Mydocalm in the treatment of neck and lower back pain during menopause

Treatment of menopausal syndrome

The menopause is a physiological process in the life of every woman. It is characterized by the decline of reproductive function due to naturally occurring hormonal changes in the body. As a rule, it is observed from 45 to 55 years and its main external manifestation is the gradual cessation of menstruation. But fluctuations in one direction or another are possible: a decrease in the period of menopause (menstruation stops almost immediately, without specific menopausal symptoms), its earlier or later onset.

Menopause can occur without or with mild vegetative-vascular disorders, without disturbing the usual way of life, but it can also be of a pronounced pathological nature, then it is called climacteric, or menopausal syndrome, which reduces a woman’s performance, significantly affecting her general well-being and vital functions.

Reasons for development

During menopause, in a woman’s body, under the influence of gradually or abruptly advancing age-related hormonal changes, a multifunctional change in the functioning of organs and systems occurs, starting mainly with the endocrine glands (primarily the ovaries and the hypothalamic-pituitary system). In this case, there is a slowdown and complete cessation of maturation of follicles in the ovaries, which decrease in volume over time, being replaced by connective tissue. This is accompanied by a decrease in estrogen levels, but the production of follicle-stimulating hormone in the pituitary gland can increase at this time by 10-14 times, and luteinizing hormone by 3-4 times, followed by a gradual decrease. And since estrogens affect the function of many body systems (breast glands, bladder, pelvic floor muscles, central nervous system, blood vessels, skin, mucous membranes, bones), their deficiency affects not only the functioning, but also the structure of organs, manifesting the development of vegetative-vascular, psychoneurological, urogenital pathologies, cardiovascular diseases (arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes), the appearance of osteoporosis, aging of the skin, increased risk of autoimmune diseases.

The most common menopausal disorders

The classification by type is based on the principles of time periodization. In this connection, the following climacteric disorders are distinguished:

• Early-time - developing from the premenopausal period and ending within 1-2 years of postmenopause: asthenoneurotic, vegetative-vascular, psycho-emotional disorders;
• Medium-term – usually appearing 2-4 years after the onset of menopause: urogenital pathologies, deterioration of the skin, hair and mucous membranes, for which symptomatic treatment is no longer effective.
• Late-time – occurring 5-8 or more years after the onset of menopause: metabolic diseases (atherosclerosis, osteoporosis), cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and others.

The main manifestations of menopausal syndrome

In many ways, the development of menopause and its symptoms are determined by the general health of the woman at the time of its onset, the state of her hormonal levels, living conditions, and heredity.

Vegetovascular or vasomotor disorders occur in 80% of women, but their severity varies. Often they are in the nature of so-called “hot flashes”, manifested by a temporary feeling of heat, increased sweating and redness of the skin of the face, neck-collar area, décolleté, head, palpitations, slight dizziness, and sometimes an increase (or fall) in blood pressure. The duration of hot flashes usually does not exceed a few minutes, but their frequency is very variable (from 2-5 per day to 20 or more, including at night).

Asthenoneurotic and psychoemotional - diagnosed in 13-20% of women. They manifest themselves in the form of sleep disturbances, high fatigue, a decrease in the psycho-emotional background, up to the onset of depression, and occasionally phobias and increased irritability. It is also possible that absent-mindedness, decreased attention, and forgetfulness may occur, leading to decreased ability to work.

Urogenital - occur more often with increasing age, can manifest as dryness and atrophy of the vaginal mucosa, burning, itching, dysuria (frequent urination or urinary incontinence), decreased libido, pain during sexual intercourse, etc.

Metabolic – found in 50% of women, and their number increases with age. Most often, this leads to obesity, the development of osteoporosis, skin aging, brittle nails, thinning and hair loss.

Sympathoadrenal crises are atypical manifestations of menopausal disorders. They occur in the form of increased blood pressure, headache, temporary fluid retention in the body (edema) followed by attacks of polyuria, pain in the heart (but there are no signs of ischemia on the ECG).

Immunological disorders also belong to the atypical form. They are expressed in the form of a general decrease in immunity, high susceptibility to seasonal respiratory diseases, disruptions of the allergic status (the occurrence of increased sensitivity and intolerance to certain foods, medications, household chemicals, cosmetics), and the development of autoimmune pathologies.

Diagnosis of menopausal disorders

Usually it does not present any difficulties due to the specific symptoms; however, all women during this period are recommended to consult not only their gynecologist, but also an endocrinologist, therapist, neurologist, cardiologist and other specialists (as indicated). In addition, it is recommended to conduct an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, mammary glands, thyroid gland, ECG, and study the level of hormones - follicle-stimulating hormone, anti-Mullerian hormone, estrogens, TSH in the blood.

