Menopause is a normal biological occurrence in the body of a woman once she reaches the age of 40 to 50. The condition is characterized by the permanent cessation of the menses or the woman's monthly period, accompanied by the various symptoms associated with the cessation of the production of estrogen, an important female hormone. The start of menopause also signals the loss of fertility in women.
Menopause that starts before the woman reaches the age of 40 is called premature menopause. This can be the result of various causes, among them the surgical removal of the uterus, a process called hysterectomy, hormonal imbalance as a result of drugs, radiation, or disease.
The most common symptoms of menopause aside from the cessation of the, menstrual cycle include hot flashes, sleep disturbances and irritability. Other symptoms include anxiety, vaginal dryness which can result to painful sexual intercourse, thinning hair, sagging breasts and an increased frequency of urination.
Management for Menopause
Because menopause is largely a normal biological process in women, there is no treatment save for the management of symptoms that accompany the process. These include hormone replacement therapy to reduce or eliminate the uncomfortable hot flushes, irritability and sleeping difficulty that often affects women in menopause.
Lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthier diet, getting enough exercise, relaxation techniques such as meditation have proven useful. Low-dose anti-anxiety medications and anti-depressants may also work to ease the anxiety and depression that may arise during this time. To relieve the problem of vaginal dryness which can pose problems in the bedroom, vaginal estrogen administered through a vaginal ring may also be given.
