What is Menopause?
Menopause is a point in time 12 months after a woman’s last period. The years leading up to that point, when women may have changes in their monthly cycles, hot flashes, or other symptoms, are called the menopausal transition, or perimenopause.
The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about 7 years but can last as long as 14 years. During the menopausal transition, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly. Bones become less dense, making women more vulnerable to fractures. During this period, too, the body begins to use energy differently, fat cells change, and women may gain weight more easily.
Can menopause be triggered?
Menopause may be triggered by a hysterectomy or surgical removal of the ovaries, which produce hormones. If you have surgery to remove your ovaries or uterus and are not taking hormones, you will experience the symptoms of menopause immediately.
What are the symptoms of Menopause?
Menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes and weight gain. For most women, medical treatment isn’t needed for menopause.
Every woman’s menopause experience is unique. Symptoms are usually more severe when menopause occurs suddenly or over a shorter period of time. Conditions that impact the health of the ovary, like cancer or hysterectomy, or certain lifestyle choices, like smoking, tend to increase the severity and duration of symptoms.
The most common symptoms are:
- less frequent menstruation
- heavier or lighter periods than you normally experience
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- flushing
Other common symptoms of menopause include:
- insomnia
- vaginal dryness
- weight gain
- depression
- anxiety
- difficulty concentrating
- memory problems
- reduced libido, or sex drive
- dry skin, mouth, and eyes
- increased urination
- sore or tender breasts
- headaches
- racing heart
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- reduced muscle mass
- painful or stiff joints
- reduced bone mass
- less full breasts
- hair thinning or loss
- increased hair growth on other areas of the body, like the face, neck, chest, and upper back
When does menopause begin and how long does it last?
Most women first begin developing menopause symptoms about four years before their last period. Symptoms often continue until about four years after a woman’s last period. A small number of women experience menopause symptoms for up to a decade before menopause actually occurs, and 1 in 10 women experience menopausal symptoms for 12 years following their last period. The median age for menopause is 51, though it may occur on average up to 2 years earlier for African American and Latina women. More studies are needed to understand the onset of menopause for non-Caucasian women.
What are the factors that can help determine the onset of Menopause?
There are many factors that help determine when you’ll begin menopause, including genetics and ovary health. Perimenopause often occurs before menopause. Perimenopause is a time when your hormones begin to change in preparation for menopause. It can last anywhere from a few months to several years. Many women begin perimenopause some point after their mid-40s. Other women skip perimenopause and enter menopause suddenly.
How can Menopause be diagnosed?
Although the diagnosis can be made by the patient’s history, laboratory testing may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of menopause. Elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and low estrogen (estradiol) are consistent with menopause.
How can Menopause be treated?
The lower reproductive hormones associated with menopause will increase the risk of osteoporosis, bone fractures, and cardiovascular disease (such as myocardial infarction and stroke) but a healthy lifestyle including a nutritious diet, supplementation with vitamin D and calcium, regular weight-bearing exercise, and elimination of cigarettes and alcohol can help lower your risk of osteoporosis, bone fractures, and cardiovascular disease.
References
- WebMD. Menopause symptoms. Accessed on 2nd October 2018.