Menopause

Menopause is the time when the menstrual period ceases and the ovaries permanently stop releasing eggs. Menopause is considered complete when a woman has been without her period for a full year. The average age of menopause ranges between ages 40 and 58, with an average age of 51.

Natural Menopause is a gradual process. The ovaries begin producing lower amounts of hormones prior to Menopause during a phase called perimenopause.
When Menopause occurs before the age of 40 it is called premature menopause. Premature menopause can be the result of several conditions, including:

• Family history
• Autoimmune diseases
• X-chromosome abnormalities
• Medical treatments (pelvic surgery, surgical removal of ovaries, chemotherapy, or pelvic radiation therapy)
• Medications that lower estrogen levels

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. As menopause is a natural process associated with aging, there are no risk factors. Risk factors for premature menopause include:

• Family history

As Menopause approaches, women often experience a number of physical and emotional symptoms including:

• Irregular menstrual periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Disturbed sleep patterns, insomnia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dry skin
• Irritability
• Vaginal dryness and pain with sexual intercourse
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble remembering things
• Diminished interest in sex
• Frequent urination or leaking of urine
• Headaches
• Achy joints

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor may perform blood tests, a pelvic exam and a Pap smear. Natural Menopause is usually diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. The test considered most accurate for the diagnosis of Menopause is the measurement of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). High levels of FSH (greater than 40) may indicate Menopause.

Menopause is a natural part of life and does not necessarily require treatment. Symptoms and health risks associated with low estrogen can be treated. These include hot flashes, irritability, an increased risk of heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
A number of different types of hormones are available. They include natural, synthetic and plant-derived estrogens and progesterone; combinations of estrogen and progesterone; or the addition of small amounts of male hormones. Hormone preparations are available as tablets, gels, skin patches, vaginal rings, injections, and pellets inserted into the skin.
Phytoestrogens
A high intake of phytoestrogens may help menopausal women. They may reduce the risk for diseases associated with estrogen. Phytoestrogens are found in soybeans, black cohosh, whole grains, legumes, and flax seed.
Healthful diet
A healthful diet during menopause can improve a woman's sense of well-being. It may also reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. The diet should low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium, and vitamin D.
Limit caffeine and alcohol
Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol may reduce symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and loss of calcium.
Quit smoking
Giving up smoking can reduce the risk of early menopause, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Regular exercise
Regular exercise may reduce hot flashes. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, climbing stairs or lifting weights help to strengthen the bones and decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
Stress management
Stress management may help ease tension, anxiety, and possibly other menopausal symptoms. Deep breathing, massage, warm baths, and quiet music are examples of relaxation techniques.
Over-the-counter products
Moisturizers and lubricants are used to help vaginal dryness. Some women claim that vitamin E decreases the incidence of hot flashes, although this has not been proven.
Non-hormonal medications
Bellergal is sometimes prescribed to relieve hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Certain blood pressure medicines have been moderately helpful in relieving some menopausal symptoms. These medicines include clonidine (Catapres) and methyldopa (Aldomet).

Menopause is a natural biologic event that does not need to be prevented. Quitting smoking could slightly delay the onset of Menopause.