NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — The average onset age of menopause is 51, and around two million women enter it every year. But how much do people really know about menopause and its effects?

Platinum Spas ‘ new analysis found the most-searched menopause-related terms, which offers insights into the top concerns and questions women have. The top 10 terms that women are searching for include:

• Hot flushes – 69,870
• Hormone replacement therapy – 59,030
• Menopause symptoms – 31,790
• Perimenopause symptoms – 23,730
• Menopause supplements – 13,890
• Menopause relief – 9,980,
• Menopause weight gain – 7,460
• Night sweats menopause – 4,150
• Natural menopause remedies – 3,950
• Menopause treatment options – 2,320

Lesser-known symptoms include gum disease, electric shocks, itchy and tingling skin, and an altered spatial awareness. Wellness experts consulted Dr. Hana Patel to dig deeper into the topic, getting helpful answers to key questions.

“If you experience health anxiety,” Dr. Patel explains, “some symptoms like breast pain and an irregular heartbeat can make you feel a little unsettled. It’s important to recognize that these symptoms, whilst disconcerting, are a normal bodily response to the change you are experiencing. Of course, if you are worried about any unfamiliar symptoms, then consult a medical professional.”

Lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol, and an unhealthy diet are also factors that contribute to premature and early menopause. People can help ease the symptoms by eating well with a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

“It’s also important to make sure you’re prioritizing your mental well-being, taking the time to incorporate activities into your routine that support your mental health, this could include things like journaling, mindful practices, and talking to loved ones,” Dr. Patel explained.

Dr. Patel wants women to know that it’s normal to be worried or anxious about menopause or perimenopause, but she advises people to speak with their primary care provider since they can offer advice and help with symptoms.

One thing that has been searched was “couplepause”. According to Dr. Patel, it is. It refers to the consequences of hormonal and age-related changes that lead to a change in sexual functionality.

“While dealing with ‘couplepause,’ partners may have a deeper problem than just hormonal decline. Many factors may play a role such as hormonal changes, relationship problems, social strength modifications, and concomitant diseases,” she said. “As far as possible try to be honest and open with each other about how you are feeling. It’s important to be aware that if you are in your 40s and 50s, you are almost certainly experiencing some hormonal changes. Sharing these feelings, concerns, and symptoms should lead to greater understanding and empathy between you and your partner.”

All this poses the questions of what lifestyle factors could contribute to an earlier onset and how women should prepare if they experience menopause in their 30s or 40s. People in general are being diagnosed with more chronic health conditions earlier in life, and 5-10% of women will have early menopause. — and those who do have a higher risk of other health problems, like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and early cognitive decline.

“If you believe you’re experiencing early menopause, it’s important to speak to a medical professional,” Dr. Patel concluded. “They’ll ask you about your symptoms and ask if early menopause runs in your family. The main treatment for early menopause is taking medicines such as the combined contraceptive pill or HRT to replace your missing hormones. Due to the increased risk of other health problems, it’s important to speak to a doctor as soon as possible.”

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