet, and regular exercise should be done. – Despite all these, complaints may persist. In this case, support can also be provided through hormone replacement therapies as recommended by your physician. – Even if there are no complaints during menopause and afterwards, regular gynecological check-ups should not be neglected every year.