Menopause

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and occurs when monthly menstruation ends due to loss of ovarian follicular function. It is officially deemed to have occurred after 12 consecutive months without menstruation, when there is no other obvious cause and in the absence of clinical intervention.

Menopause generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years for women worldwide, with menopause before the age of 45 called ‘early menopause’ and menopause before the age of 40 ‘premature menopause’. Menopause occurs due to changes in hormone levels, which can also lead to the symptoms of menopause. These vary widely, but common symptoms include hot flushes and night sweats, sleep disturbance, headaches, muscle and joint pains, mood disturbance. It also includes genitourinary syndrome of menopause, encompassing genital dryness and irritation, urinary urgency and dysuria, and discomfort or pain with sex. Menopause increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and pelvic organ prolapse. Management of menopause will depend on a woman’s experience and symptoms, but may involve lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, medicines such as antidepressants and natural therapies.