Menopause is a natural stage in the ageing process for women. As of 2021, women aged 50 and older made up 26% of all women and girls worldwide. Menopause can also be induced by surgical procedures that remove the ovaries or by medical treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, which lead to the cessation of ovarian function. It is important to note that menopause is not a disease or disorder, even though it may be accompanied by various physical and emotional symptoms.

Stages of Menopause

Menopause occurs in three stages: Perimenopause, Menopause, and Post-menopause.

• Perimenopause: The transition period leading up to menopause, during which hormone levels may fluctuate.

• Menopause: The point at which a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

• Post-menopause: The stage after menopause, during which hormone levels remain low.

Symptoms of Menopause

Every woman experiences menopause differently. While some women may have no symptoms or only mild ones, others can face more severe symptoms that may last for years. Compared to White women, Black women are more likely to experience early onset menopause, endure more severe symptoms, and have symptoms that last longer. In contrast, Asian women tend to experience fewer menopausal symptoms.

Most women encounter hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances during menopause. These issues are generally caused by low oestrogen levels, which lead to hot flashes and sweating while sleeping, and low progesterone levels, which can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Other signs and symptoms may include:

Mood Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. Although scientists don’t fully understand the reasons behind these changes, possible contributing factors may include stress, family responsibilities, or fatigue.

Depression: The risk of depression and anxiety increases for many women during the period surrounding menopause. This may be caused by hormonal changes, menopausal symptoms, or a combination of both. Some women may also feel sadness or depression related to the loss of fertility and changes in their bodies due to menopause.

Changes in Body: During menopause, women may experience a widening of the waist, loss of muscle mass, and an increase in body fat. Their skin may also become thinner and drier, which are all symptoms resulting from hormonal changes and ageing.

Low Libido: Around the time of menopause, a woman's interest in sex may change, leading to reduced arousal. Additionally, vaginal dryness can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful.

Urinary Problems: Many women face bladder or urinary issues during perimenopause and menopause. Some find it difficult to hold their urine as long as they could before, and many may need to wake up several times during the night to urinate. Additionally, some women may experience urinary stress incontinence, which involves leaking urine when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

Supporting Mothers During Menopause

Children can support their mothers during the challenging phases of menopause by empowering them through education, emotional support, and practical assistance. Here are some effective ways to help:

Education and Empowerment: Children can empower their mothers by educating them about menopause, its symptoms, and available treatment options. Children should inform their mothers about accessible resources and support groups that can provide additional guidance. Promoting health literacy is essential, as it encourages mothers to take an active role in their healthcare. Additionally, children can motivate their mothers to seek professional help, such as counselling or therapy, when necessary, and to access healthcare services tailored to menopause and its related symptoms.

Emotional Support: Children should provide emotional support by validating their mothers' feelings and recognizing that their experiences are valid. Listening is crucial, as it allows mothers to express their emotions and concerns freely. Understanding and empathy from their children are important for mothers during this period. Children can motivate their mothers to maintain connections with friends and family, or to join a support group where they can share their menopausal experiences and receive support. 

Practical Support: Children can assist their mothers by helping with household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Assisting with errands like grocery, shopping or picking up prescriptions can alleviate some physical stress for mothers going through menopause. It’s important to encourage mothers to take time to rest and recharge as needed.

Encouraging Self-Care: Children should help their mothers adopt healthy habits, including regular exercise, nutritious eating, and stress management. Encouraging their mother to explore relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga is also beneficial.

Understanding and Patience: To provide adequate support during this time, children should educate themselves about menopause and its symptoms to truly comprehend what their mothers are experiencing. Patience is key; children should empathize with their mothers during mood swings, irritability, or other symptoms. It is also important to avoid judgmental comments or reactions, offering support and understanding instead. 

Mothers go through a lot to give birth, raise their children, and support their families. In turn, children can show their love by caring for their mothers during menopause and offering the help and support they need as they navigate this phase of life. If mothers experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, children should encourage them to see a healthcare provider. The provider may suggest therapy, medication, or a combination of both to help alleviate these symptoms, allowing mothers to feel happier and enjoy their lives.

REFERENCE

Information from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/what-menopause#:~:text=Menopause%20describes%20the%20stage%20of,the%20menopausal%20transition%20or%20perimenopause, https://womenshealth.gov/menopause/ and https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause was used in this story