What is menopause?
Menopause is a physiological period in a woman's life determined by hormonal changes. It involves the permanent cessation of menstruation.
Symptoms can begin several years before. Some menopause symptoms can last for months or even several years afterward.
The average age at which it occurs in developed countries is between 51 and 52 years.
Menopause is a natural biological process. However, physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, and emotional symptoms of
menopause can disrupt sleep, decrease energy, or affect emotional health. Many effective treatments are available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy.
Causes of menopause
Menopause occurs when the ovaries cease to function when they run out of eggs. This cessation of ovarian function leads to a marked decrease in estrogen levels (hormones produced by the ovaries).
This decrease in estrogen levels in the blood is responsible for the appearance of the symptoms that accompany menopause .
During
menopause , a woman's ovaries stop producing eggs and produce less estrogen and progesterone. Bone decalcification also occurs.
Decreased estrogen contributes to the development of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Osteoporosis usually develops rapidly in the first five years after menopause. The main risk factor for osteoporosis is bone fracture.
Symptoms of menopause
The most characteristic symptoms are the onset of hot flashes, typically described as a sensation of warmth that arises in the chest and radiates to the neck and face, and which may be accompanied by intense sweating. They usually last a few minutes, although they can be longer.
Other short-term symptoms that may be associated with the condition include vaginal dryness, genital burning, frequent and urgent urination, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Loss of skin elasticity and changes in the texture, size, and consistency of the breasts are also characteristic. Many women report episodes of anxiety, depression, irritability, memory loss, and insomnia.
A decrease in libido, that is, sexual appetite, is also characteristic, which can be aggravated by discomfort during sexual intercourse due to vaginal dryness.
Learn more about menopause
How is menopause diagnosed?
To diagnose
menopause , the doctor takes into account the symptoms, the woman's age, and a gynecological examination.
A blood test that determines the concentration of various female sex hormones, such as FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and estradiol, can also help diagnose menopause.
During menopause, hormone levels show a typical evolution: estradiol decreases and FSH increases.
As a general rule, certain lifestyle habits are recommended, such as quitting smoking, consuming adequate calcium and vitamin D in your diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive weight loss.
It would be advisable for every woman reaching menopause to consult a specialist to assess the advisability of starting hormone replacement therapy.
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