Menopause refers to the cessation of estrogen production from the ovaries. The lack of this hormone directly affects menopausal women, leading to various symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, sleep disturbances (frequent awakenings, reduced sleep duration, and lower sleep quality), mood fluctuations, increased risk of depression and anxiety, memory and cognitive issues, hair loss, dry and wrinkled skin, decreased libido and sexual satisfaction, vaginal dryness and discomfort, and deterioration of the urinary tract lining. These symptoms significantly impact the quality of life for menopausal women.

The absence of estrogen in menopausal women also has significant long-term consequences. It directly affects blood vessels, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease. Additionally, it leads to an increase in abdominal fat (central obesity), contributing to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and a higher risk of various cancers. Furthermore, estrogen deficiency accelerates bone loss, making menopausal women three times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis. This condition increases the risk of fractures, particularly in the spine and hips. Research has shown that 20% of patients with hip fractures die, 30% become disabled, and 80% lose the ability to perform daily activities.

The transition into menopause is often accompanied by “Midlife Crisis,” a period marked by significant changes, including physical transformations (as described above), shifts in familial, workplace, and social roles, and financial adjustments from working life to retirement. These changes affect the emotional and psychological well-being of menopausal women, often leading to hidden depression and anxiety disorders.

Menopause can be seen as a “transitional phase” before entering old age and serves as a health checkpoint for screening common diseases, cancers, and promoting lifestyle modifications for long-term well-being. Although many women may not experience noticeable symptoms, menopause has a profound long-term impact on overall health. Therefore, consulting a specialist doctor is crucial to navigating menopause smoothly and ensuring a better quality of life in the future.

With the goal of helping women transition through menopause in a healthy and complete manner, Piyavate Hospital has established the Menopause Clinic to provide systematic and comprehensive care. The clinic is managed by specialist doctors and is equipped with modern medical technology, including accurate hormonal level assessments and advanced bone density and bone enzyme testing.