Menopause is a condition in women when permanent cessation of menstruation occurs at a certain age. It is usually when they reach middle age of later. Women in US undergo menopause at a mean age of 51. Ovaries are estrogen producing organs in the body of women. Estrogen is responsible mainly for secondary sexual characters in females. Due to advancement of age, the cells in the ovaries decrease in number which leads to decreased production of estrogen.
Symptoms associated with menopause are hot flushes, chills, excitability, fatigue, apathy, mental depression. ‘Hot flushes’ is one of the major and most common symptoms of menopause. During hot flushes, there is a sensation of sudden, brief flares of heat followed by sweating. Face and chest flush and radiate warmth. It can occur during the day or they may interrupt sleep. Contrary to popular myth that menopause cause decrease in sexual desire and activity, there is actually a chance of increase in sexual activity due to lack of fear of pregnancy. Due to various physiological changes in the body of women, she may go under severe depression.
Due to deficiency of estrogen, there is a deficiency of calcium in the body, which results in increased chances of getting bone fractures in the back bone. Vaginal dryness, painful coitus, difficulty and increased frequency of passing urine are common problems in menopausal women. Recurrent urinary infection is another cause in post menopausal women seeking medical treatment. Cardiovascular system is most commonly affected in old age women. Diseases like hypertension, heart attacks are the leading ailments.
Women undergo menopause usually at the age of 45 to 55, which vary from person to person. There are a few factors which causes premature menopause. Smoking is one of the most common reasons for this. Cessation of smoking can delay premature menopause. Women undergoing surgical procedures like removal of the ovaries will fall under the category of premature menopause.
Women can combat the symptoms of menopause by few lifestyle changes. As bone fractures can disable the women for prolonged time, there is essential role of increased intake of calcium as well as vitamin D. This is provided by supplements 1000-1500mg of calcium per day and 400-800IU of vitamin D. To avoid urinary tract infection and vaginal symptoms local estrogen creams can be applied.
Medically speaking, estrogen can be replaced in the body by hormone replacement therapy, popularly known as HRT. In this therapy, low dose estrogen is supplemented in order to avoid problems caused by estrogen deficiency. HRT also takes care of heart problems in these women. There are many options available to address the quality of life and health concerns of menopausal women. Currently, primary indications for HRT are alleviation of hot flushes and associated symptoms. It would ease the women undergoing menopause to know beforehand the changes and problems associated with menopause.