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Menopause
Medical Questions » Menopause
| Name: Menopause |
| Also known as: ' Change of Life' ; Climacteric |
| A natural event that occurs in all women. After the menopause no female hormones are manufactured in the ovaries, the ovaries will no longer produce eggs, the woman is infertile, and the monthly menstrual periods cease. |
Causes of Menopause
The sex hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) are released from the ovaries into the blood on regular signals from the pituitary gland, which sits underneath the center of the brain. These hormones effect every part of the body, but more particularly the uterus, vagina, breasts and pubic areas. For an unknown reason, once a woman reaches an age somewhere between the early forties and mid fifties, the brain breaks rhythm in sending the messages to the ovaries. The signals become irregular, and the ovaries respond by producing sex hormones in varying levels, which causes the symptoms of the menopause. |
Symptoms of Menopause
The first symptom is irregularity in the frequency and nature of the menstrual periods, and their gradual disappearance may be the only symptom in 25% of women. About 50% have other symptoms that cause discomfort, and the remaining 25% go through severe and distressing symptoms. The periods may become very irregular, vary in length and intensity, and become painful. Other symptoms may include bloating and associated headaches and irritability as excess fluid collects in the brain, breasts and pelvis; hot flushes when hormone surges rush through the bloodstream after excess amounts are released by the ovaries; abdominal cramps caused by spasms of the uterine muscles; and depression. |
Tests for Menopause
Blood tests can determine the sex hormone levels, but they are very difficult to interpret if the woman is taking the contraceptive pill. |
Treatment for Menopause
Cannot be cured, because it is a natural occurrence, but most of the symptoms can be relieved. Sex hormone tablets, patches, vaginal preparations, implants or injections are used in varying combination and dosage patterns to maintain a near normal hormonal balance. Minor symptoms can be controlled individually. Fluid tablets can help bloating and headaches, other agents can help uterine cramps and heavy bleeding, and depression can be treated with antidepressants.
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Complications of Menopause of its treatment
Osteoporosis, heart disease, skin thinning, Alzheimer' s disease and premature aging may occur after the menopause, but can be slowed or prevented by long term use of hormone replacement therapy. |
Likely Outcome of Menopause
There is no need for any woman to suffer significant symptoms with appropriate management. |
See related questions here.
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