{"id":6121,"date":"2023-11-10T12:15:30","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T23:15:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ormstnmedical.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=6121"},"modified":"2024-08-14T13:50:17","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T01:50:17","slug":"navigating-menopause-what-every-woman-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/navigating-menopause-what-every-woman-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating Menopause: What Every Woman Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"6121\" class=\"elementor elementor-6121\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5c87a53 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5c87a53\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-400752a\" data-id=\"400752a\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-660686f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"660686f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>Menopause is a natural phase in a woman&#8217;s life, often misunderstood and misjudged. Our women&#8217;s health expert,<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/ormiston-team\/dr-nalini-kohlhagen\/\"><em>Dr Nalini Kohlhagen<\/em><\/a><em>, is here to explain what menopause is, its common symptoms, and why it&#8217;s a time of empowerment.<\/em><\/p><h2><strong>Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause<\/strong><\/h2><p>Menopause, a biological process, marks the conclusion of a woman&#8217;s reproductive years, and usually happens in her late 40s to mid-50s. However, it affects each woman differently, depending on genetics, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/services\/self-management-education\/\">lifestyle<\/a>, and personal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/heart-health-know-your-pulse\/\">health<\/a>. It&#8217;s not something to be ashamed of; instead, it should be welcomed. Understanding this transition is crucial, not only for women experiencing it but also for those who support and care for them.<\/p><p>Menopause starts with perimenopause, which can start in your late 30s or early 40s. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/perimenopause\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20354666#:~:text=Perimenopause%20means%20%22around%20menopause%22%20and,start%20perimenopause%20at%20different%20ages.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">During this stage<\/a>, ovarian activity decreases, causing unpredictable periods. As this transition unfolds, the ovaries produce fewer hormones like estrogen and progesterone, leading to many different symptoms.<\/p><h2><strong>Coping with Menopausal symptoms<\/strong><\/h2><p>Menopause happens gradually and spans several years.\u00a0 It is accompanied by varying symptoms, such as;<\/p><ul><li>Hot Flashes<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/night-sweats#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20causes%20of,you%20also%20notice%20other%20symptoms.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Night Sweats<\/a><\/li><li>Mood Swings<\/li><li>Menstrual Changes<\/li><li>Vaginal Dryness<\/li><li>Sleep Disturbances<\/li><li>Memory Lapses<\/li><li>General Discomfort<\/li><\/ul><p>These symptoms differ in time and intensity among women. Understanding these changes is essential to navigate the challenges and opportunities that menopause presents.<\/p><p>When Tracey, a mother of two, began experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, and occasional memory lapses, she dismissed them, assuming they would pass.<\/p><p>\u201cAs I\u2019m the oldest in my friend group, none of my friends had gone through menopause yet. So it\u2019s not something we ever really talk about or acknowledge, even though we are all kind of getting to that age.\u201d<\/p><p>Many women, like Tracey, avoid discussing or accepting menopause due to concerns about lifestyle changes. Dealing with symptoms proactively is vital. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/contact\/\">Contact your GP<\/a> for guidance, questions, and tailored treatment options. Delaying treatment may make things worse.<\/p><p>Lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet and exercise, can help with mood swings and sleep issues. Staying hydrated and wearing layers can manage hot flashes. Furthermore, support from friends, family, or those with similar experiences can provide emotional assistance during this transitional phase. Speaking to a healthcare provider, as Tracey did, can offer education and symptom management tips.<\/p><p>\u201cSpeaking to my GP was the best thing for me. They were able to educate me and provide me with some tips to help with the symptoms. I\u2019m so glad that I took action quickly, and now I can be there to support my friends who will no doubt go through the same thing soon&#8221;<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3efeec2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3efeec2\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7901767\" data-id=\"7901767\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60070c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"60070c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/MenopausE-Treatment-1024x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-6298\" alt=\"Menopause Treatment\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/MenopausE-Treatment-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/MenopausE-Treatment-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/MenopausE-Treatment-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/MenopausE-Treatment-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/MenopausE-Treatment-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/MenopausE-Treatment-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f531cdd elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f531cdd\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a1d8706\" data-id=\"a1d8706\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-11df628 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"11df628\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><strong>Embracing Menopause for a Healthier You<\/strong><\/h2><p>A common misconception is that menopause is a sign that you are getting old or your body is breaking down. This is not the case, and many women actually find this period to be very freeing and exciting.<\/p><p>It&#8217;s important to note that it is not unusual to experience a decrease in libido, as you may find your intimate relationships less appealing, or you may find that your experiences are more painful. If that is the case, it&#8217;s important to discuss options with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/new-patients-enrolment\/\">your healthcare provider<\/a>.<\/p><p>However, this phase can also mean freedom from menstrual discomfort and the need for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/services\/emergency-contraception\/\">contraception<\/a> for many women. Fewer hormonal ups and downs can lead to emotional stability. Menopause can be a time for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/services\/self-management-education\/\">personal growth<\/a>, letting women focus on their goals and self-care. Experience and wisdom can boost self-confidence, making menopause empowering.<\/p><p>Finally, it&#8217;s essential to be aware of some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/services\/cervical-smears\/\">long-term health considerations<\/a>. Decreasing estrogen levels may affect bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Cardiovascular health is also important; monitor cholesterol levels and blood pressure. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timetoscreen.nz\/breast-screening\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Regular check-ups<\/a> with your healthcare provider will help keep you on track with these aspects of your health.<\/p><p>Menopause is a significant yet natural phase in a woman\u2019s life that deserves understanding, acceptance, and even celebration. With the right strategies and a supportive network, women can navigate the path to a fulfilling post-reproductive life.<\/p><p><em>Contact our clinic today to access expert women&#8217;s health GPs and health coaches who can support your wellness journey.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Menopause is a natural phase in a woman&#8217;s life, often misunderstood and misjudged. Our women&#8217;s health expert, Dr Nalini Kohlhagen, ... <\/p>","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":6171,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6121","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6121"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6121\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6171"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6121"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6121"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ormistonmedical.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}