Menopause

Main article: Human body

What happens to the body

Perimenopause

At first, a woman can pay attention to changes in the cycle: menstruation comes less and less, discharge becomes uneven - they are either more abundant or, on the contrary, scarce. This period is called perimenopause. As a rule, it begins at the age of 40-45: at this time, the fertility period (the ability to give birth to children) ends in the body and reproductive function fades.

Postmenopause

When menstruation disappears completely and they are not there for 12 months, menopause has come. In other words, this is a "point in time" that records the absence of menstruation in a woman over the past 12 months, after which the next period begins - postmenopause.

2025: How menopause rearranges a woman's brain and leads to eye and digestive diseases. Scientific explanation

Many menopausal women complain of forgetfulness, trouble concentrating and mental fatigue. Cognitive, emotional and physiological impairments are associated with changes in brain structure caused by hormonal fluctuations. This is stated in a study by an international group of scientists, the results of which were released at the end of October 2025.

It has been established that menopause is associated with a decrease in the volume of gray matter in both the frontal and temporal cortex, as well as in the hippocampus - areas critical for memory function, spatial orientation and emotional responses. Such changes are directly related to the deterioration of verbal and visual-spatial memory.

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In addition, as noted in the study, women during menopause may experience increased white matter hyperintensities: these are bright spots that are visible on MRI. They may indicate tissue damage, particularly due to decreased blood flow. Such changes can lead to neurological problems, including cognitive impairment, difficulty maintaining balance, and mood changes. In addition, the risk of stroke and dementia increases. Other symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, sweating and sleep disturbances.

Hormonal changes occurring during perimenopause and menopause can cause a variety of gastrointestinal disorders such as bloating, gas, pain and constipation. In addition, dry eye syndrome is more common in menopausal women: this ailment is characterized by insufficient release of tears or their too rapid evaporation. Pathology leads to dryness and discomfort, and in the absence of treatment - to eye infections and damage to the surface of the eye.^[1]

Signs of menopause

The most common early sign of the climacteric period is hot flushes - a feeling of intense heat or heat in the upper body, head. About 75% of women aged 45 to 55 complain of their manifestation, while in 28.5% of cases - moderate or severe severity.

Also, early symptoms include chills, increased sweating, headaches, increased or decreased blood pressure, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, impaired concentration and attention, insomnia and decreased libido. Vaginal dryness, painful sensations during intercourse, brittle nails, the appearance of wrinkles, dryness and hair loss are all mid-time symptoms.

How to relieve the condition

Almost a third of her years a woman spends in postmenopause, so it is important to follow simple recommendations in order to continue to lead a familiar lifestyle and maintain psycho-emotional health.

Physical activity helps maintain quality of life and reduce the risks of developing severe diseases. You can start with simple stretching exercises: tilting, flapping your feet, lifting your hands - they will support muscle elasticity and body balance. You can also try yoga, walking or dancing.

Nutrition plays an important role during the menopause: it supports heart and vascular health, helps strengthen bones and affects cholesterol levels.

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