Content
The climacteric is the transition period in which the woman moves from the reproductive phase to the non-reproductive phase, being marked by a progressive decrease in the amount of hormones produced.
Climacteric symptoms can begin to appear between 40 and 45 years of age and can last up to 3 years, the most common being hot flashes, irregular menstrual cycle, decreased sexual desire, tiredness and sudden changes in mood.
Although it is a natural phase of a woman's life, it is important to follow up with a gynecologist, as there are several treatments that can help to reduce the common discomforts of this phase, especially hormone replacement therapy. Learn more about how this type of therapy is done.
Main symptoms
The first signs and symptoms of climacteric that can begin to appear until the age of 45 and are:
- Sudden heat waves;
- Decreased sexual appetite;
- Dizziness and palpitations;
- Insomnia, poor sleep quality and night sweats;
- Itching and vaginal dryness;
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse;
- Loss of skin elasticity;
- Decrease in breast size;
- Depression and irritability;
- Weight gain;
- Headache and lack of concentration;
- Stress urinary incontinence;
- Joint pain.
In addition, climacteric can also be observed several changes in menstruation, such as irregular or less intense menstrual cycle. Learn about the main changes in menstruation during the climacteric.
To confirm that the woman is in the climacteric, the gynecologist can indicate the performance of the hormone dosage periodically, in order to analyze the production rate of these hormones, in addition to assessing the regularity of menstrual flow and the symptoms presented, being possible thereby determining the best treatment.
How long does the climacteric last?
The climacteric usually starts between the ages of 40 and 45 and lasts until the last menstruation, which corresponds to the beginning of menopause. Depending on the body of each woman, it is common for the climacteric to last from 12 months to 3 years.
What is the difference between menopause and menopause?
Although they are often used interchangeably, climacteric and menopause are different situations. The climacteric corresponds to the transition period between the woman's reproductive and non-reproductive phase, in which the woman still has menstruation.
Menopause, on the other hand, is characterized by its complete absence of menstruation, being considered only when the woman stops having menstruation for at least 12 consecutive months. Learn all about menopause.
How the treatment is done
Climacteric symptoms can be quite uncomfortable and directly interfere with the woman's quality of life. Therefore, the gynecologist can recommend treatment with hormone replacement therapy, with the aim of regulating hormone levels and thus relieving the symptoms of climacteric. This type of treatment consists of the administration of estrogens or the combination of estrogen and progesterone, and should not be prolonged for more than 5 years, as it increases the risk of developing cancer.
In addition, it is important that women adopt good habits, such as having a healthy and balanced diet, low in sweets and fats, and the practice of physical activities, because in addition to relieving the symptoms of this period, they promote well-being and decrease the risk of the occurrence of some diseases, mainly breast cancer and heart and bone diseases, which are more common in postmenopausal women.
Watch the following video and find out which foods contribute to relieve the symptoms of menopause and menopause: