Introduction
Picture this: you’re in your late 40s or early 50s, and suddenly, your body feels like it’s throwing curveballs—random hot flashes, mood swings, and maybe a few sleepless nights. Sound familiar? If you’re nodding along, you might be approaching menopause. It’s a natural stage in every woman’s life, but that doesn’t make it any less confusing or frustrating. So, what exactly is menopause, and why does it happen? Let’s break it down.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological event typically occurring between the ages of 40 and 60. Due to lifestyle factors, stress, or health conditions, some women may experience perimenopause or early menopause before age 40. Menopause marks the end of menstruation and is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period. This happens when the ovaries stop releasing eggs, leading to a sharp decline in estrogen and progesterone production.
It’s important to note that menopause is not a disease or disorder—it’s a natural part of aging.
Did you know?
Women are not the only ones who go through menopause during old age. Even men experience low levels of hormones as they age, a condition known as andropause or male menopause. Here’s more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of male menopause.
Signs and Symptoms of Menopause
Before menopause, women experience perimenopause, the transition phase when estrogen levels begin to drop. This stage often brings about several signs and symptoms, some more intense than others.
Here are the most common:
-Irregular periods: Menstrual cycles become unpredictable—heavier, lighter, or skipping months.
-Hot flashes: Sudden waves of warmth, often accompanied by sweating.
-Night sweats: Hot flashes during sleep, which can disrupt rest.
-Vaginal dryness: Decreased estrogen can cause discomfort during sex.
-Frequent urination: An increased urgency to urinate.
-Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia).
-Emotional changes: Mood swings, irritability, or depression.
-Dry skin, eyes, or mouth: Hormonal changes can lead to dryness in various parts of the body.
-Breast tenderness: Hormone fluctuations can cause tenderness.
Other possible symptoms include:
-Racing heart
-Joint and muscle aches
-Changes in sex drive
-Difficulty concentrating or temporary memory lapses
-Weight gain
-Hair thinning or loss
Since each woman’s menopause experience is unique, the intensity and combination of symptoms vary. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are related to menopause or another health condition, consult a doctor for confirmation.
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Causes of Menopause
Menopause occurs due to changes in ovarian function, leading to a cessation of menstruation. Here’s what happens:
-Decline in ovarian follicles: The number of eggs decreases with age, reducing the ovulation frequency.
-Reduction in hormone production: Ovaries produce less estrogen and inhibin, leading to hormonal imbalances.
-Decrease in AMH: Antimullerian hormone (AMH), which regulates ovarian activity, diminishes.
-Increase in FSH and LH: As estrogen decreases, the body compensates by producing more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
-Disrupted menstrual cycle: Hormonal fluctuations cause irregular periods, which eventually stop altogether.
-Relative increase in testosterone: As estrogen levels drop, testosterone levels remain stable, sometimes causing excess hair growth.
Menopause can also be triggered by surgeries such as ovary removal, or medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
Stages of Menopause
Menopause is a gradual process with three key stages:
-Perimenopause: The transition leading up to menopause. This phase can last for several years, characterized by fluctuating estrogen levels and irregular periods. Symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings often begin during this stage.
-Menopause: The official stage when menstruation has ceased for 12 consecutive months. This marks the end of fertility and significant hormonal changes.
-Postmenopause: The years following menopause. While some symptoms ease, others, like hot flashes, may persist. The risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and other age-related conditions increases during this time due to lower estrogen levels.
Conclusion
Menopause is a major life transition, but it’s part of the natural aging process. Understanding its signs, causes, and stages can help you better manage your symptoms and approach this new chapter with confidence. If you’re navigating menopause, remember that you’re not alone, and there are numerous ways to ease the journey—from lifestyle adjustments to medical treatments.
References:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
Recommended reads:
Simple Exercises After Menopause Could Help Prevent Diabetes And Heart Diseases!
Menopause: 7 Simple Tips To Manage The Symptoms
(The article is written by Nancy Dixit, Subject Matter Expert, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)