Menopause is often seen as an inevitable stage of life that primarily affects individuals in their late 40s or early 50s. However, some may experience a condition known as medical menopause earlier in life due to medical treatments or conditions.
Medical menopause, also known as induced menopause, can occur as a result of procedures like ovarian removal, radiation, chemotherapy, or due to hormone therapy in the context of gender transition. Regardless of why you’re encountering medical menopause, there are strategies to alleviate associated symptoms and nurture your well-being during this transition.
Understanding Medical Menopause
Menopause typically occurs when hormone production by the ovaries decreases over time. However, medical menopause can cause this decrease more suddenly and earlier in life. This can be a challenging experience, particularly when most available resources target those experiencing menopause as a natural part of aging.
Medical menopause can occur as a result of various scenarios, from chemotherapy or radiation that damages the ovaries, surgical removal of the ovaries, or due to specific autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disease. Furthermore, medical menopause can also occur as part of hormone therapy for trans individuals undergoing gender transition.
Recognizing Symptoms of Medical Menopause
The symptoms of medical menopause generally mirror those of natural menopause. These may include hot flashes, mood changes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, decreased libido, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. However, everyone is unique, and you may or may not experience these or other symptoms.
A Five-Step Guide to Self-Care During Medical Menopause
While there’s no standard protocol for managing medical menopause symptoms, here are five steps that may help you navigate this journey more comfortably:
- Communicate With Your Healthcare Provider: Openly discuss your symptoms with your doctor. They may suggest lifestyle changes, like regular sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, along with medical treatments to manage symptoms.
- Consider Hormone Therapy: For some, hormone therapy (HT), or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), maybe a recommended treatment. This involves taking estrogen and/or progesterone to replace the hormones that the body is no longer producing. This should not be confused with gender-affirming hormone therapy, which is part of the medical transition for trans individuals.
- Investigate Other Medications: Prescription medications can help manage or reduce symptoms. These include vaginal estrogen to reduce vaginal dryness, low-dose antidepressants to manage hot flashes and mood symptoms, Gabapentin for nighttime hot flashes, and osteoporosis medications to prevent or treat bone loss.
- Incorporate Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-reduction techniques can help manage symptoms. Cultivating relaxation and tranquillity in your life is key during this transition.
- Seek Community Support: Connecting with others going through similar experiences can be incredibly valuable. Online and in-person support groups can provide a sense of relief, validation, and shared understanding.
Remember, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable healthcare provider who can guide you toward the most suitable treatment options. Handling medical menopause is a highly individualized process, and open dialogue with your healthcare provider is crucial to ensuring you receive the best care for your specific situation.
