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Details of Menopause in Women

Every woman will go through menopause at some point in her life. Although this naturally happens in the late 50s, it can occur before or after this point. Menopause marks the natural ending of the menstrual cycle and reproductive years.

  1. Stages of Menopause

    • The first stage of menopause is called perimenopause (menopause transition). This occurs two to eight years before menopause begins. Menopause is the second stage and it begins when the menstrual cycle comes to an end. The last stage of menopause is called post-menopause, it begins when you have missed 12 monthly cycles in a row.

    Causes

    • During the stage approaching menopause, the hormone responsible for menstruation and ovulation (estrogen) begins to rapidly decline. Once estrogen levels are low enough, menstrual cycles end and menopause begins.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of menopause are hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, vaginal dryness, lack of menstrual bleeding, loss or decline of libido and an increased rate of vaginal infections.

    Diagnosis

    • Once you have missed your first menstrual cycle, see your physician. He will take a blood sample from you to test your estrogen levels. Your estrogen levels coupled with your symptoms, will help the doctor to determine if you have entered menopause.

    Treatments

    • The treatment for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT works to treat several symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacements can be given orally, topically or inserted as a suppository.

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