Vaihdevuodetkin

Vaihdevuodetkin is a Finnish term that generally refers to the period of transition around menopause. It can encompass the perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause phases. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, during which a woman's body begins to produce less estrogen. This can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and the onset of menopausal symptoms. Menopause itself is officially defined as the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This typically occurs in the late 40s or early 50s. Postmenopause refers to the years after menopause has occurred.

The symptoms associated with vaihdevuodetkin can vary greatly from woman to woman. Common experiences include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and changes in libido. These symptoms are caused by fluctuating and declining hormone levels, primarily estrogen and progesterone. While these changes are a natural part of aging, they can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management can play a role in alleviating some of these symptoms. Medical interventions, including hormone replacement therapy, are also available options for managing more severe symptoms. The duration and intensity of vaihdevuodetkin experiences are highly individual.