Resolved question:
I am a 49 years old female with some embarrassing health issues. I have been diagnosed and confirmed with bipolar 2, about 2 years ago. I also have some problem with sleeping pills. So, I don't know whether this issue is due to bipolar and need a surgery. Also this makes me ill and I have become slightly overweight over the last three months. But I have also been refused disability benefits and that makes me think that I am not disabled. Is this a result of menopause? What are the effects of menopause in body? In conclusion, the problems I am suffering from are- depression, sleeping problems and an increase of weight.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Sexologist
Thank you for using Ask a Doctor Services from Doctor Spring I am sorry to hear about your health issues. I completely understand your problem and will try to help you out the best. Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation. It is considered to occur when 12 menstrual cycles are missed. . It is a natural event that normally occurs in women age 45 - 55. Loss of oestrogen is believed to be the cause of many of the symptoms associated with menopause. The effects of menopause in body are Hot flashes: A hot flash is a sudden sensation of heat that spreads from the chest to the head, often followed by sweating and cold shivering. Night sweats: the sweating is intense enough to soak the woman's clothing and bed sheets. Difficulty sleeping: Some of this can be the result of night sweats, which can disturb sleep. Vaginal changes: With decreased oestrogen, the vagina becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. It may take longer to become lubricated during sexual arousal, and the vagina becomes more vulnerable to infection which can cause itching, urinary urge incontinence. Changes in sex drive: sex becomes uncomfortable and less desirable due to changes in the vagina (not in all) Mood changes: These may include irritability, anxiety, and mood swings, depression. Urinary changes/stress incontinence: A loss of muscle tone in the bladder can lead to the involuntary leaking of urine, especially when laughing and coughing. Skin changes: The skin may become drier, thinner, and less elastic. Other changes: Other effects include headaches, heart palpitations (rapid or pounding heartbeat), increased facial hair, and poor concentration or memory, weight gain. The symptoms vary from one woman to other. Not every women experience all these symptoms I have mentioned. Depression and sleeping problem which you have been having is common among menopausal women. I would like to tell you ways to overcome these symptoms easily. If trying these doesn't help you, then you might consult a Gynaecologist for hormone replacement therapy. If you are not willing for it, there are alternative medications you can opt for as well. The symptoms you have been having could be only transient. So don't panic much. For mild depression, hormone replacement therapy alone may be appropriate. You have mentioned that you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Have you been prescribed any medications for it? If you have been taking any medicines please let me know to guide you better. And I wouldn’t suggest you to use sleeping pills for long term. It in turn causes addiction and depression. Try to sleep for at least 6-7 hrs every night without taking the pill. If not able to do it over a week or so then consult with GP. All the symptoms which you have been having are quite inter related, one leading to other, mainly due to fall in estragon and progesterone hormone level in your body. So at this stage my best advice is to consult with GP or gynaecologist and take their advice on starting on Hormone replacement therapy. Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask if you need further help. Thank you.