From motherhood to menopause... the body changes women go through, such is the journey.

At each stage, the body learns something new, changes something, and leaves something behind. Hormonal fluctuations play a huge role in this journey, affecting not only the body but also the mind.

Hormonal changes in women's bodies

Women's bodies are unique. From adolescence to motherhood and then menopause, the body undergoes many changes. At each stage, the body learns something new, changes something, and leaves something behind. Hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in this journey, affecting not only the body but also the mind. So, let's explore the various changes women experience from motherhood to menopause.

Women from motherhood to menopause

1. Teenage - Hormones begin to change in girls between the ages of 11 and 14. These hormonal changes lead to the onset of menstruation. This signals that the body is preparing for pregnancy. Many physical changes occur during this time, such as breast growth, light body hair, mood swings, irritability, and hormonal changes. 

2. Motherhood - Becoming a mother is a unique experience in every woman's life, but it brings significant changes not only emotionally but also physically. During pregnancy, the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones in the body increase significantly. This contributes to the baby's growth, but it also brings many other changes. These include fatigue and increased sleepiness, mood swings, weight gain, abdominal and back pain, and changes in skin and hair. These are all part of the body's preparation for a healthy birth.

3. Postpartum Period – After childbirth, women enter the postpartum phase. During this time, the body gradually heals, and the hormones that increased during pregnancy return to normal. Sometimes, women may experience postpartum depression during this time, where they feel sad, tired, or anxious. This occurs because of the sudden drop in hormones. During this time, it is important to rest your body, eat healthy, and seek medical advice.

4. Journey to menopause – Around the age of 40, women's hormones begin to change again. This period is called perimenopause, the stage before menopause. During this period, periods can become irregular. Sometimes they come early, sometimes late, sometimes too short or too long. Gradually, when periods don't occur for 12 consecutive months, it is called menopause. This age usually occurs between 45 and 55 years.

What changes occur in the body during menopause?

Menopause is not a disease, but a natural biological process. However, it is accompanied by many changes in the body.

1. Hot flashes and night sweats – Sudden feelings of heat, flushing, and night sweats are very common symptoms. This happens as estrogen levels begin to decline.

2. Vaginal dryness – The moisture in the vagina decreases, which may cause discomfort or a burning sensation during intercourse.

3. Insomnia and fatigue – Sleep is affected due to night sweats, mood swings, and anxiety.

4. Weight gain – Due to slow metabolism, fat increases around the stomach.

5. Weakening of bones – Due to lack of estrogen, the amount of calcium decreases, which can lead to the problem of osteoporosis, i.e., weakening of bones.

6. Mood swings and depression – Hormonal changes directly impact mental health. Many women feel sad, irritable, or anxious.

7. Changes in skin and hair – Skin becomes loose and dry, while hair may become thin and weak.