Mahaska Health Partnership Educates on Menopause
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Every woman experiences menopause differently, but it usually begins around age 50. You may notice irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes and sleep difficulty. Though symptoms vary for each person, they can usually be managed with small lifestyle changes. Mahaska Health Partnership offers some tips for menopause symptom management.
“Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation,” Family Nurse Practitioner Eva Sietsema explained. “It officially begins once a woman has gone 12 months since her last period. Some women may begin the process as early as age 40, and others may wait until 60, it just depends on each individual’s body and medical history.”
Hot flashes are one of the common symptoms of menopause that many women experience. A hot flash is a quick feeling of heat that may cause your neck and face to become flushed. You may also develop temporary red spots on your chest, arms and back. Sweat and chills may follow.
“Hot flashes typically last anywhere between 30 seconds and 10 minutes,” Sietsema said. “Wear light layers and use a fan to stay comfortable during these spells. Also, regular exercise, stress management and avoiding spicy foods can help lessen the frequency of hot flashes.”
Many women also experience sleep deprivation. “Night sweats and hot flashes during sleep cause restlessness. Try sleeping with a fan, light bedding and breathable cotton sheets to stay cool. Keep a damp cloth by your bed to cool off quickly in the middle of the night. If you continually experience sleep deprivation, talk with your primary care provider, as sleep apnea or other health issues may be involved.”
Sietsema explained that every woman’s experience is different. “Some women have little to no symptoms, while others have severe changes that affect their daily routine. Depending on the severity of symptoms, you may need to visit with your primary care provider to discuss management options.
“You don’t have to suffer through the symptoms of menopause,” Sietsema explained. “There are various treatment options available to make them more manageable. The key is to work with your provider to find the best solution for you.”
Menopause also marks the time in a woman’s life to begin closely monitoring certain health issues. “Menopause is a crucial time to because you develop increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.
“Maintain regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and continue routine colonoscopies and mammograms. Regular exercise and healthy eating play a huge role in overall longevity and quality of life. Living healthy is important throughout your life, and it’s never too late to start.”
Eva Sietsema is a Family Nurse Practitioner on the MHP campus who is interested in women’s health. If you are experiencing severe menopause symptoms, request an appointment with Eva by calling 641.672.3360.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit www.mahaskahealth.org.
