We go through a lot of major changes in our 40s, 50s, and 60s. Our sex
hormone levels start to decrease, which can affect our bodies and minds in
far-reaching ways.
Some of these changes vary based on our reproductive anatomy, but others can
affect all of us. It’s important to understand these changes and how to deal
with them.
Perimenopause and Menopause
The changes that affect most women and people with ovaries and a uterus are
called
perimenopause
and
menopause.
• Perimenopause is the natural transition to menopause. This
is when your menstrual period begins to change and can become more
irregular. It can start as early as in your 30s, but usually begins between
the ages of 40 and 44.• During this transition, ovaries stop releasing eggs and estrogen levels
decrease rapidly.• When you haven’t had a period for 12 or more consecutive months, you’re
considered to be in menopause. This usually happens when
you’re in your 40s or 50s; in the U.S.,
the average age is 51.• Menopause also affects people who have had their
ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.
Many people know very little about perimenopause and menopause
. According to one survey, more than 90 percent of respondents never learned
about these life changes in school, and 60 percent didn’t feel well-informed
about them. That’s a shame, because they really are life-changing events.
Andropause
There is a change, very similar to menopause, that can affect men or people
who have testicles and a penis. It’s called
andropause. Like menopause, it’s caused by a natural decline in hormone levels — in
this case, testosterone.
This decline is normal, but it affects people differently, and at different
ages. Not everyone notices it happening. But if they do, it’s usually when
they’re in their 40s.
Many people don’t even know that andropause is a thing, but they should.
Otherwise, they may blame themselves for what they’re experiencing — even
though it’s completely natural, and not some kind of a personal failing.
What May Happen During These Life Changes?
To Everyone:
• Mood changes
• Having trouble
concentrating or sleeping
• Hot flashes
(yes,
andropause can cause those
too)
• Reduced sex drive, or even a complete lack of interest in sex
• Dryer skin
• Decreased muscle mass
To Women and People with Ovaries and a Vagina:
• Changes to your menstrual cycle
• Vaginal dryness
• Bladder problems
To Men and People with Testicles and a Penis:
• Trouble getting/maintaining an erection
Easing Your Symptoms
Talk to your doctor before trying to “do something” about perimenopause,
menopause, or andropause. They can do a blood test to confirm that you are
actually going through one of these changes. Other health issues could be
causing your symptoms. For example:
• Irregular menstrual periods can signify
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or uterine or ovarian cancer.• Low sex drive can be caused by
diabetes, hypothyroidism, or rheumatoid arthritis.
So, have a conversation with your doctor. Explain what you’re experiencing.
Ask them to help you find the cause and what you should do about it.
If you are experiencing one of these changes, usually
lifestyle changes
are the first place to turn for symptom relief. These include:
• Quitting smoking
• Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy body weight
• Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods
• Reducing your stress level through things like meditation
• Getting more sleep
• Exercising
Strength training, in particular, can help
boost testosterone levels, increase muscle mass, accelerate metabolism, and actually help prevent
osteoporosis. This can counteract many of the effects of both menopause and
andropause.
In addition to these lifestyle changes, there are other solutions your
doctor may suggest. For instance,
certain antidepressants
are commonly used to treat hot flashes. (Antidepressants have been shown to
benefit a wide variety of health conditions, not just mental health issues.)
And you can use a variety of
moisturizers and lubricants
to counteract vaginal dryness.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
If your sex hormone levels are low, your doctor may recommend hormone
replacement therapy (HRT). This approach has some benefits, but there are
also some risks you should be aware of.
• HRT can ease some symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes and vaginal discomfort, and can help prevent osteopenia
and osteoporosis. However, it can also increase your risk of heart disease,
stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer.• HRT can also help relieve the symptoms of andropause. But it can increase your risk of heart attacks, stroke, and metastatic
breast cancer or prostate cancer.
So, talk to your doctor about whether HRT is a safe option for you.
Aging Gracefully
A lot of people find going through these changes to be depressing. They see
it as a sign of getting older. But getting older is something we all go
through and it’s not a bad thing. With age comes a lot of experience,
maturity, wisdom, and perspective.
And remember, just because you’re getting older, that doesn’t mean your sex
life has to end.
A lot of people are sexually active into their 80s and beyond, and many report that their sex life has gotten better with age. You
deserve to have a healthy and fun sex life if you want one. Talk to your
doctor if you’re struggling to achieve this in your life.
People with a positive attitude about aging tend to live
longer, happier lives. So, you get to decide where you go from here. You get to decide how to
make the most of it and continue to live with passion and joy. And that’s
what I hope you’ll do.
This content was originally published on
IBX Insights.
About Dr. Nuria Lopez-Pajares
Dr. Nuria Lopez-Pajares joined Independence Blue Cross in 2018 after
practicing primary care and population health for 18 years. With a
background in public health and preventive medicine, she is now a medical
director involved in utilization management, case management, and quality
improvement. What she loves about this job is the opportunity to put
prevention into practice and educate.