Menopause is an event that usually occurs in women during midlife, between their late 40s and early 50s. It is also being defined as the permanent cessation of the primary functions of the ovaries, which is, the ripening and release of ova and the release of hormones that causes menstruation. This results in the reduction of female hormones that is produced by the ovaries. Women come in a non-reproductive state. This occurs over a period of years along with the aging of human body.
Menopause can be affirmed when there is absence of menstruation for one complete year provided that she is not pregnant, lactating, and has an intact uterus. It is a natural biological process that happens to every woman. However, women who have a functional disorder in the reproductive system or its hormones can go into menopause even in younger age.
Causes
Although menopause comes naturally as the woman age, there are still some reasons why a woman is experiencing menopause. The ovaries start making fewer hormones that regulate menstruation and your fertility declines. In you 40s, your menstrual period may fluctuate and eventually stop, having your ovaries also to stop producing eggs. Other causes include:
- Hysterectomy or the removal of your uterus and ovaries. Your periods will stop immediately, having your hormones change abruptly.
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can induce menopause during or immediately after the treatment. It may not be permanent.
- Primary ovarian insufficiency occurs when you ovaries fail to produce normal levels of reproductive hormones due to genetic factors or autoimmune disease.
Symptoms
The loss of estrogen in the body causes many of the symptoms associated with menopause. Estrogen affects the heart, blood vessels, breasts, bones, urinary system, uterus, skin, and brain. You may experience the following:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness and a decline in libido
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes, increase anxiety and irritability
- Weight gain and slowed metabolism
- Thinning hair and dry skin
- Loss of breast fullness
Treatment
Menopause is a natural occurrence on a woman’s body, thus no medical treatment is advised. However, there are treatments intended to relieve signs and symptoms.
- Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment option for relieving hot flashes. You will be given estrogen in its lowest dose.
- Estrogen is also administered directly to the vagina to relieve dryness and discomfort with intercourse
- Low-dose antidepressants to decrease hot flashes or who are in need for a mood disorder. It is given to those who can’t use estrogen therapy.
- Medications to prevent osteoporosis
Home Treatment
You can also do some remedies at home to relieve the signs and symptoms brought by menopause
- Drink a glass of cold water or stay in a cool place.
- Water-based lubricants can be used to relieve discomfort
- Get adequate rest and sleep
- Do some relaxation techniques
- Perform Kegel exercises to improve pelvic floor muscles
- Eat balanced diet
- Do not smoke. Smoking increase hot flashes.
- Have a regular physical activity.