Menopause refers to the natural physiological changes that mark the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and child-bearing years. In the United States, 52 is the average age of menopause. However, this process can also occur earlier or later in life. When a woman enters menopause, her ovaries no longer make progesterone and estrogen, the two hormones necessary for fertility.
When sex hormone levels dramatically decrease, they cause many physiological symptoms. Heat flashes and irritability are two common physical manifestations of menopause. But some other indications of the condition aren’t as well-known. Here are three surprising menopause symptoms and how to treat them.
Contents
1. Increasing Urinary Tract Infections
Your urinary tract includes the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. It’s the body’s drainage system and is responsible for removing wastes and extra fluids. All components of the urinary tract must function properly to result in normal urination. However, sometimes, bacteria (typically E. coli) can enter the urinary tract and infect the system. When this happens, it can lead to symptoms like cloudy urine, frequent urination, and burning sensations while urinating.
Urinary tract infections are more common after menopause due to plummeting estrogen levels. Low estrogen can lead to weak urethra muscles. As the muscles weaken, it becomes easier for bacteria to enter the body and make their way to the bladder. Low estrogen also leads to a decline in healthy bacteria in the vagina and bladder, which leaves the urinary tract more susceptible to infection-causing bacteria.
Luckily, there are ways to treat UTIs. Healthcare professionals typically prescribe antibiotics. In some cases, they may also recommend preventative low-dose antibiotics for those who experience recurring UTIs. Preventative antibiotics are often effective, but they can result in unwanted side effects themselves. These can include diarrhea, upset stomach, yeast infections, and harm to healthy bacteria colonies in the body.
For these reasons, many women prefer not to take preventative antibiotics. If you prefer an alternative to regular antibiotics, consider taking a UTI supplement. Not all supplements are created equal, and some are more effective than others. For best results, look for one that includes known UTI-prevention ingredients such as proanthocyanidins from pure cranberry juice extract.
2. Thinning Hair
The hair on your head and body is constantly growing, falling out, and regrowing. In fact, it’s natural to lose up to 100 strands of hair per day! But if you consistently lose more than that, you’re experiencing abnormal hair loss. Excessive loss of hair is one of the lesser-known symptoms of menopause. As such, it can lead to self-consciousness and embarrassment and leave those affected wondering what they can do to stop it.
Menopause-related hair loss typically occurs as a result of declining estrogen and progesterone levels. As these hormone levels drop, hair follicles produce thinner, drier-feeling hair. Additionally, the relative increase in androgens, such as testosterone, can further contribute to hair thinning by shrinking hair follicles and shortening the hair growth cycle. This combination often leads to hair thinning that is most visible on the top of the scalp. Women may also notice thinner ponytails and a noticeable number of hairs in their hairbrush each day.
Treatments for menopausal hair loss include topical and oral prescription products (typically minoxidil), laser treatments, hair transplants, and microneedling. Some of these treatments are more invasive than others. It’s important to talk to a trusted medical professional about the benefits and risks of each option so you can make the most appropriate choice.
3. Weight Gain
Weight gain is one of the most dreaded symptoms associated with menopause. Much of this weight tends to accumulate around the midsection. This can change your overall shape and may necessitate an entirely new wardrobe. Not everyone gains weight during menopause. But those who do often report rapid fat accumulation that seems impossible to stop.
Menopause weight gain usually begins during perimenopause. This is the period when women still have a menstrual cycle but begin experiencing hormone-related bodily changes. Decreasing estrogen and progesterone levels trigger metabolic changes in the body. Muscle mass begins to deteriorate and fatty tissue deposits begin to replace lost muscle. These changes often lead to a larger, flabbier midsection sometimes referred to as “meno belly.”
It may be more difficult to lose weight during menopause than in earlier phases of life, but it is possible. Your healthcare provider may recommend changing your diet. People who consume foods high in salt, fat, and sugar are more likely to gain menopause weight. Therefore, it’s best to adopt a healthier diet high in antioxidants and fiber and low in processed foods. It’s also essential to be physically active to keep excess weight off.
If you can’t seem to get rid of fat accumulation despite your best efforts, you might seek more dramatic interventions. Surgical procedures like liposuction or a tummy tuck can reduce belly bulge. CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment that can also reduce the appearance of fat. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks associated with these treatments so you can make an informed decision.
Menopause often comes with undesirable side effects, but it’s a natural part of life that every woman must go through. Rather than fearing it, try to prepare for it so you aren’t taken by surprise. Learning how to recognize and treat menopausal symptoms can empower you to conquer this phase of life as it comes.
