Menopause
Key points
- Menopause is the transition period in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, her body produces less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether.
- Menopause is a natural event that normally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
- Signs and tests Blood and urine tests can be used to measure hormone levels that may indicate when a woman is close to menopause or has already gone through menopause.
- It does not require treatment unless the symptoms, such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness, are particularly bothersome.
Alternative names
Perimenopause; Postmenopause
Definition
Menopause is the transition period in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, her body produces less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Menopause is a natural event that normally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
Once menopause is complete (called postmenopause), you can no longer become pregnant.
The symptoms of menopause are caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. As the ovaries become less functional, they produce less of these hormones and the body responds accordingly. The specific symptoms you experience and how significant (mild, moderate, or severe) varies from woman to woman.
In some women, menstrual flow comes to a sudden halt. More commonly, it tapers off. During this time, your Menstrual Periods generally become either more closely or more widely spaced. This irregularity may last for 1 to 3 years before menstruation finally ends completely.
A gradual decrease of estrogen generally allows your body to slowly adjust to the hormonal changes. When estrogen drops suddenly, as is seen when the ovaries are removed surgically (called surgical menopause), symptoms can be more severe.
Symptoms
The potential symptoms include:
- hot flashes and skin flushing
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Mood swings including irritability, Depression, and anxiety
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Spotting of blood in between periods
- Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
- Decreased sex drive
- Vaginal infections
- Urinary tract infections
In addition, the long-term effects of menopause include:
- Bone loss and eventual Osteoporosis
- Changes in cholesterol levels and greater risk of heart disease
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.