What is Menopause?

Menopause condition in a woman is defined as the point of time when her monthly cycle is permanently ceased due to complete natural depletion of ovarian oocytes due to aging. The diagnosis is typically made confirmed after the woman suffered this condition, has missed menses for 12 consecutive months that is 1 year. It marks the end of fertility and its average age is approximately 51 years.

 

Menopause Causes

When a girl is born, she has all her eggs stored inside her ovaries. Those two ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone hormones, which control both her menses and ovulation. This condition happens when the ovaries no longer release an egg every month hence stopping the menstruation permanently.

This condition is a part of every woman’s life after the age of 40. But, some women suffer this condition earlier than the right age. It can be a result of surgery, like hysterectomy in which their ovaries are removed or any other damage to their ovaries, from chemotherapy etc. If it occurs before the woman attains the age of 40, it’s called premature menopause.

Premature Menopause Causes-

Ø       

     Women’s genes

Ø    Some immune system disorders

Ø    Medical procedures

Ø    Premature ovarian failure.

Ø    Induced menopause

 

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause Symptoms

Since menopause is due to the depletion of ovarian follicles/oocytes and severely reduced functioning of the ovaries, menopause symptoms are associated with lower levels of reproductive hormones, especially estrogen.

 Low estrogen level can lead to vasomotor instability and psychological changes including mood swings, depression, and difficulty while concentrating, problems like insomnia, genital tract atrophy including vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary incontinence, skin changes like thinning and decreased elasticity.

 Lower androgen levels (male hormones) can contribute to the loss of sex drive. Any abnormal vaginal bleeding should be reported immediately to your doctor, since this may represent a precancerous or cancerous condition of the uterus or endometrial lining.

Later Medical Problems include-

In a woman, the lower reproductive hormones associated with this condition will lead to increase the risk of problems like osteoporosis, fracture in bones and other diseases including cardiovascular disease such as myocardial infarction and stroke.

 

Treatment Options

Menopause Treatment

A healthy lifestyle including a nutritious diet, supplementation with vitamin D and calcium, regular weight bearing exercise, and elimination of cigarettes and alcohol can help lower your risk of osteoporosis, bone fractures, and cardiovascular disease. Hormone replacement therapy consists of estrogen, progesterone, and possibly testosterone may help alleviate or reduce menopausal symptoms. 

However, it is recommended to use the lowest possible dose for the shortest duration possible to reduce the risks of breast cancer, blood clots, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Non-hormonal medications for vasomotor instability include low dose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram and sertraline), gabapentin, and clonidine.

 The effects of increased dietary intake of phytoestrogens (such as soybeans, chickpeas, and flaxseed) on vasomotor relief is controversial and there is some concern about cancer risk due to weak estrogen-like effects. 

Osteoporosis can also be treated with non-hormonal bisphosphonates (such as alendronate, risedronate, and ibandronate) or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs; such as raloxifene). Please discuss these menopause treatment options with your doctor before beginning any specialized treatment plan.

 

Now let’s talk about Testing: Menopause Diagnosis

However, the diagnosis can be made based on the patient’s history, but sometimes laboratory testing may be performed to confirm its diagnosis. Elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and low estrogen (estradiol) is consistent with menopause. Any hormonal therapy, such as birth control pills, will invalidate the FSH and estradiol tests. Due to certain medical conditions resulting in the lack of menses, your gynaecologist may also test your prolactin level, thyroid function and other tests as per your history and physical examination.

 

General Health Maintenance

Menopausal medicine includes general health screening, including pelvic examination with PAP smear, clinical breast exam, mammography, dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry ( DEXA) to screen for osteoporosis, faecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy, and blood tests including lipid and thyroid screening. To know more about the menopause causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, visit your nearest Indira IVF clinic, share your infertility related problems and get the best solution today.