Menopause

Menopause is the term that describes a permanent cessation of the primary functions of the human ovaries: the release and ripening of ova and the release of the hormones that is causing the creation of the uterine lining and the shedding of the uterine lining (that is the period or the menses). Women in midlife usually experience this in their 40s or 50s, and this is the signal that the fertile phase of a woman’s life is over.

The passing from reproductive to non-reproductive is a consequence of a great decrease in the female hormonal production by the ovaries. This passing usually happens over a period of years, and is a natural result of getting older.

For some women, the effects of the menopause transition can significantly disrupt their day-to-day-life and their feeling of well-being. Furthermore, women who have different kinds of functional disorders affecting the reproductive system, for example cancer of the reproductive organs, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, can go into menopause sooner than that what is considered normal. The functional disorders often greatly speed up the menopausal process and can create additional health problems, both emotional and physical.

“Menopause” in Greek literally means the “end of monthly cycles” – men- (month) and pausis (cessation) and the word “menopause” was created to describe this change in females, where the stopping of monthly menstruation is traditionally the indication on the end of their fertility.

The date of manopause is medically defined as the time of the last menstrual period in women that have not had hysterectomy. Women that have their uterus removed but retain their ovaries do not go into menopause right away, even though their periods stop. Adult women that have their ovaries will however immediately go into surgical menopause, even if they are young.

Menopause is a change that every woman will experience, and it is unavoidable assuming the woman reaches the middle age and beyond. It can be helpful to learn as much as possible about what to expect and what options that are available to assist this transition, if what is to become necessary.

Even if normal menopause are expected in the age range of 42-58, it would be normal to experience this around 50 years of age. Early menopause can be related to high body mass index, cigarette smoking, radiation, illnesses, racial and ethnic factors, chemotherapy, and the surgical removal of the uterus and/or both ovaries.

The doctor can declare menopause when the woman has had an absence of any menstruation for one whole year, but there are many signs that lead up to this point, and many can extend well beyond it as well. Some of these are irregular menses, atrophy of genitourinary tissue, vaginal dryness, mood changes, forgetfulness, breast tenderness, increased stress, hot flashes and/or night sweats, and in some cases osteoporosis and/or heart disease. All of these are results of the hormonal change the body is going throug, and each woman can be affected differently. The only thing that in the end will be the result for all, is the complete cessation of menses.