What is menopause?

Menopause is the final cessation of menstruation.It can be either a normal part of ageing or as a result of surgical removal of both ovaries.

Menopause is derived from two ancient greek words menos (month) and pausos (ending). That is the end of the menstrual cycle which occurs monthly.

Menopause does not occur suddenly. It takes place gradually over a 1 to 3 year period during which there is diminishing and then absent menstrual blood flow.Some of the common physiological processes that occur during menopause include hot flushes, vaginal dryness and night sweats.

What is the average age of menopause?

The average age of menopause in developed countries is 51 years.

It is important to note that today with increasing life expectancy a woman in a developed country will be expected to live about 30 years (approximately 40% of her life) after menopause.

What is climacteric?

This is a term used to refer to the whole range of anatomical, physiological and psychological events that occurs during menopause.

Climacteric is derived from the Greek word klimakter which means rung of a ladder. That is a major movement of life’s ladder.It is the transition from fertility to infertility. It usually takes place from the age of 45 to 55 years of age.

What is premature menopause?

Ovarian failure and cessation of menstruation before the age of 40 years is known as premature menopause.

Premature menopause  usually has a genetic or autoimmune basis.

What is surgical menopause?

This is menopause due to surgical removal of both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy). This can cause severe symptoms as the withdrawal of sex hormones is of sudden onset.

Why does menopause cause psychological,personalty, emotional and even psychiatric changes?

Although mood changes such as depression and anxiety occur at the time of menopause, there is no objective evidence that this is related to oestrogen withdrawal.

The time period during which menopause occurs coincides with other major changes in life such as departure of children from home, midlife identity crisis,divorce, and loss of youthfulness.This can add to the symptoms of menopause.

Symptoms,treatment/management , hormonal therapy etc will be covered in extensive detail in subsequent posts.

References:

Pages 225 to 229. Chapter 19. Menopause. Gynaecology by ten teachers. Seventeenth edition. Edited by Stuart Campbell and Ash Monga.

Pages 760 to 762. Chapter 17. Menopausal syndrome.Gynaecology. CMDT 2006. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2006.45 th Edition. Edited by Lawrence M. Tierney,Jr. Stephen J McPhee, Maxine A. Papadakis.

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