Basic principles of therapy

In case of early menopause and initial manifestations of menopausal syndrome, menopausal hormonal therapy is prescribed individually. The forms of administration of MG drugs, course, daily doses are selected by the doctor individually, its goal is not only to remove symptoms, but also to prevent possible long-term consequences (urogenital disorders, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, etc.).

Menopause

Menopause is a time in a woman's life that signals the end of her menstrual period and her ability to bear children. A woman officially enters menopause without a period after a full year.

Perimenopause and menopause symptoms, including uncomfortable bloating, can begin up to 4 years before menopause as hormone levels drop. Luckily, there are ways to relieve menopausal bloating and discomfort.

• What is bloating?
• Causes
• Water retention versus gas retention
• Prevention and relief
• Bloating or weight gain?
• When to see a doctor
• What is bloating?

Bloating is uncomfortable pressure in the abdominal area caused by extra air or fluid in the gastrointestinal tract. It may feel like fullness or tightness.

In some cases, bloating can cause a person's stomach to swell. A person may also experience temporary weight gain from bloating.

Water retention versus gas retention

Water retention and gas retention are the two main causes of bloating and bloating. It can be difficult to determine which of these two causes bloating.

Retention of gas , which is usually found in the stomach and is the result of trapped air. Bloating can often be prevented by eating more slowly, avoiding carbonated drinks, and eating less food.

Water retention can occur in more cases than gas retention. A woman may notice swelling in her arms and legs, across her middle or throughout her body. Water retention can cause painful bloating in affected parts of the body.

There are simple steps a woman can take to reduce the swelling and bloating associated with excess fluid retention.

Headaches during menopause in women

To the question whether a headache can occur during menopause, the answer is clear. This is a constant companion of menopausal syndrome. Painful sensations are caused by various reasons, including physical dysfunctions of certain systems and psycho-emotional disorders.

Headaches are an inevitable accompaniment of menopause. There are a number of reasons for their occurrence.

Localization of pain can be in the occipital, temporal, frontal and parietal regions. Depending on this, the doctor may suspect the following reasons:

• Increased blood or intracranial pressure. It is especially common in older people. Associated with blockage of blood vessels by fatty formations - cholesterol plaques.
• Dysfunction of cerebral vessels. Depletion of the walls, chronic diseases lead to frequent spasms or excessive dilation of blood vessels. After 45 years of age, the risk of migraine attacks increases.
• Neuralgia of nerve endings in the neck and head. Hormonal imbalance can lead to irritation of these structures.
• Injuries. Previously received head and neck injuries provoke chronic pain of varying strength.
• Excessive tension in the cervical and shoulder regions. Staying in the same position for a long time, low mobility, and large loads of the same type lead to spasms.

Depression and unstable emotional state lead to severe headaches. The woman constantly feels overwhelmed. Night hot flashes also have a negative effect on your well-being. Sleep disturbances, constant depression of the nervous system, and autonomic disorders have characteristic consequences.

If a woman suffered from severe headaches or migraines, their frequency and intensity increases by 50-60%.

When to see a doctor

This is typical for a woman who experiences bloating during hormonal fluctuations associated with her menstrual cycle and menopause. In most cases, bloating that clears up on its own is not a cause for concern.

However, in cases where the bloating is prolonged and painful, a woman should talk to her doctor. Painful bloating that lasts for several weeks may indicate other medical conditions that should be diagnosed by a medical professional.

Causes and symptoms of pathological menopause

Factors that provoke the pathological course of menopause include:

• diseases of the reproductive organs;
• surgery to remove the uterus or ovaries;
• the presence of chronic diseases (for example, the thyroid gland);
• vitamin deficiency caused by dietary errors;
• stressful situations;
• hereditary predisposition.

The main symptoms of pathological menopause are hot flashes, accompanied by increased sweating, attacks of dizziness and migraines, tachycardia, vaginal dryness, and weight gain. Pathological changes also occur in the emotional sphere. The woman becomes more irritable, anxious, and prone to sudden mood swings.

Bloating or weight gain?

If bloating is painful or persistent, you should consult your doctor.

Bloating, especially from water retention, can lead to weight gain. Sometimes it can be difficult for a woman going through menopause to differentiate between weight gain and bloating.

Menopausal bloating, unlike weight gain, is also often accompanied by a distended, swollen belly and discomfort. Bloating is characterized by:

• rapid onset of weight or size during or after eating
• changes in stomach size and shape throughout the day
• short periods of bloating, either after eating or during hormone fluctuations
• discomfort or pain

On the contrary, weight gain will continue and remain. Weight gain often occurs during menopause as a result of a slower metabolism and can occur with or without bloating. Weight gain alone does not cause stomach distension during the day.