Menopause
Menopause is the end of fertility age and is marked when a person stops having her period for one year for no other medical reason and stops being fertile. It is a natural part of ageing and generally occurs in the early fifties. It is brought about by changes in the reproductive and hormone system. Symptoms tend to improve within a year.
It is typically preceded by:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flushes, sweating
- Palpitations, insomnia
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Impaired memory
- Vaginal dryness
- Sexual dysfunction
- Urinary problems
- Depression
- Irritability
Due to the ageing egg supply, the cycles are less ovulatory and there are more hormone fluctuations, which cause the signs and symptoms. When hormone levels decline, the menstrual cycle stops. An early menopause can occur if ovaries have been surgically removed or by undergoing radio and chemotherapy.
With menopause the risk of osteoporosis (bone thinning) increases and the risk of heart disease doubles. Hence a healthy lifestyle is crucial.
If symptomatic, treatment is available; however this has possible side-effects. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be taken topically or orally, but it is associated with increased breast cancer risk, deep-vein thrombosis, and gall bladder disease. It is therefore to be used only for short-term relief of menopausal symptoms or in the case of early menopause. The benefits of HRT include increased bone density and decreased risk of colorectal (bowel) cancer. There is specific treatment for osteoporosis.