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Menopause

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What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural part of ageing, occurring when the ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones like estrogen, and progesterone.
diagnosed

What causes menopause?

As you age, your reproductive organ gradually slows down until it eventually ceases to function. The closer you are to menopause, your ovaries produce less estrogen, which impacts your menstrual cycle. This is often brought upon by several causes, such as:

  • Hormonal changes: the reduced estrogen, and progesterone levels are the primary causes.
  • Medical interventions: although menopause is a natural process, there is a possibility of induced menopause due to several medical reasons. This includes surgical procedures that disrupt the estrogen, and progesterone levels or treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer patients.
  • Medical conditions: there are certain medications, such as autoimmune disorders and Turner syndrome, which lead to early menopause.

What are the usual symptoms of menopause in Singapore?

While the symptoms (including the severity) vary from one woman to the next due to how each individual’s body responds to the hormone changes, you are highly likely to be transitioning into menopause if you begin experiencing some of the following symptoms:

  • Breast tenderness.
  • Difficulties concentrating.
  • Dry skin, dry mouth, or dry eyes.
  • Emotional changes, such as mood swings, or irritability.
  • Hair thinning.
  • Heart palpitations.
  • Headaches.
  • Hot flashes.
  • Irregular periods, including the duration, gaps between the cycles, and the flow.
  • Joint pains.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Night sweats.
  • Sleep difficulties, or insomnia.
  • Temporary memories lapse.
  • Urinary urgency.
  • Vaginal dryness.
  • Weight gain.
  • Worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The average duration of menopause symptoms is approximately 7 years. However, you may begin experiencing these symptoms as early as 10 years before you begin transitioning into menopause.

Hot flashes are sudden, intense feelings of heat that often start in your face, neck and chest.

Who is at risk of premature and early menopause?

How is menopause diagnosed in Singapore?

Some women experience menopause much earlier, before age 40, known as primary ovarian insufficiency.

How are menopause symptoms treated in Singapore?

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it is possible. Women who experience symptoms such as anxiety or insomnia are encouraged to engage in relaxing activities such as therapy, meditation or yoga to achieve better mental health. By taking note of your symptoms, you will be able to manage your symptoms better, and prevent them from worsening.
Yes, it does. Women who have gone through menopause have a higher risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases due to lowered estrogen levels.
Yes, you can still get pregnant while going through menopause. As such, it is advisable to go on birth control to prevent accidental pregnancies. The possibility of becoming pregnant ceases to exist once you have completed menopause.
Due to the decline in hormone levels and low libido, it may alter how pleasurable sexual intercourse is to you. While some women may experience a decrease in sexual desire, others may experience the opposite effect due to the absence of pregnancy.

If you are concerned about how menopause may affect your sexual desire, then we encourage you to speak with Dr. Ma Li.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to delay menopause. However, there are lifestyle factors that may influence your age of menopause.
If you are over 40 years old and believe you are experiencing symptoms of menopause, then it is best to see an experienced gynaecologist immediately. This will allow both your doctor and yourself to get ahead of the symptoms and manage them better.
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