Doctor Tran Thi Thanh Thao of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, reported that Thien's cancer screening results were normal. However, her estradiol levels were below 30 ng/L, while her FSH levels were elevated (≥ 40 mUI/mL). These readings suggested a near-menopausal state for a woman under 45, requiring prompt intervention.

Dr. Thao prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for Thien, using synthetic estrogen and progesterone to supplement her depleting ovarian hormones and alleviate perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. After three months, Thien experienced a 70% improvement in symptoms, reduced hair loss, improved mood, better sleep, and fewer hot flashes. She will continue with regular follow-up appointments to monitor treatment effectiveness and manage any side effects, allowing for dosage adjustments as needed.

To maintain positive results, Dr. Thao advised Thien on lifestyle adjustments, including 30 minutes of daily exercise, a diet rich in green vegetables and oily fish, limited sugar and starch intake, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and stimulants. Regular gynecological check-ups every six months are also recommended for early detection of potential health issues.

Dr. Thanh Thao advises on health maintenance for middle-aged women. Photo illustration: Dung Thao

Perimenopause, the stage before the ovaries completely cease functioning, typically occurs between the ages of 43 and 48. However, it can begin earlier in women experiencing chronic stress, overwork, irregular lifestyles, or those with a history of ovarian procedures like cyst removal, oophorectomy, or pelvic radiation therapy. During this period, estrogen levels decline rapidly.

Dr. Thao explained that after 35, women lose 15% of their estrogen every 10 years, leaving only 10% of their youthful levels by age 55. Over 80% of women experience life-altering changes during menopause, facing increased risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease primarily due to estrogen deficiency, compounded by age and environmental factors. These changes can include hot flashes (a sudden feeling of warmth originating in the chest and spreading to the neck and face) lasting a few minutes, sometimes just seconds. Hot flashes are often accompanied by sweating or genitourinary issues like vaginal dryness, frequent urination, urinary urgency, and decreased libido. Women might also experience skin darkening, loss of elasticity, dryness, weight gain, dry and brittle hair prone to breakage, irritability, stress, and a sense of emptiness.

Many women, like Thien, overlook early perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, attributing fatigue, irritability, dry skin, hot flashes, and discomfort to work or family pressures. By the time symptoms are recognized, the condition might have progressed significantly. Therefore, women experiencing these issues should seek professional medical evaluation for early diagnosis and intervention to minimize health and quality-of-life impacts.

Tue Diem

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