Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 due to major hormonal changes. Each woman experiences different symptoms during this period, but the first sign of menopause is usually irregular periods. You can use certain strategies to reduce your symptoms and even delay them a bit.
According to the family magazine service, menopause comes from the words "menstruation" and "pause," meaning the end of menstruation. Menopause is the time when periods stop permanently. In Persian, it is also called "post-menstruation" due to the loss of fertility.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop functioning. The primary role of the ovaries is to produce mature eggs and secrete essential female hormones, especially estrogen. Ovaries also impact other organs in the body. Menopause is confirmed when a woman has not had a period for at least 12 consecutive months. During menopause, no more mature eggs are produced, and estrogen levels decrease. This process typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55 but can occur earlier or later. The timing of menopause depends on factors such as genetics, climate, diet, medications, previous surgeries, exercise, and more.
Types of Menopause
Menopause often occurs naturally, but it can happen earlier than usual, leading to early menopause. Let's explore natural and unnatural menopause:
Natural Menopause
With age, typically between 45 and 55, menopause occurs naturally. However, the exact age can vary based on genetics, environment, and personal conditions. The average age of menopause in the U.S. is around 51, and the first signs of menopause usually begin in the mid-40s.
Unnatural Menopause
Unnatural or early menopause occurs between ages 40 and 45. About 5% of women experience early menopause, often due to surgery or malfunctioning ovaries and low hormone levels from cancer or chemotherapy. The primary cause of early menopause is the absence of ovulation and low estrogen levels.
Stages of Menopause
Natural menopause is a gradual process occurring in three stages:
Perimenopause: Perimenopause usually starts 8 to 10 years before menopause. Ovaries gradually produce less estrogen from around age 40 until ovulation stops.
Menopause: Menopause occurs when periods stop completely. Ovulation ceases, and estrogen levels are at their lowest.
Postmenopause: After a year without periods, you enter postmenopause. Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes may improve, though some women experience symptoms for up to 10 years. Lower estrogen levels during postmenopause can lead to osteoporosis and heart disease.
First Signs of Menopause
Every woman may experience different menopause symptoms. Some have severe, widespread signs, while others feel minimal effects. The first sign of menopause is generally irregular periods, often with heavy bleeding and large clots. Other initial symptoms include:
Insomnia
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Breast tenderness
Frequent urination
Depression
Anxiety
Mood swings and irritability
Itching and dryness in the genital area
Blood pressure issues
Cardiovascular problems
Headaches
Heart palpitations
Secondary Menopausal Symptoms
As menopause progresses, secondary symptoms may appear, intensifying previous signs and adding new ones:
Severe Hot Flashes: Starting from the head and spreading to the face, neck, and chest, followed by sweating and chills.
Vaginal Dryness: Due to decreased estrogen, causing pain during intercourse.
Urinary Incontinence: Increased urination and incontinence, especially during coughing, sneezing, or laughing, with higher urinary tract infection risks.
Nervous and Psychological Impact: Menopause can affect the nervous system, causing fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, stress, mood swings, memory issues, concentration problems, and depression.
Skin and Hair Problems: Thinning, brittle, dry hair, reduced skin moisture, and sometimes dry mouth and eyes. Hair growth may increase on the face, neck, chest, and back.
Bone Issues: Osteoporosis due to decreased estrogen and calcium, leading to fractures from minor impacts.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Caused by a thin uterine lining or fibroids, cervical or uterine cancer, requiring diagnostic curettage and biopsy.
Weight Changes: Weight gain, especially around the abdomen, creating an "apple-shaped" body.
Exacerbated Cardiovascular Issues: Increased or decreased blood pressure, and worsened sleep disturbances.
Managing Menopausal Symptoms
Menopause is a natural process that often requires no treatment. However, if symptoms interfere with daily life, the following strategies can help:
Regular tests for blood sugar, cholesterol, urine, feces, and liver function
Pap smears
Mammograms and breast exams
Blood pressure control and cardiovascular checkups
Consulting a nutritionist
Regular exercise
Supplements like vitamins A, B12, B6, calcium, D, and E
Kegel exercises to prevent urinary issues
Hormone therapy under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness
