5 Things Everyone Should Know about Menopause

5 Things Everyone Should Know about Menopause

By Michele Mongillo, RN, BSN, MSN

It usually happens when women are in their 40s, but sometimes earlier. Suddenly, a monthly cycle that was predictable becomes erratic. Fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone begin to impact aspects of daily life, from sleep to mood to bladder control. It’s called perimenopause, and we don’t talk about it enough in our society.

Perimenopause happens in the years leading up to menopause, when women are still menstruating, but often irregularly. However, menstrual changes are just one part of it. There are numerous physical and emotional changes that may occur with perimenopause and menopause.  

Roughly half of the global population will experience menopause in their lifetimes, so it’s time to open up the conversation. Here are 5 things that everyone should know about menopause, whether or not you are experiencing it yourself:  

1. It affects a multitude of functions "down there"

It’s fairly well known that menopause means the end of monthly periods. It officially occurs when a woman hasn’t had a period in 12 months, but periods don’t usually stop abruptly unless menopause has been medically induced (by having a complete hysterectomy, for example). Instead, most women will experience several years of increasingly irregular periods during perimenopause where their flow is either lighter or heavier than normal, and where there may be fewer or more days in between periods.

During and after menopause, as estrogen and progesterone levels drop, the pelvic floor muscles supporting the bladder lose elasticity and weaken. This may result in more frequent restroom visits. Lower levels of estrogen can also contribute to a deterioration of the urinary tract lining, which affects the flow of urine and can create the feeling of an urgent need to urinate.   

2. It's unpredictable

When it comes to menopause, expect the unexpected. In fact, the unpredictable nature of perimenopause can be one of the most frustrating things about it. It can be stressful to leave the house and not know what the day might bring. Common concerns include, “Will my period show up without warning? Will I have a hot flash and break into a sweat during my important meeting? Will I be able to reach a bathroom in time to urinate?”

Some women find that wearing daily pads or liners can help provide peace of mind for what’s often referred to as ‘bladder leaks,’ as well as surprise periods. If you go this route, it’s essential to make sure the product you’re using is made from high-quality, breathable materials, and to change it regularly to maintain skin health. Also, check to make sure you’re using the right product to fit your needs. For example, menstrual pads are not made to absorb urinary leakage, so there may be a better option if bladder control is your top concern. 

3. The emotional impact of menopause is just as important as its physical impact

You’ve probably heard about hot flashes, but there is so much more to menopause. Many women experience insomnia, brain fog and mood swings, just to name a few symptoms that can wreak havoc on your emotions. All of this can create a feeling of stress, isolation and fatigue. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage the emotional effects of menopause and be honest with your loved ones about how you’re feeling.

4. Everyone's menopause experience is different

There is no singular “menopausal” experience. Some women will manage perimenopause symptoms for years; others will find it minimally intrusive in their daily lives. What works for one woman to alleviate her symptoms may have no effect on another.  

As a nursing educator, I encourage students to take a holistic view of individuals’ needs. This is imperative for all of us when navigating menopause. Remember, there isn’t a “one size fits all” solution, and finding what works for you may take some trial and error. It can be helpful to understand your family history. If you are able, ask your mother about her menopause journey. There’s no guarantee that yours will be the same, but it may provide some insight into your own experience and can be useful information to share with your healthcare provider.

5. It's a natural part of life, but that doesn't mean you have to suffer through it

There are many lifestyle changes, medical treatments and personal care products that can help manage the changes that come with menopause. For example, we’ve compiled this list of potential treatment strategies to manage urinary leakage. It all starts with having a candid conversation with your healthcare provider. Some menopause symptoms may feel uncomfortable to bring up but remember they have heard it all before.

No one should suffer in silence. If you’re experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, tell your spouse, partner or other loved ones what you’re going through. Let them know how you feel during this time of change and how they can support you in this transition. The only way we can remove the stigma around menopause is to start talking more openly about our experiences.

Michele Mongillo is a registered nurse and nursing educator. She is also a clinical educator at First Quality, which makes Prevail adult incontinence products and Incognito menstrual products.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Embracing Life’s Changes, Together

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