Every woman goes through the menopause as she gets older. Various symptoms can occur with the cessation of menstruation. These usually last for several years. Find out what happens in the body and how symptoms can be alleviated.
The menopause, also known as the climacteric, is the years before and after the menopause (menopause: the time when menstruation has stopped after twelve consecutive months). The period of hormonal change occurs in some women at the age of 40, in others only in their mid-50s. Most women experience the menopause between the ages of 45 and 70. The ovaries slowly stop producing the hormone oestrogen, which reduces reproductive capacity. This drop in hormone levels can have unpleasant physical and psychological side effects.
Symptoms and treatment
Every woman experiences the hormonal change differently. One third suffer from no symptoms, one third from mild to moderate symptoms and one third from severe symptoms due to menopause.
The most common symptoms include hot flushes and sweating. Symptoms such as mood swings, muscle and joint pain, insomnia, weight gain, irritability and even depression can also occur.
Hormone replacement therapy can alleviate symptoms during the menopause, but this is recommended more for severe symptoms and only makes sense if this therapy is started early enough so that the corresponding hormone receptors have not yet been degraded. Many women prefer natural methods, such as herbal medicines, which gently support the body during the transition.
Tips for symptoms
- Alternating showers and hot and cold foot baths, preferably several times a week, help to combat hot flushes.
- Dress according to the onion principle. This allows you to remove items of clothing when you start sweating.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity strengthens the body and increases general well-being. Suitable sports include cycling, yoga and walking. Exercise in the fresh air also makes the body less susceptible to hot flushes.
- Make sure you eat a healthy diet. Wholemeal products and oestrogen-rich vegetables such as soy, peas and beans are recommended. Make sure you drink enough fluids.
- Avoid tobacco, caffeinated drinks and alcohol, as these increase hot flushes and insomnia.
Study on the menopause - take part now
SWICA is supporting the "Fokus Lebensmitte" university research study recently launched by the University of Zurich, which accompanies and educates women going through the menopause over the course of a year and makes an important contribution to research into menopausal symptoms. Study participants are still being sought until the end of the year. Further information with a link to the study can be found at: www.lebensmitte.org.
If you have any further questions about your health, the doctors and medical staff at the sante24 telephone health advice service are available to you as a SWICA policyholder free of charge and around the clock to provide expert advice. On request, sante24 will arrange an appointment with a doctor. Tel. +41 (0)44 404 86 86
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