Menopause is sometimes viewed as a big, scary change that every woman goes through. And who wouldn't be anxious after hearing stories from older women about waking up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, as if you've been sleeping in a sauna? Or tales of unpredictable mood swings, where you're happy one moment and crying your heart out the next!
But with a little more research, many women find that menopause is just the body’s way of welcoming another phase of life. It doesn't have to be so intimidating. It’s time to demystify menopause and dig into understanding what it really is.
Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life when her body stops having monthly periods. This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can vary between individuals, and it is officially said to have begun when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
During menopause, a woman’s ovaries, which are the organs that produce eggs, stop making the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is important because it controls the menstrual cycle and affects different parts of the body, including the heart, bones, and skin. As you approach menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly, leading to most of the symptoms experienced during menopause.
Progesterone is involved in preparing the uterus for pregnancy each month. Lower levels of progesterone are linked to changes in the menstrual cycle during perimenopause, which is the period of transition to menopause.
You may have noticed an older woman in your life, maybe your mom or aunt, suddenly fanning herself, or perhaps getting annoyed at the tiniest things and thought to yourself: "What's up with that?" Chances are, you might have witnessed someone experiencing menopause.
Menopause isn't something that happens overnight; it's a journey that unfolds over several years. This transition is divided into three stages, each bringing its own set of changes and experiences. These stages are:
If you're in your mid-40s and wondering if you're starting perimenopause, you're not alone. We've got you covered with a list of common symptoms to keep an eye out for, so you can better understand this phase of your life.
The following are a list of the most common symptoms associated with menopause. It’s important to keep in mind that these symptoms do not occur in everyone, and menopause can look different for everyone.
Why is it important to know the symptoms of menopause?
Knowing these signs and symptoms helps you understand what's happening to your body. It can help you recognize if what you're feeling is normal and allows you to seek the right help if needed. Knowing what to expect can also help ease stress associated with these changes and even make the transition smoother.
Did you know that your DNA holds the blueprints for nearly every aspect of your life? It looks like a twisted ladder, known as a double helix. The DNA is made up of smaller parts called genes, which determine your traits, from your hair type and grip strength to the timing and symptoms of menopause. It is made up of four building blocks called nucleotides, A / T / C / G.
If we’re specifically talking about menopause, the MCM8 gene is the star of the show. It is found on chromosome 20 and has been associated with the timing of menopause.
As you age, errors in your DNA accumulate. Aging tends to lead to a “slowing down” of the body’s repair mechanism, which could make it less efficient in catching errors within your DNA. This is where MCM8 gene comes in. It plays a crucial role in maintaining DNA integrity by repairing minor damages that can accumulate with age.
A specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MCM8 gene can influence the timing of menopause, determining if it occurs earlier or later in life. If this specific nucleotide in the MCM8 gene has an A allele, it increases the likelihood of experiencing menopause later in life. Therefore, if your genetic test results show AA or AG in this SNP, you might expect menopause to occur a year or two later than the average age. However, if your results show GG for this SNP, you might expect menopause to occur at a younger age.
Even though your DNA contains between 20,000 to 40,000 genes, DNA testing can easily reveal whether you have the AA, AG, or GG in the SNP within the MCM8 gene. Hence, you can have a clue about the timing of your menopause.
Knowing this helps you prepare your mind and body for the changes you can expect during this stage of life. It allows you to plan for health, lifestyle, and emotional adjustments in advance. Our Menopause Health Report can provide you insights into your menopause timing.
But remember, the timing and severity of menopause can vary widely among women. Each person's experience is unique, with some going through menopause earlier or later than others. Some women may experience only mild symptoms, while others may find them more challenging. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate management and support during this transition.
It might seem unusual that most animals don't experience menopause like humans do. But menopause has a unique evolutionary advantage in humans. It allows older women to stop having children and instead help their existing family members, especially their grandchildren.
In short, you are here today, alive and well, partly because your female ancestors underwent menopause. It allowed the younger individuals to survive better and pass their genes to the next generations, leading to YOU.
So, when you reach menopause, remember the role your ancestors played and try to help out and care for the younger members of your family.
To find out more about your DNA and menopause timing, read our Menopause Health Report. But wait, there’s more! At CRI Genetics, we are dedicated to helping you fully understand your DNA and the traits associated with it through DNA testing. Beyond menopause timing, you can also learn about your ancestry, hair type, carbohydrate consumption tendencies, even the likelihood of having fraternal twins, and more!