Every woman goes through several changes in the way her body functions, which marks different stages in her life. With puberty, starts the menstrual cycle, where certain hormones control the monthly release of the egg and preparation for pregnancy. The cessation of menstruation and the fertility of women is known as menopause, and occurs 6 months after your last menstrual period, when you are in your 40s or 50s. Some women can experience menopause before their 40s, and the condition is known as premature menopause.
Menopause can be characterised by physical and emotional changes. Approaching the time of your menopause (perimenopause), you may experience irregular menses, dryness of the vagina, sagging of the breasts, dry skin, thinning hair, slow metabolism, weight gain, hot flushes, night sweats, problems with sleeping, and mood changes.
Menopause is a natural process that takes place in every woman’s life as you reach your early 40’s or 50’s. The production of the hormones by your ovaries to regulate your menstrual cycle, namely oestrogen and progesterone, start to decrease. Eventually, your ovaries will stop producing eggs. This will make you experience changes in your menstrual pattern and bring an end to your periods.
There are some factors that can induce menopause. These include the following:
Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy (treatment with chemical agents) and radiotherapy (treatment by exposure to radiation) can cause menopause symptoms, and a temporary or permanent stop to your menstruation.
Failure of ovaries: Autoimmune diseases or genetic factors can cause your ovaries to produce less than normal amounts of reproductive hormones. This is known as primary ovarian insufficiency, and can lead to premature menopause.
Surgeries: Surgeries such as hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy that involve the removal of your uterus and both ovaries, will immediately stop menstruation.
Some of the possible complications associated with menopause include the following:
Your doctor can identify your transition to menopause with your signs and symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may order blood tests to check your levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestrogen (oestradiol), as a change in the level of these hormones can indicate menopause.
Menopause itself needs no treatment, but treatment may be required to control its signs and symptoms. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits and may recommend any of the following, depending on your condition:
Your doctor may recommend treatment with hormones including oestrogen and/or progesterone for your hot flushes and bone loss. It may also help prevent cardiovascular problems if started within five years of menopause.
Small doses of oestrogen in the form of cream, pills, or rings can help you manage vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms and discomfort during intercourse.
Low-dose antidepressants can help you manage hot flushes when hormone replacement therapy is not advisable for you, and will also help improve your mood.
You may also be prescribed medications to reduce your bone loss and risk for fractures.
Some of these lifestyle remedies can also help you reduce or prevent the symptoms of menopause.
Menopause is an unavoidable phase in every woman’s life. Its signs and symptoms can be often disturbing, but it is important to understand your body and learn ways to cope with your difficulties. There are various options available to successfully manage your distress, and your doctor will be the right person to guide you through.
Other Related Services:
Obstetrician For Post Menopausal Bleeding
Gynecologist For Uterovaginal Prolapse
Gynaecologist For Infertility
Obstetrician For Recurrent Miscarriages
Obstetrician For Womens Health
Gynaecologist For Pap Test
Obstetrician For Abnormal Cervical Dysplasia
Gynecologist For Colposcopy
Gynaecologist For Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Obstetrician For Contraception
Gynecologist For Menorrhagia
Gynaecologist For Fibroids
Obstetrician For Endometriosis
Gynecologist For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
