Menopause

A menopause is permanent end of the menstrual period and woman fertility. It is a biological process. After age of 45, menopause occurs naturally. As woman ovaries stop producing hormones estrogen and progestin, menopause occurs. It is considered that, when woman has not had a period for one year then she is reached to menopause.
There is much disbelief about menopause that it is an end of life. Yet you are in a half way of your life at this stage, your femininity and sexuality will not be slaughter out due to menopause. In spite of that, you will not have to worry about your pregnancy and periods. You should not hesitate for any treatment in case of severe symptoms.

Symptoms

Some changes and symptoms of menopause are observed earlier. They are as follows

• Trouble sleeping
• Less hair on head, more on face
• Mood swings
• Decreased fertility
• Hot flashes and/or night sweats
• Loss of breast fullness
• Vaginal dryness
• Increased abdominal fat
• Trouble focusing
• Thinning hair
• A change in periods - shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, with more or less time in between

Riskfactor

It causes when ovaries tend to make less estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone regulates menstruation. These changes starts in 30s and are more distinct in your 40s.Irregularity occurs in your periods and ovaries may shut down ultimately. It results in stopping of your periods.
The last period can not be predicted. You have to wait till twelve months after to reach the conclusion that you have menopause. It is possible to become pregnant in last months of menopause but it is very rare.
Menopause is divided in two stages

• Premenopause: In this period you start experiencing signs and symptoms of menopause, though you are still menstruating. Your hormonal level starts falling unevenly. It may last 4 to 5 years or longer.
• Post menopause: After passing 12 months since your last period you are considered to be reached to menopause. Ovaries do not release eggs and produce very less estrogen and progesterone. The following years are called as post menopause.

Though menopause is a natural process, some surgeries or medical treatments or medical conditions can bring menopause earlier.

These cases are:

• Permanent ovarian failure
• Hysterectomy
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Some chronic medical conditions may occur after menopause, are as follows:

• Osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Weight gain
• Urinary incontinence

Treatment

Some times doctor advice you to check the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen. In menopause, FSH level increases and estrogen level decreases. Thyroid stimulating hormone level is also checked to detect the possibility of hypothyroidism because the symptoms of menopause and hypothyroidism are similar.
Menopause is not considered as disorder. Actually treatment is not needed to most of the women. In case you have severe symptoms, then medicines can help. Women are most susceptible to heart disease and bone loss after menopause. Healthy eating and appropriate exercise is capable to keep woman healthy.
Treatments to menopause include:

• Hormone therapy
• Low dose antidepressant
• Selective estrogen or progesterone modulators
• Vaginal estrogen
• Drugs to reduce hot flashes, bone loss and risk of fractures