Chapter 26: Midlife and Menopause

By Kristin Fluet

What is Midlife?

Midlife is the period that covers the years of forty-five to sixty-five

During this period of time, a woman may experience emotional, social and physical changes

Menopause

Menopause is defined as the end of monthly bleeding (menstrual periods).

It is a transition period involving many physical and emotional changes that can begin as early as forty or as late as fifty-five or sixty.

Question for discussion

Do you think that menopause is really a medical issue?

Changes in our periods

During this time, a women’s menstrual cycle can dramatically change whether it be shorter, longer, heavier bleeding, lighter bleeding, or may be skipped all together.

This is caused by reduced amounts of estrogen and progesterone. As the uterine lining gets thinner, the flow may be lighter or last fewer days. With irregular ovulation, bleeding can be heavier and the periods may last longer.

Changes during menopause

All women experience menopause differently. Some common symptoms include hot flashes, mood and memory change, changes in bleeding patterns, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and sleep disturbances.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Hot flashes occur when women feel warm, then very hot and sweaty and sometimes experience a cold chill afterwards.These hot flashes are thought to be due to a change in the brain’s control mechanism for body temperature as a result of declining estrogen.Some hot flashes cause heavy perspiration to soak night clothes and sheets. This is also known as night sweats.

Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disturbances may be caused by hot flashes or night sweats.Lack of sleep due to these factors can cause fatigue, irritability, and a feeling of being unable to cope.Some women turn to medication to treat sleep disturbance such as sleeping pills, anti-depressants, or hormone therapy.

Question for discussion

Do you think that menopause is really a medical issue?

Vaginal changes

During menopause, estrogen levels decline, which cause the vaginal walls to become thinner, drier, and less flexible.

Less vaginal lubrication is produced which makes it more prone to tears and cracks.

It often takes longer to become moist causing penetration to be less comfortable and sometimes painful.

Urinary changes

Some women may leak urine unexpectedly or feel like they have to pee more often and needing to get up several times during the night.Other women may experience urinary incontinence which is when the inability to control leakage becomes a problem.Some techniques to curing urinary incontinence may be kegel exercises, bladder training, or medications.

Other changes

As women age, sexual desire may be affected by menopause-related problems such as heavy, unpredictable periods or urinary leaking.Some women also report feeling depressed during this time because the transition can often trigger sever emotional problems.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy has been marketed and prescribed for two purposes: short-term relief from severe menopausal discomforts, and long-term prevention of conditions that can come with aging.

Numerous studies have shown that the combination of estrogen and progestin reduces hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and the gradual thinning of bones.

Sexuality and Aging

Myth: sexual desire and activity have to fade as a natural, irreversible part of aging.

Some drugs such as antidepressants depress sexual function or interest.

Quote that jumped out at me: “While we do have to accommodate the changes in our bodies, sexual feelings often depend more on how we feel about our bodies and our relationships as we age.”

Staying Healthy: Exercise

Physical activity becomes increasingly important in midlife.

Aerobic exercise: walking, jogging, and dancing

Weight-bearing exercise: builds bone

Strength training: swimming, lifting small objects, push-ups

Balance: yoga

Staying Healthy: Eating well

Getting a well balance of nutrients (calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium) are very important as we get older.Calcium: This essential nutrient prevents bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis.Vitamin D: Main sources such as sunshine, fish, fortified milk, and cereal help absorb calcium and phosphorus.Magnesium: Sources such as fruits and vegetables should be eaten in order to balance with the calcium level in an individual.