The Spanish Association for the Study of Menopause (AEEM) defines menopause as a condition reached when more than 12 months have passed since the last menstrual period. This cessation of ovarian activity does not occur suddenly, so we can distinguish three main stages in a woman’s adult life:
- The reproductive stage
- The transition to menopause
- The menopausal stage.
The cessation of ovarian activity is progressive and has clinical implications — what we call climacteric syndrome — as well as significant changes in laboratory parameters. Some of the signs that may indicate that we are entering this stage include atrophy or reduced hydration and elasticity in the vulvovaginal area, as well as changes in the architecture of the vulva.
Until relatively recently, it was believed that women simply had to accept the symptoms of menopause. Today, we know not only that menopause should not be viewed negatively, but also that there are many treatments available to alleviate its symptoms and support women’s well-being during this stage of life.
Main symptoms of menopause
The symptoms of menopause are varied and affect each woman differently. Some of the most common include:
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flushes
- Sleep problems
- Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
- Postcoital bleeding
- Reduced sexual desire
- Irritation, burning or itching in the vulvovaginal area
- Urinary problems, dysuria, or stress or urge urinary incontinence.
- Emotional instability, anxiety or sadness
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Musculoskeletal discomfort or problems
Types of treatments for menopause
First of all, it is important to emphasise the importance of adopting lifestyle changes aimed at modifying risk factors and helping women navigate menopause more comfortably. Examples include avoiding obesity, improving metabolic parameters, following an anti-inflammatory diet, getting sufficient rest and restorative sleep, increasing physical activity and avoiding smoking.
At a local level, to support vulvar and vaginal health, regular hydration of the vulvovaginal area is recommended, as well as avoiding exposure to toxins and endocrine disruptors in the area and maintaining regular sexual activity, whether through intercourse, masturbation, the use of vibrators, etc. This can help promote elasticity, lubrication and vascularisation of the genitourinary area.
Hormonal treatments
Hormonal pharmacological treatments can be a valuable option for treating the signs and symptoms of menopause. If there is a hormonal deficiency, restoring hormone levels may be an effective strategy for improving symptoms in menopausal women.
There is a wide variety of treatments within this category, depending on the characteristics of each patient.
It is important to have a detailed medical history, as well as regular laboratory and clinical monitoring of these patients.
The main hormonal treatments include:
- Bioidentical hormones, which we will discuss in greater detail below.
- Local oestrogen or testosterone, which may be administered in the form of creams, vaginal suppositories, vaginal tablets, etc.
- Selective oestrogen receptor modulators are also available. These can have positive effects on vaginal and bone health without increasing breast or endometrial risk.
- We must also always take into account the patient’s exposure to toxins, how hormones are detoxified by the liver and, finally, how these substances are eliminated through the kidneys and intestines. For this reason, the intestinal, vaginal and endometrial microbiota are fundamental.
Medical-aesthetic treatments
We also offer regenerative medicine treatments and medical technologies that address the negative effects of menopause effectively and non-invasively. The aim is to achieve a synergistic effect.
Some of the most commonly used treatments include injections of platelet growth factors, hyaluronic acid or exosomes into the genital area, which can provide hydration, firmness and elasticity to the skin and mucous membranes.
Laser technology also has different applications for treating problems associated with menopause, such as vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence, creating this synergistic effect without significant side effects.
These types of treatments can be used in oncology patients, offering significant benefits without contraindications.
Natural treatments
There are different products with natural ingredients that can help alleviate the symptoms of menopause, supporting the well-being and quality of life of women going through this stage.
Good cellular nutrition is essential. This is primarily achieved through an adequate intake of:
– Omega-3
– Vitamin D
– Resveratrol
– Centella asiatica
– Magnesium
– B vitamins
These and other ingredients can be found in natural supplements such as those developed by Madequa, which has created specific packs for each stage of menopause:
1. Premenopause
2. Perimenopause
3. Postmenopause
Each of these packs has been designed to address both the individual symptoms of each stage and more general symptoms. Madequa’s concept is based on a holistic approach, as it not only addresses the specific effects of menopause but also aims to improve women’s overall well-being.
The Best Treatments for Menopause at Clínica Planas
Every woman is different, so menopause will affect each individual in a unique way. For this reason, at the Gynaecology Unit at Clínica Planas, we approach each case individually, offering our patients a multidisciplinary perspective and, consequently, an individualised treatment to improve their quality of life.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
With the onset of menopause, the ovaries permanently stop producing the sex hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. This can cause symptoms such as hot flushes, fatigue, insomnia and irritability, as well as physical changes such as increased abdominal fat, vaginal dryness and joint pain. However, women do not simply have to accept these effects.
Bioidentical hormones are compounds synthesised in laboratories from plant sources such as yams and soy and have the particular characteristic of being chemically identical to those produced by the human body.
Bioidentical hormone therapy makes it possible to supplement, in a personalised way, the hormones each woman needs to improve her quality of life. To minimise risks, it is important that synthetic hormones are not used and that oral administration is avoided wherever possible. A detailed assessment should be carried out, as not every treatment is suitable for everyone, together with regular follow-up and clinical and laboratory monitoring.
Laser and Radiofrequency
CO₂ laser technology can be used to stimulate collagen formation through its thermal effect, increasing water retention and promoting firmness and elasticity in the treated area. It can be used to treat, among other concerns:
1. Vaginal dryness
2. Vaginal laxity
3. Urinary incontinence
It can also be combined with other energy-based devices, such as radiofrequency, as their thermal effect can have a positive impact on collagen and elastin in the vulvovaginal mucosa.
Emsella Chair
The Emsella Chair is a fast, painless and non-invasive treatment that generates deep supraphysiological contractions of the pelvic floor, helping to optimise these contractions.
This technology can help patients regain bladder control, strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and address urinary incontinence and other intimate concerns.
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS
Menopause: Diagnosis and Treatment
Menopause is the stage when menstruation comes to an end. Discover the treatments available at Clínica Planas that are specifically designed to help alleviate symptoms during this process.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical hormone therapy can help restore optimal hormone levels. Discover everything you need to know about this treatment at Clínica Planas.
Vaginal Dryness: Symptoms and How to Treat It
Vaginal dryness is caused by a lack of lubrication. It may be related to menopause or have other causes.
