According to gynecologist Miren Melendez, the onset of menopause is often linked to menstrual imbalances, leading many women to seek medical advice. During this process, symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and what many call "brain fog" can appear. Gynecologist Elena Mena, a midwife from Osakidetza in Areeta, emphasizes that this is when the body begins to recognize its next stage, marking the end of ovarian function.
“"We must accept that not everything is in our hands. Don't feel guilty if you've gained 10 kilos, or if you don't feel like leaving the house. These are body cycles. Accept that not everything is in our hands and that our environment will also have to adapt. Change doesn't have to be a struggle."
Psychologist and sexologist Saioa Hernandez points out that perimenopausal symptoms can be more confusing, with headaches or breast pain not always associated with menstrual changes. Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and dryness are also common. Nutritionist Olatz Bilbao warns that there can be more than 60 symptoms, and women often don't connect them to menopause. Weight gain is a major concern, as decreasing estrogen and progesterone slow down metabolism.
Regarding sexuality, sexologist Bea Sever explains that loss of sexual interest can be due to multiple factors, including difficulty achieving orgasm and decreased testosterone. However, this does not mean sexuality disappears, but rather that a new way of experiencing it begins. Physiotherapist Irati Larrazabal highlights that menopause also causes changes at the muscular and functional levels, affecting the pelvic floor and leading to issues like incontinence or prolapse. Therefore, she recommends having orgasms to improve pleasure and blood circulation.
“"We must see menopause as a new stage. Now that the 'care hormone' decreases, it's time to stop caring for others and care for ourselves."
In the workplace, menopause affects about 11% of working women, a figure that will increase with an aging society. Jone Bengoetxea, head of Gender Equality Policy for the ELA union, criticizes the pathologization of menopause and emphasizes the importance of addressing it from a bio-psycho-socio-cultural perspective. Leticia Mancisidor, an Osakidetza nurse and LAB union representative in the Uribe ESI, advocates for treating menopause as an occupational health issue, noting that it is a problem made invisible by companies. She reminds that the Law on Prevention of Occupational Risks obliges companies to recognize the biological situation of workers and adapt job positions.
Experts emphasize the importance of self-care and understanding bodily processes to alleviate symptoms. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and not smoking can be helpful. In some cases, natural supplements or hormone therapy may also be considered, always evaluating each case individually. Gynecologist Mena advises adapting to changes and seeking help when necessary, as most symptoms are temporary and the body finds its new balance over time. Psychologist Hernandez suggests viewing menopause as an opportunity to listen to one's senses and express needs more clearly.
