When a woman turns 40, she can expect her body to gradually undergo some changes. This is because menopause usually begins at this time. There are fluctuations of hormones in the blood, which are an introduction to the gradual preparation of the body for menopause. Depending on the body, symptoms may appear at different times. It all depends on individual circumstances.
Menopause itself also varies, from 45 to 50 years of age. Despite this, the decrease in estrogen concentration in the blood contributes to a number of changes that can be troublesome for a woman. The aging of the body causes, among others:
- Less skin elasticity. This is due to hormonal changes and a decrease in the concentration of collagen, which is responsible for the youthful, elastic and elastic appearance of the skin. As a result, the first wrinkles appear, which are most pronounced around the neck, eyes and cleavage.
- Deterioration of the condition of hair and nails.
- Frequent feeling of fatigue, decline in physical condition, reluctance to do sports. In addition, the metabolism slows down significantly, and the cells do not burn enough sugars. All this causes problems with being overweight.
- Feeling unattractive, nervous.
- A decrease in libido, i.e. a decrease in the desire for sex. Hormonal fluctuations appear, and due to the decrease in estrogen, the elasticity and blood supply to the tissues around the genitals decrease. There is also often troublesome vaginal dryness, which causes pain during intercourse and causes micro-injuries.
In addition, there are also numerous hormonal changes that can cause:
- The occurrence of many anovulatory cycles, which leads to a gradual loss of fertility.
- Headaches.
- Tendency to bone fractures (their density decreases).
- Hot flushes.
- Irregular bleeding and cycle disorders.
- Insomnia.
- Pressure fluctuations.
- Worse concentration.
- Flatulence and constipation.
- Palpitations.
- Changing mood.
- Greater susceptibility to infections, including intimate ones.
- The formation of varicose veins of the legs.
- Increase in “bad” cholesterol.
How to deal with the symptoms of premenopause and slow down the changes?
In the case of very strong symptoms, hormone replacement therapy is used. However, first it is worth using natural and home remedies to alleviate the symptoms. In order to improve the quality of sex life, it is worth using moisturizing intimate gels, as well as adjusting skin, hair and nail care according to age (the sense of attractiveness will increase). It is also often recommended to use phytoestrogens, i.e. plant estrogens that alleviate the symptoms of menopause. It is also important to introduce a healthy diet (rich in vitamins, fiber, omega-3 acids, as well as limiting salt and animal fats), physical activity, socializing, getting enough sleep, and giving up anything that accelerates menopause, i.e. intensive weight loss, smoking exposure to stressful situations, excessive alcohol consumption.