Menopause Symptoms

Introduction

Females take part actively in fertilization in humans, the male gamete which is known as sperm combines an egg or ovum from a female to form a zygote. Both the egg and sperm must undergo many steps to make fertilization successful. At this point, pregnancy begins and takes a 280-day journey to complete the development of the fetus. Females cannot carry a child or conceive once they reach menopause. When a woman's menstrual cycle is completely stopped then this condition is considered as menopause. In this tutorial, we will learn about menopause in depth.

What is Menopause?

The end of the menstrual cycle of women is known as menopause. Once women reaches her menopause then she cannot get pregnant. The term menopause is used by healthcare professionals as at this time many female reproductive hormone levels start to decline or change. When the menstrual cycle is stopped for a duration of one continuous year it confirms that the female individual has reached her menopause. Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause. During this time the production of female hormones greatly declines along with other symptoms.

The normal age of menopause is around 50 years. But sometimes it occurs between the age of mid-30 to mid-50 or later. Women who smoke and are underweight have a greater chance of developing menopause earlier. Similarly, overweight women have a chance of attaining menopause later age. Generally, individual women have the chance of attaining menopause at the same age as their mothers did.

Menopause is of two types-

• Premature Menopause − This is due to ovarian failure before age of 40. This may be connected to chemotherapy, exposure to radiation, smoking, and surgery that affects the ovarian blood supply.

• Surgical Menopause − This is due to the removal of one or both ovaries due to medical conditions. This leads to sudden menopause.

Why Does Menopause Occur?

Generally, menopause is a natural phenomenon and a part of aging. With the increase of age, the menstrual cycle of the female slows down and make her ready for the final stage of her life. From the age of puberty menstrual cycle of females functions continuously. The estrogen hormone production decline once it reaches near menopause. As a result of this, a change in the menstrual cycle takes place. First, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular and finally stops. Physical and mental changes occur during this period as the body has to undergo several changes.

How Can Menopause Be Induced?

The methods of inducing menopause are listed below −

• Nasal spray or hormonal therapy by injection − By this method, the hormones of an individual female body are suppressed. As a result, the menstrual cycle will be stopped and individual females will likely show the symptoms of menopause.

• Surgery − In case of medical emergencies the doctor has to remove both ovaries. In this case, permanent menopause would occur suddenly.

What are Perimenopause and Postmenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause. During this time the production of matured eggs in ovaries is reduced, irregular ovulation and the production of female reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone greatly decline. Perimenopause may start before eight to ten years of menopause. Generally, it starts when a female attains the age of forty. The stage will last until the start of menopause. In the last stage of perimenopause, the estrogen level is greatly reduced. Many women at this stage experience some perimenopause symptoms. If women have a regular period at this time they can conceive.

Post-menopause is the stage when a woman's menstrual cycle is stopped for a duration of one year continuously. During this time of menopause, symptoms appear. Physical and mental changes occur during this period as the body has to undergo several changes. It also increases the risks of heart-related diseases and osteoporosis.

Symptoms and Complications

The symptoms of menopause are listed below −

• Hot flashes

• Sweat in night time

• Dryness in the vagina

• Urgency for urination

• Insomnia

• Mood swings

• Increases facial hair growth

• Dry skin, mouth, and eyes.

Apart from these symptoms, women who are in the transition to menopause may suffer from the following symptoms −

• Tenderness in breasts

• Premenstrual symptoms become worst

• Irregular periods

• Racing heart

• Headache

• Pain in the muscles and joints

• Body ache

• Lack of concentration

• Weight gain

• Hair loss.

All the symptoms occur due to the production of less estrogen and a great decline in hormone production. Symptoms differ from person to person.

The complication due to menopause are listed below −

Heart Disease − When the heart fail to function properly it leads to a heart disease. Heart diseases are sometimes called cardiac diseases. Heart diseases have different forms; among which heart attacks and heart failure are the most common. The risk of heart disease in women increases after menopause. A drop in estrogen levels affects the heartbeat. Proper lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and regular exercise have reduced the risk of heart-related diseases.

Osteoporosis − The sharp decline in estrogen levels not only affect the heart but also increases the risk of osteoporosis. It is a phenomenon where the bones become weak and can easily be fractured. Regular exercise and a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D prevent the risk of osteoporosis.

Urinary Problem − Urinary problem is the most common symptom of menopause. The urine holding capacity reduces and uncontrolled urine leakage may occur. In this case, the affected one has to immediately consult with the doctor.

Weight Gain or Obesity − Menopause is also related to weight gain. During the period of menopause, weight gain around the abdomen is the most common.

Conclusion

The end of the menstrual cycle of women is known as menopause. Once women attain menopause, the individual women cannot be pregnant. The normal age of menopause is around 50 years. But sometimes it occurs between the age of mid-30 to mid-50 or later. Generally, individual women have the chance of attaining menopause at the same age as their mothers did.

FAQs

Q1. How to maintain a healthy weight?

Ans. To maintain a healthy weight we should exercise daily, drink enough water and avoid eating too much sugar in food.

Q2. What do you understand about hot flashes?

Ans. Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. In this phenomenon suddenly the body temperatures rise. Hot flashes can occur many times a day. It is connected to the drop in estrogen levels. Hot flashes can lead to sweating, irregular heart rate, heart palpitations, and dizziness.

Q3. What is insomnia?

Ans. Insomnia is a very common sleep disorder. Individuals that suffer with insomnia cannot sleep properly. They would either wake up early or not be able to go back to sleep.

Q4. What is the main cause of mood swings?

Ans. The changes in the hormonal level cause mood swings. Women suffer with tremendous mood swings during menopause, menopause, and perimenopause.

Q5. What do you mean by ovulation?

Ans. In ovulation, the mature egg liberates from the ovary and moves down to the fallopian tube for fertilization.