Menopause

Menopause is caused by hormonal changes in the body. Simply put, as the body prepares for menopause it produces fewer hormones, specifically estrogen, and estrogen is responsible for keeping the reproductive cycle functioning. Without it, the ability to reproduce is ended. Before the menopause begins the female body keeps a very delicate balance of several hormones including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone and together these give the female body the ability to reproduce.

Menopause is a gradual process as estrogen production starts to decline. One of the first symptoms that suggest menopause is starting is a change in the monthly menstrual cycle. You may begin to notice that your period is shorter or longer than usual or that you have more or less blood loss. You may also start to miss periods and this will continue throughout the menopausal process. These first stages of menopause are also known as perimenopause.

Because your body produces less estrogen the levels of the other hormones in your body are no longer in balance. You may start to grow hair on your upper lip or stomach because your testosterone level is no longer tempered by the production of estrogen. As your body moves through menopause your ovaries start to shrink and as they do they continue to produce less estrogen. Estrogen is produced in other parts of the body but is mainly produced in the ovaries and with the ovaries shutting down your estrogen levels are lowered bringing on the true symptoms of menopause.

The process of menopause takes several years for most women. The time frame varies from woman to woman but it is always a long and gradual process, unlike puberty which happens relatively quickly in comparison. As hormone levels decrease the process speeds up slightly. This is when other symptoms often begin to show up. There are many other symptoms, some common and some not so common but luckily most women do not experience all of them!

Estrogen is thought to help in keeping cholesterol down and so the risk of heart attacks becomes greater once the levels of estrogen decrease. Estrogen is also responsible for helping the bones to stay dense and strong and with lowered estrogen levels the threat of osteoporosis increases. You may find that your short-term memory suffers as your hormone levels adjust and any PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms will likely increase, especially irritability and moodiness. Sleep disturbances are common and may include night sweats and hot flashes are also a common symptom of menopause.

Most women start menopause in their mid to late 40's and complete it by about age 52. Your symptoms should subside after menopause is over however some can remain for a year or two following the end. Menopause is considered complete once a year has passed without a menstrual cycle. After this time, hormone levels are no longer fluctuating as they did during menopause and the levels of estrogen are now significantly lowered to the degree that they are almost non-existent. Some doctors will prescribe HRT or hormone replacement therapy for those with drastic or persistent symptoms whereas others will simply treat each symptom as it appears. HRT is a short-term solution meant to help a woman with the effects of fluctuating hormones. It can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and the onset of osteoporosis however there are also a number of risks involved that should be discussed with your doctor.

Diagnosis And Signs Of Menopause |