When I notice disturbances in my cycle or symptoms of sweating, hot flashes, etc., I can immediately determine the presence of a hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH, in my urine. So in an easy way, with the application of the Emino test (One step rapid test), I can see, following three simple steps at home (Home testing), if I have or do not have the hormone in my urine. Its presence, a positive result, will lead me to my gynecologist in time for prevention and a more detailed diagnostic test.

healthy women over 45 years of age with menopausal symptoms. I can use a self test, the Emino test, to determine my pre-menopausal period. So, I will visit my gynecologist early and together we will come up with a plan to prolong my menopause phase or manage the transition and the biological or psychological consequences more immediately and effectively. Aim to manage symptoms and ensure quality in my life: energy, sexuality, health.

It can be done as a first step of prevention in loss or instability of the cycle, when symptoms occur, such as hot flashes, sweating, changes in libido, fatigue or sleep disturbances. It is also a screening step for menopause in women who have not had a period for at least 12 months and are not using hormonal contraception.

If I am 40 to 45 years old with menopausal symptoms, including a change in my menstrual cycle, or if I am under 40 years old and there is a suspicion of menopause, symptoms or cycle disturbance.

Menopause is defined as the point in a woman’s life when there is no menstruation for 12 consecutive months. The average age of menopause is 51 years, a time, however, that can vary greatly from woman to woman (45-55 years). On the other hand, premature menopause or premature ovarian failure is defined as menopause occurring before the age of 40 and requires a different approach.

Menopause occurs after a complex series of hormonal changes. Menopause is directly related to the gradual reduction in the number of follicles that contain the eggs in the ovaries. At birth, most women have about 1 to 3 million follicles in their ovaries. By puberty, about 400,000 are left, while after menopause fewer than 5 to 10,000 are found. Of all these follicles, about 400 are used for ovulation during life. The rest are gradually destroyed through a process known as ‘atresia’.

Menopause is defined as the point in time at which a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Thus, women who have passed this point are characterized as post-menopausal, while if not, as pre-menopausal. The transitional period of gradual decline in hormonal function before menopause is known as the “climacteric period”, and it can be long (up to 10 years) but varies from woman to woman.

• Hot flashes: it is the most common symptom of menopause (up to 75% of women). This is a warm “wave” sensation that starts in the face and chest and spreads to the rest of the body. It usually lasts 30-60 seconds and may be accompanied by redness of the skin, palpitations and sweating. If they occur during the night, they cause sleep disturbances that in turn affect the woman’s normal functioning during the day. Hot flashes typically last 2-3 years or longer.
• Urinary incontinence and burning sensation during urination
• Atrophy of the genital system: due to the lack of estrogen, atrophy of the vagina and vulva is observed, as well as a decrease in vaginal secretions.

This can result in pain on contact (dyspareunia), as well as a constant feeling of dryness.

• Changes in the shape and texture of the breasts
• Thinning and dryness of the skin
• Osteopenia and osteoporosis
• Change in lipid profile (increase in LDL cholesterol)
• Increased risk of cardiovascular events
• Body weight gain
• Mood changes, irritability, anxiety
• Decreased libido
• Difficulty concentrating and impaired memory

In women older than 45 years, in fact, no blood test needs to be done, since the history and symptoms are sufficient for the diagnosis of climacteric and menopause. In women between 40-45 years of age with disturbances during the cycle and climacteric symptoms, a hormonal test (FSH measurement) can be performed. Women under 40 years of age with climacteric symptoms, in whom premature ovarian failure is suspected, are subject to a more extensive check-up, on the one hand to confirm or not the insufficiency, and on the other hand to rule out serious conditions that may be involved with premature decline of ovarian function.

Annual gynecological examination and Pap test are vital to maintaining women’s health. Also, after the age of 40, an annual mammogram is recommended. At post-menopausal women, due to the absence of the protective effect of estrogen on bones, should have a bone mineral density measurement to prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis. Finally, the increase in the risk of cardiovascular events, due to the change in the lipid profile, requires the assessment of the cardiovascular risk through the corresponding examinations (hematological and cardiological examination).

Menopause is not a disease to which a specific treatment corresponds. In fact, there are several alternatives for dealing with various symptoms, such as hot flashes, that can become bothersome during the day. Other drugs are used to prevent osteoporosis or regulate lipid levels, etc. Of course, not all women need the various treatments during menopause.

• Hot flashes and sweating

• Wear light clothing and ensure low temperatures at work or at home
• Avoid foods that make the condition worse, such as spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and smoking, and especially heavy meals or eating late at night
• Manage emotions and keep stress levels low
• Introduce daily or regular exercise, aim for weight loss

• Mood changes

• Get enough rest and ensure activities you enjoy
• Introduce regular exercise and activities of joy and personal time

• Vaginal dryness and pain on intercourse

• Topical estrogen creams or various vaginal moisturizers and lubricants

• Cardiovascular risk

• A balanced diet, low in fat, combined with exercise, contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

• Osteopenia – osteoporosis

• Regular exercise that also includes exercises with mild weights to increase or maintain muscle mass/li>
• Protein diet combined with calcium-rich foods such as low-fat milk and yogurt
• Controlled exposure to the sun promotes the synthesis of vitamin D or nutritional supplements in combination with B12 or B6
• Stop smoking and cut back on alcohol

The main drug treatment of menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy. These are preparations that include estrogen and progestogen or estrogen alone. Treatment should be individualized with the aim of using the smallest amount for the shortest period of time. Timbolone is another relatively new substance used in hormone replacement with significantly fewer side effects than traditional hormone preparations.

Other treatments available target only some of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, osteoporosis prevention, mood changes, etc.

Alternative treatments with phytoestrogens have not been proven effective, while other herbal treatments are not considered safe due to uncertainties in dosage, origin, side effects, and potential interactions with other medications.

On the other hand, non-medicinal techniques, such as acupuncture, meditation, etc. may have good results in some of the symptoms of menopause.