{"id":21764,"date":"2023-10-20T01:05:13","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T23:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=21764"},"modified":"2023-10-20T01:05:28","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T23:05:28","slug":"common-menopause-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/common-menopause-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Answering Your Most Common Questions About Menopause"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Menstruation can bring all sorts of ups and downs, aches and pains, questions, and concerns. Pregnancy and birth (if you happen to experience them) can be some of the most transformative periods a person can go through, not to mention the changes they cause to your body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then at the end of the reproductive road, we have menopause. Menopause is when a woman goes 12 months without having a period. Embarking on this new journey also comes with plenty of queries \u2013 which is why we\u2019re here to answer some of the most common questions about menopause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Q: What causes menopause?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact cause of menopause is not fully understood, but this natural biological process is caused by a decline in the production of hormones, mainly estrogen, and progesterone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While everyone who menstruates goes through menopause at some point in their life, some experience it earlier than others. In some cases, menopause can be triggered by surgery, like a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or by surgical removal of the ovaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are certain underlying conditions and lifestyle factors that can make menopause start earlier like smoking cigarettes, having type 1 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/diabetes-in-women\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, undergoing chemotherapy, and having a family history of early menopause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Q: What are the most common symptoms of menopause?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people experience no symptoms with menopause, or their symptoms don\u2019t bother them. Many find it a relief, especially if they dealt with painful periods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those that do experience menopausal symptoms, these are some of the most common:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hot flashes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability and moodiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty sleeping or insomnia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaginal dryness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower libido<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in periods or irregular periods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain during sex<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Q: How do I deal with the symptoms of menopause?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those that do find symptoms of menopause uncomfortable, there are steps you can take to help deal with them. One of the most common ways to deal with symptoms of menopause is through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/hormone-replacement-therapy-menopause\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hormone replacement therapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, HRT, usually with estrogen, but sometimes with progesterone as well. Certain antidepressants, SSRIs, can also help in some cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HRT will not start your period again, but it can help you deal with the symptoms that can come with menopause. People who don\u2019t want to go the hormone route can try <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/10-tips-for-menopause\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">natural hacks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like getting acupuncture, exercising, and trying to stay on a regular sleep schedule.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Q: How do I know if HRT for menopause is right for me?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While hormone replacement therapy can be incredibly beneficial for many people during menopause, it\u2019s not for everyone. Your decision about whether or not to use hormones depends on the severity of your symptoms, your risk for heart disease and breast cancer, how long you may need HRT, and whether or not the potential benefits outweigh the risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re curious about HRT, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider who can help you make a more informed decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Q: How do I know when I\u2019ve reached menopause?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The phases of menopause can be confusing. Menopause is marked 12 months after your last menstrual period, before that you\u2019re in perimenopause. After 12 months you are considered postmenopausal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perimenopause on average lasts 7 years, but for some can be as many as 14 years, typically starting between ages 45 and 55.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Q: What exactly is a hot flash?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hot flashes may feel slightly different for everyone, but most people describe them as a short sensation of heat through the body. Some people also experience flushing and sweating followed by chills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The intensity and frequency of hot flashes change from person to person. Most of the time hot flashes stop after someone reaches menopause, but some people continue to experience them throughout the rest of their life, although they usually lessen in severity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Q: Can you get pregnant after menopause?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After 12 months without periods, it\u2019s very rare that someone would get pregnant naturally but it is possible. It\u2019s also possible to get pregnant during perimenopause, especially since it can be difficult to know when you\u2019re ovulating when your periods are irregular.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who have reached menopause can still carry a baby through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/ivf-vs-iui\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IVF<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Although their eggs are no longer viable, they can use eggs that were frozen at a younger age or donor eggs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Q: How does menopause affect your sex life?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good chunk of people who are menopausal also note a decline in their libido. Menopause can also make sex more difficult thanks to vaginal dryness and painful intercourse for some people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t let this discourage you. Many people still have incredible sex lives after menopause, with or without hormones. Using <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/lube-101\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lube<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a great way to help make sex more enjoyable. Remember, although you probably won\u2019t get pregnant, you still need to take steps to prevent the transmission of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/sti-101-your-questions-answered\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STIs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Q: How does the body change after menopause?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides the obvious, there are a lot of other changes that happen to the body during and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/21837-postmenopause\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">after menopause<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Much of this is thanks to hormonal changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the ways the body changes with menopause:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metabolism changes, which means that the way that the body uses energy changes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may gain weight more easily.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A decline in bone health and an increased risk for osteoporosis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as strokes and heart attacks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health issues like depression and anxiety.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Life After Menopause<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re just starting your menopause journey or have made it through to the other side, everybody has their own unique experience. It\u2019s totally normal to not experience symptoms, but if you do, there is support available to you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For any more questions you have, you can refer to your healthcare provider. It\u2019s still important to go to regular gynecology appointments for pap smears and mammograms. Welcome to club menopause!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Menstruation can bring all sorts of ups and downs, aches and pains, questions, and concerns. Pregnancy and birth (if you happen to experience them) can be some of the most&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":21545,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[12],"tags":[105,75],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.12 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Your Most Common Questions About Menopause, Answered<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Menopause occurs 12 months after someone\u2019s last menstrual period. 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