Health articles

Menopause is best described as the time when a woman's menstrual period stops which is caused because the hormones estrogen and progesterone are no longer produced in the ovary. It is not a disease nor is it an illness but a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's fertility.

Years before a woman goes though menopause, the ovary gradually starts to produce less estrogen. This stage is called perimenopause or menopausal transition. It is a change that occurs between a woman's fertility period to menopause. This phase lasts until the ovary stops releasing eggs which is the stage when menopause starts. Changes in hormone levels begin prior to the last menstrual period. These changes lead to the occurrence of symptoms such as hot flashes, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, bone loss, and urinary incontinence.

Hormonal Changes Associated with Menopause

Declining number of eggs. Eggs in the ovary decline as a female age. In fact, a woman has the largest egg count when she is born, a figure that decreases gradually as a woman grows and ages. The eggs are lost through ovulation and atresia, the process of degeneration and resorption of immature ovarian follicles.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH is a reproductive hormone. It stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles during the first half of the menstrual period. The eggs remained become more defiant to FSH.

Less production of estrogen. The ovary starts to produce less estrogen. Estrogen promotes various body functions thus it affects many body parts. It is believed that the loss of estrogen brings out some menopausal symptoms.

Some Common Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

Hot flashes. It is characterized by a sudden warm feeling all over the body having flushed skin, palpitations, and sweating. It often increase pulse and skin temperature. Hot flashes usually last from 30 seconds and up to a few minutes.

Irregular periods. Changes occur in period. The duration may become shorter or longer. Bleeds more or less than usual.

Vaginal dryness. Estrogen affects the genital area causing it to get drier and thinner. Women may experience pain during intercourse.

Bone loss. Bone loss in women accelerates every year during menopause. It can cause osteoporosis which can be painful and eventually interfere with daily life.

Urinary incontinence. Holding urine for very long can be difficult for some women. Burning sensation can also be felt during urination.

What to do?

Take care of yourself by considering treatment to your symptoms. Maintain overall good health by eating right and getting regular exercise. Avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking or/and drinking too much alcohol. Use appropriate moisturizers and lubricants for vaginal dryness.

Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life and it is normal to experience new symptoms. But if they become uncomfortable and intolerable, let your doctor know. Talk to your doctor if you have menopausal symptoms that cause you problems or interfere with your daily life. Your doctor needs to be well informed of your condition because menopause can also increase the risk for other diseases such as osteoporosis, breast cancer, and heart disease.