A guide to hormone changes as you age
Meet Sarah. She’s in her mid-40s, balancing work deadlines, a busy home, and a teenager who seems determined to push every button. Lately, she finds herself upset over small things—rolling her eyes when her husband asks about dinner, or when her mother calls with a gripe about technology.
Sarah’s nights are restless; she struggles to fall asleep although she feels constantly exhausted. She wakes in the night, anxious and drenched in sweat. She feels foggy, and is getting a reputation for being late. And just the other day she opened the fridge, and couldn’t remember what she was looking for.
Sarah blames stress, and “the world”, but perhaps there is an underlying pattern? Could she be entering menopause?
What Is Menopause?
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, and is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. Menopause is a natural part of aging, but it can be influenced by lifestyle factors—including diet, exercise, and overall health – or induced by medical issues such as a hysterectomy, radiation or chemotherapy.
You don’t need treatment for menopause unless your symptoms bother you, but knowing what to expect can help you manage your symptoms through lifestyle choices.
At NorthStar Medical, we’re here to help. If you are experiencing symptoms, please discuss it with us.
6 Common Misconceptions about Menopause
- “It only happens when you’re much older.”
Many people assume menopause starts in the late 50s or 60s. In reality, perimenopause often begins in the 40s, and symptoms can appear years before periods stop completely. - “I can’t be in menopause, because I don’t have hot flashes.”
While hot flashes are common, menopause can also bring sleep problems, aching joints, muscle weakness, vaginal dryness, urinary issues, and changes in memory or concentration. - “Menopause means a few uncomfortable months.”
Menopause is a gradual transition over several years, not a single event. Symptoms may fluctuate in intensity during perimenopause. - “Hormone therapy is the best option.”
Lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medications, and supportive therapies can relieve symptoms. Hormone therapy is an option in some situations but not the only path. - “Menopause is natural and doesn’t affect my health.”
Menopause affects more than periods—it can increase risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, and changes in metabolic health. Awareness and preventive care are important. - “Menopause won’t affect me because I’m fit and active”
Declining oestrogen affects lean muscle mass making it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight and metabolic rate. You may decrease in overall strength, and need more time to recover from intense workouts.
Lesser-known symptoms of menopause and perimenopause
We’ve all heard about hot flashes and night sweats, mood swings and “senior moments”, but there are other symptoms that aren’t as well known, so many women don’t mention them to their doctor.
- Sudden headaches or migraines.
- Increased stiffness or aching in their joints and muscles can be mistaken for other conditions.
- Tingling or numbness in their hands or feet are from hormonal changes affecting nerve function.
- Bloating, indigestion, or changes in bowel habits.
- There is a higher risk of osteoporosis and brittle bones.
- Dry eyes, burning, stinging or a gritty feeling in your eyes due to reduced tear production.
- Nails can become thin or soft, and can split, crack or break more easily.
- Fluctuating hormone levels can trigger light-headedness, pressure at the temples and dizziness.
- Unsightly dark skin patches on face and arms, and thinning, dry skin are caused by declining estrogen levels. Wrinkles are prominent, so many women feel like they look older overnight.
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or generally low in mood. These changes are sometimes mistaken for depression, but when correctly identified, treatments and lifestyle adjustments that target menopausal symptoms can make a real difference—and provide peace of mind.
How can you care for yourself?
- Quit smoking to reduce hot flashes and long-term health risks.
- Regular exercise will help to manage weight, strengthen heart and bones, and lift your mood.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol and eat a heart-healthy diet and limit salt, fat, and sugar.
- Lower your risk of brittle bones by getting enough calcium and vitamin D. A supplement may be appropriate – please ask your doctor.
- Improve bladder control with regular Kegel exercises.
- If you’re having problems with vaginal dryness, try an over-the-counter lubricant before intercourse. Lubricants can be water-, silicone-, or oil-based. Ask your doctor about what kind may be a better option for you. Ask us about using vaginal estrogen (cream, tablet, or ring).
- Try to manage stress. Breathing exercises, mediation, or yoga may help.
When to call your doctor
- Bleeding between menstrual periods, when periods have been regular.
- Renewed bleeding after having no periods for 6 months or more.
- Menstrual periods that are unusually heavy, irregular, or prolonged (twice as long as normal).
- Unexplained bleeding while you are taking hormones.
- Symptoms like insomnia, hot flashes, or mood swings are interfering with your sleep or daily life.
- Vaginal pain or dryness that doesn’t improve with home treatment,
- Pain or burning during urination or cloudy urine.