Page 56 - El-Placer-De-Volar-VersionDigital-Dic-2023

SALUD

WOMEN AND
HORMONES AFTER 50
From the age of 40, hormonal changes
can affect menstrual cycles, accompanied
or accompanied by other symptoms asso-
ciated with estrogen deficiency, this period
is called perimenopause and lasts until the Androgen failure is directly related to Maintaining a good state of health is
definitive cessation of ovarian function in sexual desire, sense of well-being, energy, very important to improve the quality of
its production of estrogens, progesterone motivation and arousal, however it is im- life. Avoid risk factors such as alcohol and
and androgens that we know as menopau- portant to evaluate psychological and in- smoking, which are related to the onset of
se, a normal physiological event with biolo- terpersonal problems during this stage such early menopause, heart disease and os-
gical and psychosocial changes. as self-esteem, family or work problems teoporosis; maintain good eating habits
The age of menopause has not changed and acceptance of the physical changes of with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low
in recent years, what has occurred is an age, all factors that could affect the couple’s in cholesterol and carbohydrates to avoid
increase in expectations of women’s qua- relationship and sexual desire. Sexuality weight gain; perform an hour of physical
lity of life. The average age is between 48 depends on hormonal and interpersonal activity at least three times a week, we
and 52 years, although we can see cases of factors. Talking about sexuality with our know that exercise helps maintain physical
early or late menopause, it is not always partners is key. and mental health, prevents cardiovascu-
accompanied by symptoms and there is no Urogenital atrophy (vaginal dryness), lar disease and loss of bone mass; perform
condition that can predict who will pre- an important and often underestimated leisure activities that keep our mind active
sent them. Symptoms include hot flashes, symptom, does not disappear with time to avoid depression or other psychological
sweating, changes in the skin, cephalalgia, and can cause urinary incontinence, dysu- disorders.
dizziness, tingling sensation, osteoarticular ria (burning with urination), pelvic floor Cardiovascular disease is the main
and muscular pain, palpitations, vaginal laxity, prolapse, decreased lubrication and cause of death in postmenopausal women
dryness, decreased libido and psychic ma- dyspareunia (pain with intercourse) which and not breast cancer as everyone thinks.
nifestations such as irritability, depression, can also be a cause of sexual dysfunction The protective effect of estrogens is lost with
anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, decreased during this period rather than decreased menopause, so it is important to evaluate
memory, apathy and discouragement. libido due to androgen deficiency. cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes,
cholesterol, triglycerides, smoking, obesity,
hypertension and sedentary lifestyle.
Let us remember that menopause is
also an attitude, let us not allow this sta-
ge, which represents more than 40% of our
lives, to slow us down. Consultation with a
specialist is essential to find the right the-
rapy that provides benefits to improve va-
somotor and genitourinary symptoms, pre-
vent osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease,
Alzheimer’s disease, colon and rectal can-
cer, among others.
The excess of information about meno-
pause can be overwhelming and sometimes
confusing, that is why it is important to get
information from a specialist in the area,
it is up to us gynecologists to give these wo-
men back their quality of life with appro-
priate treatments and also allow them to
have a full sexuality.
In summary, menopause is a stage full
of challenges, but also of opportunities.
With proper care women can maintain
their quality of life and sexual well-being.
As Mateo Alemán said: “youth is not a time
of life, it is a state of the spirit”.

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