The experiences of women during perimenopause and menopause differ significantly, making it crucial to understand the changes occurring and seek appropriate support when necessary.
The experiences of women during perimenopause and menopause differ significantly, making it crucial to understand the changes occurring and seek appropriate support when necessary.
Menopause is often mistakenly viewed merely as the end of a woman's reproductive period; however, healthcare experts consider it a significant life stage that brings both challenges and opportunities. Understanding the differences between these two conditions helps women manage the changes with greater confidence and awareness.
Perimenopause is a transitional phase preceding menopause, during which hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate. These hormonal shifts typically cause irregular menstrual cycles, along with symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. This phase can last from several months to ten years.
Despite decreased fertility during this period, pregnancy is still possible, meaning some women may require contraception. Menopause is officially diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. This marks the cessation of menstruation and natural fertility.
During menopause, hormone levels decrease significantly, which can contribute to persistent symptoms like vaginal dryness and increases the risk of long-term health issues, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Although some of the most intense symptoms may subside, managing long-term health becomes a priority during menopause.
The main differences are as follows: perimenopause involves fluctuating hormones, whereas menopause is characterized by a sustained decline in hormone levels. Symptomatology also differs: perimenopause is often accompanied by hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood changes, while in menopause, the focus shifts to controlling chronic conditions and long-term health risks.
Regarding duration, perimenopause can last several years, while menopause occurs after 12 months of amenorrhea and continues for the rest of the woman's life. The menstrual cycle becomes irregular during perimenopause before stopping completely after menopause sets in. Furthermore, while pregnancy is possible during perimenopause, menopause signifies the end of natural conception.
The Unified Health System (SUS) has expanded its telehealth capacity to a total of 100,000 cases designated for individuals dealing with difficulties related to online betting. This expansion occurred due to the growing volume of requests for mental health support services, as reported by Agência Brasil.
Through the Meu SUS Digital application, this initiative provides remote professional guidance and monitoring, ensuring confidentiality and a welcoming environment. The service began in March, initially registering an average of 600 monthly consultations. Due to high demand, the Ministry of Health increased the tool's capacity, which serves as an entry point to the Psychosocial Care Network (Raps).
The offering of this service is carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Brazilian Agency for SUS Management Support (AgSUS). Self-exclusion data also highlight the need for assistance: the Ministry of Health reported that over one million people requested the removal of their CPF from betting websites and applications through the Centralized Self-Exclusion Platform. Of this group, 35% cited loss of control over betting as the reason for the request.
Several behaviors signal the need to seek assistance. Among them are the inability to reduce or stop gambling, changes in sleep, eating, or mood patterns, and the habit of lying to family and friends about betting. Other alerts include feelings of anxiety, irritability, or agitation when away from gambling, as well as financial damage in personal or family life.
Warning signs also encompass feelings of shame, guilt, deterioration in relationships, and using betting as a mechanism to manage stress or frustrations.
The Ministry of Health points out that several factors increase individuals' vulnerability. These include early exposure to gambling, easy accessibility to platforms, impulsivity, social isolation, and a previous history of depression or anxiety. Additionally, social influences that positively promote betting and encourage gambling as an escape from emotional problems also contribute to this risk.
Women often prioritize the needs of their families and society over their own health requirements, leading them to skip or ignore necessary medical examinations. The reasons for this can range from busy schedules and financial difficulties to underestimating risks. Every year, thousands of women miss the opportunity to undergo critically important screenings.
Despite fulfilling numerous roles in family and community, women's own health can be sidelined. Busy schedules, financial pressure, and misconceptions about risks contribute to alarming statistics, as many women neglect essential checkups.
Murray Howell, CEO of Affinity Health, emphasizes the vital necessity of regular medical checkups, urging that 'women's health matters.' He noted that the earlier potential issues are detected, the better the outcome, and preventive care can save lives.
There are five key medical examinations that every woman should schedule:
