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Menopause
What is Menopause?
Menopause refers to the time in a woman's life when she stops having menstrual periods.
It is often referred to as the "change of life" and marks the end of the fertile years, the time when the ovaries stop releasing eggs.
Menopause occurs at an average age of about 50, usually from 47-52, although it can happen outside this age range.
A Premature Menopause is the result of the surgical removal of the ovaries.
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What Causes Menopause?
Falling levels of the hormone estrogen (the female hormone that controls sexual development) is a normal process and causes a Natural Menopause. Levels of progesterone (the hormone which prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy) begin to decline in Menopause.
Menopause can also be caused by surgical removal of the ovaries or removal of both the uterus (womb) and ovaries.
NATURAL MENOPAUSE
The timing of Natural Menopauses varies (it can start as early as age 35) and there is a gradual period of change known as Perimenopause.
The ovaries contain a set number of follicles and in Natural Menopause, these follicles have either been stimulated to release eggs or have degenerated. As a result, estrogen production falls, periods become irregular, and eventually stop altogether.
PREMATURE MENOPAUSE
On removal of the ovaries (oophorectonmy), there is a rapid fall in estrogen levels resulting in an early, sudden Menopause.
After removal of the womb (hysterectomy), the ovaries may be left in place. They usually do not continue to function for their expected lifespan, leading to an early Menopause.
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What is Estrogen?
Estrogen is produced by the ovaries from the age of puberty and is responsible for the development of the female reproductive organs.
Estrogen stimulates follicles (egg cells) in the ovaries, causing them to enlarge.
One follicle breaks open every month and releases an egg (ovulation).
The empty follicle continues to produce the hormones. Estrogen and progesterone, together prepare the lining of the uterus for the egg to implant.
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Recognizing the Symptoms
The symptoms of Menaupose are caused by decreasing levels of estrogen, the female hormone produced by the ovaries that controls sexual development.
Most of the physical symptoms are due to these reduced estrogen levels, but some women suffer psychologically, feeling they have reached the end of their reproductive life and thus, associate these symptoms with the aging process.
Others regards Menopause as a time of liberation, where they are free of menstrual periods, and the risk of pregnancy.
Some women have few or no symptome at all, while others may experience changes to menstruation including a lighter (or havier) mentrual flow during this TMperi-menopausal stage.
Hot flashes are a common symptom of Menopause. Some people describe them as a "wave" of heat flowing through their body.
Following Surgical Menopause, nearly all women suffer from some symptoms.
A healthcare provider should always be consulted if there is a sudden change to the normal menstrual cycle.
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COMMON SYMPTOMS
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Irregular menstruation
Hot flashes 'nightsweats'
Prickly or itching skin
Insomnia
Irritability
Dizziness
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Depression, psychological changes
Palpitations (irregular heartbeat)
Muscle or joint pain, backache
Vaginal dryness
Uncomfortable intercourse
Frequent urination
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Lack of concentration
Headaches
Nervousness
Memory loss
Tiredness
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Diagnosing Menopause
Blood and urine tests may be undertaken to measure the amount of hormones circulation in the body.
Regular health checks are important during Perimenopause to accurately diagnose Menopause.
Hot flashes during the night "night sweats" can be particularly distressing leading to insomnia and tiredness during the day..
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Treatment
Most women pass through Menopause relatively unaffected. Some women stop
having periods and experience only minor symptoms on brief occasions. Others experience more severe symptoms over much longer period, often over several years.
Changes to hormone levels can increase the risks of developing more serious medical conditions, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended. These problems
include:
Osteoporosis - Loss of bone mass or strength is a natural part of the aging process, but the loss of estrogen can accelerate this. In addition to HRT, bone regulators may be used to treat this condition. They may be used every day (as continuous therapy) or as a
cyclic pattern (only on certain days of each month).
Prolapse and urinary infections - The loosening of the ligaments that support the womb can lead to prolapse (dropping of the womb) and urinary tract infection.
Emotional and psychological problems - Changes in hormone levels can have significant effects on the mood and
temperament which can lead to illness such as insomnia and depression. It is also
important to note that some emotional changes occur as a result of changing
responsibilities and relationships as we age Discuss these feelings with your healthcare provider.
Exercise and Menopause
Regular exercise may help to provide the symptoms of menopause and help to combat the long-term risks of developing osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, or obesity.
The best type of exercises are weight-bearing (those that involve your body carrying its own weight) or resistance exercises, where specific muscle groups are strenghtended (see examples below).
Always speak to your healthcare provider before beginning any new excercise program.
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Yoga
(weightbearing)
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Running, Jogging,
and Powerwalking
(weightbearing)
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Aerobics
(weightbearing)
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Climbing stairs
(weightbearing)
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Floor excercises using
wrist and ankle weights
(resistance)
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| Changes to the body following Menopause |
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Self Help |
Hair - Thinning of scalp, darkening or thickening of other body hair.
Skin - Loses firmness, becomes more pale, has increased sensitivity to the sun.
Bone - Becomes more brittle and liable to fractures at hip, wrist, and spine.
Breasts - Become flatter in form
Heart - Increased risk of heart disease.
Reproductive System - Few remaining follicles (egg cells) in ovaries. Vagina becomes drier and pH (acidity) changes.
Urinary System - Thinning of tissues in bladder and urethra with increased risk of urinary infections.
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Leading a healthy lifestyle in your younger years with plenty of
exercise and a well balanced diet, will assist with the changes surrounding Menopause.
A diet including calcium rich foods, such as skimmed milk and
broccoli, will provide additional nutrients. Vitamin D is also important.
Other health risks, such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, and high-fat foods, should be avoided.
It is also important to carry out monthly self-breast exams, regular mammograms, annual physicals, and to obtain prompt evaluation of any unexplained vaginal bleeding.
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