Transition
Women's Healthcare Center Amsterdam specializes in treating climacteric issues, or menopausal complaints. Menopause, also known as menopause, marks the end of a woman's fertile period, during which she literally goes through a transition from fertile to no longer fertile.
Menopause is not an abrupt process that happens overnight; it can last up to 10 years and be accompanied by various climacteric symptoms. These symptoms occur during the menopause phase.
Menopause usually occurs around the age of 50, with menstrual periods becoming more irregular prior to menopause due to decreased hormone production in the ovaries. Although menopause is not a medical condition, women often experience significant symptoms during this natural phase of life.
Complaints during menopause can be divided into two categories: physical and mental complaints.
Physical complaints during menopause
The onset of menopause is often marked by irregular menstruation. Bleeding can vary from light to very heavy. Other common physical symptoms are fatigue, hot flashes and excessive sweating, often accompanied by sudden heat and sweating. Stress, alcohol consumption or spontaneous causes can trigger hot flashes.
Other physical complaints during menopause may include:
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Sore breasts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloated feeling
A few years after the last menstrual period, new complaints may occur, such as vaginal dryness due to decreased hormone production, which can cause pain during intercourse (dyspareunia). Other related complaints are bladder infections and vaginal discharge. Women also sometimes experience a feeling of pressure in the vagina due to changes in vaginal structure.
Decreased estrogen production can cause muscles to weaken, leading to urinary incontinence or prolapse of organs such as the bladder or rectum.
Mental complaints during menopause
In addition to physical symptoms, menopause can also cause mental symptoms, such as fatigue, mood swings, listlessness and depressive feelings. Other possible mental symptoms are nervousness, panic attacks, irritability and forgetfulness.
Specialist in women's care
Would you like to make an appointment with one of our gynecology specialists? Contact us by phone or online, we are ready for you.
