Perimenopause – Puberty at Middle Aged: Awareness
Vaginal Mucosa Normal vs Menopause. Image Credit: BruceBlaus, Wikimedia, CC
The lady of my neighborhood suddenly felt a significant change in her periods at her mid age. But she could not feel free to discuss with doctors. This is a problem of every other women of that age. They can feel a sudden change physically and mentally, which is known as ‘perimenopause’. Puberty is always meant for young girls, whereas puberty of mid 40s is less concerned. Today we are addressing it for an awareness.
The Harvard Study of Moods and Cycles, a population-based prospective study of premenopausal women with and without a lifetime history of major depression, explained an increased risk of a first lifetime episode of depression during perimenopause [1]. Perimenopause causes a lots irregularity like – shorter, frequent and painful period, uterine bleeding and vaginal dryness. It may be associated with mood swings and depressions which needs to address as soon as possible.
When the body’s production of oestrogen and progesterone slows down, menopause usually begins. Hormonal fluctuations can have a significant impact on women’s mental health. Some time, menopausal mood swings can be linked as a signal of serious mental illness. This phase can last around five years. If someone is facing such problems, she needs to discuss with doctors and talk freely with others including friends. There is no shame in stepping ahead and cure yourself to lead a healthy life.
About Image & credit: The image is a representative image Vaginal Mucosa Normal vs Menopause. Credited to BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0
Reference:
- Risk for New Onset of Depression During the Menopausal Transition. ARCH GEN PSYCHIATRY/VOL 63, APR 2006
