Menopause
Menopause is a normal part of the natural aging process. It marks the end of menstruation and the ability to become pregnant. Natural menopause occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle or "period" for more than a year. It occurs when the ovaries stop releasing eggs--this is generally a gradual process but can also occur suddenly.
Perimenopause is the period during which changes take place that lead to menopause. Years before a woman stops menstruating, certain changes occur and this time of transition is called perimenopause. This transition occurs as the high levels of hormones needed for a woman to reproduce begin to diminish. This may last from 1 to 10 years, the average being about 3 years prior to menopause. "Climacteric" is another word that is often used and signifies the same thing, when a woman changes from the reproductive years of her life to the non-reproductive years.
Induced or surgical menopause occurs if the ovaries are removed or damaged.
What causes menopause?
Menopause occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, with the average being about 51. Menopause is the result of the lack of ovulation due to the diminishing production of estrogen (hormone) during perimenopause.
The hormone levels may fluctuate, thereby causing certain symptoms. These symptoms may come and go.
What is it that I will feel?
Estrogens (hormones) affect many organs in your body, including the skin, the nervous system, bones, and the cardiovascular and genital systems. The symptoms of menopause are the result of lower levels of estrogen in each one of these organs.
Hot Flashes: These are felt as a hot sensation and lack of air, caused by alterations in the vascular tension in the blood vessels of the skin. Hot flashes are frequently felt as sweating, palpitations and dizziness.
Sleeping problems: Menopause may cause sleeping difficulties and one may feel weak or lack the energy to continue on during the day.
Depression and other psychological changes: Some women suffer from depression characterized by fatigue, crying easily, loss of interest in daily activities, and low self-esteem. Depression requires a lot of attention and support, as it can become a serious problem if not treated by a doctor in a timely manner.
Systematic Alterations:
- Osteoporosis: Estrogens are a principal element in bone metabolism and the absence of estrogens causes a loss of calcium in the bones, known as osteoporosis. Contrary to popular thought, osteoporosis does not begin with menopause, but before when the levels of estrogens begin to gradually diminish. This is the reason that it is recommended to begin treatment with calcium supplements and other medications early, before the bones suffer from a loss of calcium.
- Cardiovascular Alterations: It has been proven that the absence of estrogens can increase the risk of cardiovascular illness, including chest angina and heart attack. In post-menopausal women, the risk of developing a cardiovascular problem is the equivalent to that of men of the same age.