Menopause, new biological stage
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Adaptation and changes in menopause
It is considered the menopause when 12 months have elapsed since the disappearance of menstruation, so it is a subsequent diagnosis. Thus, the woman is at a stage of transition and adaptation to a new biological state entails losing their reproductive capacity.
His appearance is progressive and all healthy women manifests itself, which can not be considered an endocrine disease. Therefore, it should not be medicalized or treated systematically except in specific situations.
Evaluation of menopause
The average age of onset of menopause is approximately 50 years. Because of aging itself and changes undergone by the body of the patient after menopause increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer or variations of joint and bone metabolism.
The clinical evaluation of women at the end of their reproductive needs by the gynecologist identification of so- called "climacteric symptoms", its severity and the effect on quality of life. Climacteric symptoms are those that occur during menopause, ie, a time before menopause or pre-menopause, and the transition to menopause. The specialist will also appreciate the different conditions that arise during this stage the patient and indicating the corresponding treatment.
Quality of life in menopause
The concept of quality of life is subjective for each patient, depending establishing the cultural context of the woman, who must be known to prevent health expectations specialist gynecologist not match that of his patient.
To assess the quality of life in climacteric be considered phenomena that occur in the physical area and the psychological, sexual, social and family areas of women. When there is a lack of knowledge of these areas, often the professionals may be confused with what is most important for your health and quality of life for women.
Classically the assessment of the quality of life in menopausal women has been analyzed by clinical scales intended to provide a numerical quantification and evaluation of effectiveness of medical interventions.
Cervantes scale menopause
A scale for measuring the quality of life is a standardized questionnaire that covers all areas that make up the concept of quality of life and should be completed by the patient.
The Cervantes Scale is a method of measuring the quality of life of Spanish women with menopause, where an average of seven minutes about women filled 31 issues of the following areas; Menopause and health, psychic domain, Sexuality and relationships. This technique allows not only know the number of patients with alternations of their quality of life but to objectively assess the medical interventions performed.
Improving life with menopause
Since 75% of menopausal women suffer confess a deterioration in their quality of life, you should consider what can be done to improve their quality of life.
Currently, there are therapies to improve the symptoms presented by the patient. Always, prior to either establish a hormonal therapy or not, the gynecologist should be individualized and tailor treatments as well as make the patient partner in decision-making.
Climacteric symptoms vary in presentation, and intensity and evolution so you can not make a generalized prescription. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of each drug intervention before initiating therapy.
Hormone replacement therapy is closely related to the symptoms of menopause. There has been an evolution in their treatment from the indiscriminate prescription to non-prescription today. This situation has caused patients without treatment and were treated have suffered side effects and patients currently with severe symptoms may not benefit from the positive effects.
Personalized treatments for menopause
Ultimately, menopause is a stage in the life of the woman, which generates changes in their quality of life. Then to analyze the symptoms presented by the patient and identify the benefits and risks of each therapy, the gynecologist may treat such symptoms safely. Gynecological practice must evolve towards personalized treatments and daily clinical practice to turn around improving the quality of life of people.
Edited by Roser Berner Ubasos.
