Menopause refers to the physical changes that occur when you enter old age. It can occur in both men and women, but mainly women experience many difficulties due to menopausal disorders. A typical example is menopause, when menstruation disappears, and the secretion of female hormones decreases, resulting in physical and psychological changes. Although it varies from person to person, it usually occurs between the late 40s and mid-50s.
According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, in 2020, 339,352 patients visited medical institutions for menopausal disorders. About 400,000 patients are treated for menopause every year. By age, patients in their 50s accounted for 60% of the total with 234,018 patients, the largest number. Patients in their 60s had the second most with 97,546, followed by those in their 40s with 55,180. The cause of menopausal symptoms is related to aging of the ovaries, the female reproductive system. Estrogen and progesterone, the female hormones produced by the ovaries, are closely related to women’s health, such as regulating menstruation and maintaining bone health. However, as the production and secretion of these female hormones decrease due to aging, changes in the state of the body are felt.
Menopause continues for a period of time before and after menopause. Menopause is defined as the absence of menstruation for one year after the last menstrual period. One of the most common symptoms experienced by women entering menopause is hot flushes and reddening of the face. In addition to the face, a feeling of heat appears to the neck, head, and chest, and a cold sweat may flow for no reason. This can make it difficult to fall asleep easily at night and can cause nervous mood swings. Also, due to the decrease in female hormones, bone density decreases, which increases the risk of osteoporosis, and often causes pain in muscles and bones. In particular, in winter, the redness of the face due to the high temperature difference between indoors and outdoors may appear more conspicuously. Falls on icy roads in winter can also lead to serious injuries for menopausal women with weakened bones. Therefore, when going out in winter, it is desirable to minimize the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors by wearing clothes that can maintain an appropriate body temperature. Regular exercise that can strengthen muscle strength is a way to replace the lowered bone density and prevent fatal injuries such as fractures.
Seo Eun-joo, director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Seran Hospital, said, “The symptoms of menopause vary greatly depending on the individual, and if you are having difficulties in your daily life, it is important to visit a hospital and start treatment. It can be expected to have the effect of alleviating the symptoms that occur.” Manager Seo Eun-joo continued, “The symptoms of menopause that are prominent in the cold winter can worsen anxiety and depression, so it is necessary to pay more attention to management. Menopause and menopause are processes that everyone experiences, so it is better to accept menopause naturally rather than be anxious. It can be a good way to overcome it.”
[이병문 의료선임기자]
[ⓒ 매일경제 & mk.co.kr, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
