If in the past menopause was considered a period of decline, today it is clear that it is a natural stage in a woman’s life—one that can be experienced easily and with good quality of life. Many women experience symptoms without realizing that their source lies in natural hormonal changes.
Menopause is defined as a year without menstruation, and the average age of onset in Israel is 51. Women at this age are at the peak of their lives—career, family, productivity—and it is precisely then that changes may appear which can harm quality of life.
Given the high life expectancy in Israel (84 years among women), many live about a third of their lives after menopause, and therefore it is important to understand that it is a natural process that can be wisely managed.
The most prominent symptom is hot flashes, and sometimes also irritability, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and “brain fog.” The phenomena are not uniform—some women will experience only mild symptoms, while others will suffer from prolonged and disruptive ones. In addition, a lack of estrogen may in the future lead to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of heart disease.
There is treatment – and not just one
The most effective treatment is hormone replacement therapy, based on estrogen and progesterone. This involves restoring the hormones the body has lost. The treatment reduces hot flashes, improves sleep and vitality, and even contributes to heart and bone health.
The treatment can be given in pills, gels, patches, or an intrauterine device, depending on the patient’s needs. However, it is not suitable for every woman—and in some cases there are non-hormonal alternatives, such as herbal remedies (black cohosh), medications for regulating heat, or acupuncture.
Menopause is not a disease to be ignored. Awareness is increasing, and women are realizing they are not alone. It is a natural stage—and with proper treatment, one can feel excellent throughout it.
Dr. Ronit Almog, senior gynecologist at Ichilov, will be hosted at the Ofer Mall in Ramat Aviv on November 18, as part of a series of cultural events held there in collaboration with the lingerie chain Jack Kuba, where she will speak about women’s health and experiences from medical missions to developing countries.