What is menopause?
It is the transition period when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs regularly. The production of female hormones oestrogen and progesterone declines and menstruation gradually decreases and eventually stops.
Menopause can occur as follows:
  1. Natural menopause:

    2. Usually takes place between the ages of 48 and 55 or when menstruation has ceased for 12 consecutive months.
  2. Induced menopause:

    3. When menstruation ceases as a result of the ovaries being removed or the function of the ovaries being inhibited as a result of prescribed medication.
  3. Premature menopause:

    4. Menopause occurring spontaneously before the age of 40 as a result of ovarian failure due to genetic factors or autoimmune disorders.
  4. Early menopause:

    5. Occurs when of menstruation ceases after the age of 40 but before the age of 48 years. This could occur as a result of living at high altitude, genetic influences i.e. your mother had an early menopause, cigarette smoking or having started late with the first menstruation.
The role of female hormones:
Oestrogen:
The main female hormone which plays many roles in a woman’s body in the process of ovulation, conception and pregnancy as well as other functions e.g. regulating cholesterol and maintaining bone density.
Oestrogen has a definite effect on the functioning of the brain as it affects the growth and survival of nerves cell. It has a positive effect on mood memory and quality-of-life. It also decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Progesterone:
This hormone forms a team with oestrogen to help regulate the menstrual cycle as well as preparing the body for conception and pregnancy. The drop in progesterone causes the periods to become irregular at the perimenopause state (the time before the onset of menopause).

Symptoms of menopause:
It must be stressed that menopause does not affect all women in the same way – we are all individuals. Some may experience all of the symptoms while others very little.
Most common symptoms are:
  • Hot flushes, which occur suddenly and can last for a few seconds up to 5 minutes.
  • At night the flushes are accompanied by sweating (night sweats).
  • Weight gain that can be attributed to a number of factors:
    • Metabolism slowing down due to a lack of female hormones.
    • Lack of physical exercise.
    • Increased food intake as a result of emotional distress such as depression.
    • Taking hormone replacement treatment. If HRT causes weight gain discuss the matter with your doctor who could possibly adjust or change your medication.
  • Changes in the tissues of the bladder and urethra and the associated loss of protection against infection - causing an increased risk of urinary tract infection.
  • The decrease in oestrogen can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
  • In cases of induced, premature or early menopause there is a greater risk of health problems such as heart disease and osteoporosis as a result of the prolonged time without the protective effects of oestrogen.
Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT):
The most common method of counteracting and/or relieving the symptoms of menopause as described is taking prescribed HRT, which as the name indicates replaces the loss of hormones. Benefits of HRT are manifold, however there is also much debate as to the negative aspects especially the link between HRT and coronary heart disease and breast cancer. Women considering this course of action should discuss the pros and cons with the doctor.
Taking control:
Many women dread the onset of menopause – however this is unnecessary. Be proactive - take control of your own life both before, and after menopause by eating sensibly, exercising regularly and consulting your doctor with regard to the symptoms that you may experience and turn what could potentially be a negative experience into a positive one.
For information on other Women's Health issues, click on the links below:
Breast Cancer
Cancer of the cervix
Osteoporosis
Cancer of the Ovaries
Cancer of the Vulva