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Description of Menopause

Ovaries begin to decline in hormone production during the mid-30s and typically continue to decline to around the age of 47; this phase is called per menopause. During this phase, the process accelerates and hormones fluctuate more, causing irregular menstrual cycles and unpredictable episodes of heavy bleeding. By the early to mid-50s, menstruation ends; this phase is called menopause. Two or three years following menopause is the phase called climacteric.

Menopause Symptoms and Signs

Menopause is a transitional period in a woman’s life that officially occurs when a woman stops producing eggs and menstruation ceases for a period of time greater than one year. Menopause usually occurs after the age of 50, but various conditions can cause early menopause.

Natural menopause is the end of menstruation and childbearing capability that occurs in most women around the ages of 50 to 52. Known as the "change of life," menopause is the last stage of a gradual biological process in which the ovaries reduce their production of female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Surgical menopause is the end of menstruation and childbearing capability that occurs as a result of the woman's ovaries and/or uterus being removed.

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Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause symptoms and key signs of menopause generally begin during what is known as the per menopause or pre-menopause period, and generally reach their peak during the actual onset of menopause itself.

Menopause is a transitional period in a woman's life that officially occurs when a woman stops producing eggs and menstruation ceases for a period of time greater than one year.

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For most women menopause does not officially begin until after the age of 50, however this varies from woman to woman based on a number of factors.

The average age at onset for most women is between the ages of 50 to 52. Many women however will begin experiencing the signs and symptoms of menopause several years prior to actual menopause.

How Does Menopause Affect a Woman?

“ Menopause will affect women in a number of different ways. Many women experience physical changes that may be attributed to hormonal fluctuations that occur in the body during this time. Some of the most common changes include: ”

  • Hot flashes
  • Flushing
  • Night Sweats
  • Mood changes
  • Decreased libido
  • Vaginal Dryness

These changes are often the results of declining levels of progesterone and estrogen in a woman's body. Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that help keep the vagina and uterus healthy and help maintain regular menstrual cycle. Estrogen also helps maintain a woman's bone mass and helps maintain levels of good cholesterol in the body.

It is important that you recognize that menopause is a normal and healthy part of life. The changes that are occurring in the time leading up to and during menopause are normal and nothing to be concerned about. Though the side effects and symptoms of menopause can be aggravating or frustrating at times, it is important to remember that they can also be managed with the your healthcare providers assistance.

How Is Menopause Detected?

Your physician may perform a pap smear to determine whether changes are occurring in the vaginal lining. Changes that occur are typically associated with changing estrogen levels.

Your physician might also conduct a number of blood or urine tests to help measure the hormone levels in your body. Other tests that might be conducted can help determine the levels of estrogen, progesterone, plasma estuarial and estrogen in the body. Changes in any or all of these hormones are indications that your body is experiencing change.

I'm Going Through Menopause - Now?

Many women are concerned that menopause will affect their life in a negative way. It is important however to remember that menopause is simply another step in the long journey that is life. Menopause is actually very similar to puberty. During puberty a woman's body goes through a number of hormonal changes to prepare her for her reproductive years.

The time after puberty is often rewarding and full of new experiences and insights. Much like puberty, your body is going through a number of similar hormonal changes once you reach menopause. After menopause, you will once again experience a number of rewarding and exciting new life events that will enrich your life in a variety of ways.

The most important thing you can do to enhance your quality of life after menopause is to embrace it. Also remember that maintaining a healthy lifestyle that incorporates exercise and healthy eating will be vital to your sense of well being in the years after menopause. It is also important that you take time out to re-connect with family members, including your partner during this time. The more you are open and honest about your feelings and the changes that you are going through, the more you'll fell supported and nurtured during this remarkable time in your life.