October 18th is officially World Menopause Day!
This worldwide celebration is established in collaboration with The International Menopause Society alongside the World Health Organization.
Why is this important?
It is vital that we raise awareness of menopause, as roughly half of the human population will experience it! It is also important to break the stigma surrounding menopause and to support all people experiencing menopause in the various ways they may experience this monumental life transition. We want to promote healthy, open conversations around this important topic.
What’s so important to acknowledge about menopause?
Each person’s menopause journey will be unique! And each person’s experience can change from day to day, like the tides of the ocean. It’s important to recognize that within each body, the journey will continue to evolve and change over time.
Menopause officially marks the end of a person’s reproductive years. It is officially diagnosed when someone goes 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, assuming there is no other medical explanation for the absence of periods. For example, if someone has missed many periods and 10–11 months have passed, but then they have another period, the clock starts over. They have not yet officially reached menopause.
Perimenopause is the period of time leading up to menopause. This is when hormonal fluctuations can be at their greatest. The average age of menopause is around 51; however, it is important to remember that every person’s experience is different!
Common symptoms can include:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Irregular periods
Sleep disturbances
Vaginal dryness and discomfort
Mood changes and irritability
Difficulty concentrating or memory changes
Decreased libido
Changes and fluctuations in the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone contribute to many of the symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.
Menopause can be managed in many different ways, and the right combination of approaches will vary from person to person. Options may include:
Hormone therapy (HT)
Non-hormonal therapies
Lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental health support
Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
If there is one takeaway I want you to grab from this topic, it is this: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to menopause!
Every person will experience their own unique journey. Your experience is valid, and you deserve support throughout every stage of this transition. Reach out to the people in your life who may be experiencing menopause and check in on how they’re doing! Bodies go through constant changes, and it is important that people feel supported, heard, and understood. It is also important to celebrate these life changes. They are all part of our stories and the experiences we carry with us as we move through this glorious, ever-changing life.
If you would like to talk about how perimenopause or menopause may be affecting your pelvic health, please reach out to your pelvic floor therapist. We’re here to help!