Menopause is not a momentary process, it goes on gradually, for it has brighter manifestations, for others, it is smoother. Menopause itself is not a disease, but a natural and inevitable state of a woman who has reached a certain age. There is a gradual extinction of the function of the ovaries, laid down by natural mechanisms, which produce the female hormones estrogen. Menopause affects not only the reproductive function but also the general condition of the woman's body. After all, estrogens also affect metabolism, some cognitive functions (memory, mood), cholesterol metabolism, the state of blood vessels, and bone density. Therefore, some indicators of health during the period of hormonal adjustment should be monitored especially carefully.
What examinations and how often should be done
1. General and biochemical analysis of bloodEach person is supposed to donate blood for these basic studies once a year in the order of general medical examination. During the onset of menopause, women are recommended to take a general and biochemical blood test once every six months.
A general blood test shows whether your blood composition is in order, whether there are any inflammatory processes, whether it is normally saturated with oxygen, and whether it coagulates correctly.
A biochemical blood test gives an idea of the production of enzymes and metabolism in the body.
2. Visiting specialized specialists- gynecologist and endocrinologist - once every six months. Do not put off a visit to these specialists until better times. After all, it is they who will control the course of your menopause and select tactics to make it the least painful.
3. Preventive examination by a mammologist and mammography(examination of the mammary gland for the presence of possible seals and disorders) - 1 time per year. During menopause, the risk of neoplasms in the mammary gland increases. Of course, they are not always malignant, but they need to be checked regularly. There is no need to be afraid of such screenings (preventive studies that can detect still asymptomatic disorders) because it has been proven that the earlier the tumor is detected, the greater the likelihood of a complete cure. Modern screening equipment allows you to "catch" a formation less than one millimeter in size.
4. Analysis for hormones- Once every six months (or more often as prescribed by a doctor). This study in women aged 45+ is prescribed to determine the relationship between a decrease or absence of the menstrual cycle with the cessation of ovarian function. Some quantitative ratios of different hormones in the blood will tell the doctor about this. This is a very important analysis that will give an idea of how difficult menopause will be in the future and will allow timely prescription of drugs to relieve symptoms (hot flashes, anxiety, sweating).
To maintain a good mood and well-being during menopause, pay attention to special preparations on a natural basis. To alleviate the manifestation of symptoms of hormonal adjustment, reduce the severity of irritability, weakness, mood swings.
5. Research on lipids - lipid profile - 1 time per year. This analysis will allow you to find out if there are violations of fat metabolism, determine the level of "good" and "bad" cholesterol in the blood, the tendency to develop atherosclerosis of blood vessels.
6. Determining the level of thyroid hormones- 1 time per year. With menopause, there is a change in the functioning of the thyroid gland and the production of its hormones. Thyroid disorders associated with menopause can exacerbate unpleasant menopausal symptoms (anxiety, weakness, irritability, tearfulness, mood swings). Therefore, during the period of hormonal adjustment, it is important to keep the thyroid gland under supervision.
7. Study of bone density - densitometry - 1 time per year. With the onset of menopause, the absorption of calcium is disturbed, this trace element is washed out of the bone tissue, the fragility of the bones and the tendency to fractures increase. Therefore, it is important to control the level of calcium, hormones, and vitamins associated with its absorption.
8. Blood sugar test- 1 time per year. This analysis is included in the mandatory research during a medical examination. For Women during the onset of menopause, when the metabolism slows down, it is recommended to take an analysis for glycated hemoglobin - this test will show not only the amount of glucose in the blood at the moment but fluctuations in sugar values over a certain period.
This is a list of basic studies, They will help you prepare for a difficult hormonal period, meet menopause fully armed, understand what is happening in a woman's body. If you carefully follow the schedule of analyzes, turn to specialized specialists in time, then it is more likely to survive menopause much easier. Moreover, modern medicine has a large arsenal of tools to alleviate unpleasant menopausal symptoms. For example, to maintain a good mood and well-being during menopause, pay attention to special preparations on a natural basis. To alleviate the manifestation of symptoms of hormonal adjustment, reduce the severity of irritability, weakness, mood swings.