When a person permanently stops having periods, it is called menopause. This means they can no longer get pregnant. Many healthcare providers use the term menopause to refer to the period of time when hormone levels start to change. Menopause is complete when menstrual periods have stopped for 1 full year.
The transition phase before menopause is called perimenopause. During this time, the supply of mature eggs in the ovaries is reduced. Ovulation becomes irregular. The making of estrogen and progesterone declines. It is the big drop in estrogen levels that causes most of the symptoms of menopause.
Age of menopause
The average age of menopause is 51. But it can happen any time from the 30s to the mid-50s or later. People who smoke and are underweight tend to have an earlier menopause. People who are overweight often have a later menopause. Generally, a person tends to have menopause at about the same age as their mother did.
• Premature menopause.
This may happen with ovarian failure before the age of 40. It may be linked to smoking, radiation exposure, chemotherapy, or surgery that impairs the ovarian blood supply. Premature ovarian failure is also called primary ovarian insufficiency.
• Surgical menopause
This may happen if 1 or both ovaries are removed. It may happen after radiation of the pelvis that includes the ovaries. This leads to sudden menopause. This can cause more severe symptoms than menopause that happens over time.
Symptoms of menopause
These are the most common symptoms of menopause. Each person may experience symptoms differently. Some have fewer and less severe symptoms. Other people have more frequent and stressful ones. The signs and symptoms of menopause may include:
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal atrophy
• Relaxation of the pelvic muscles
• Cardiac effects
• Mental health
Menopause is the crucial stage in women. It not only concerns with physical health but also it affects mental health. The women who are undergoing to menopause may get angry for silly things, may be aggressive and many may face mood swings. It is the duty of family members to take care of them during this stage. It may be husband or children, who should bear in mind her psychological change.
