Menopause: Stages, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Life is a series of chapters, each offering its own set of hurdles and triumphs. For women, few chapters in their life are as life changing as menopause – a natural biological process that signifies the end of reproductive years. Understanding the complex journey of menopause is not merely a matter of knowledge; it is an essential step towards educating and empowering patients. Menopause, a natural phase in a woman's life, brings a plethora of changes that demand comprehensive awareness.

In addition, we acknowledge that each woman's journey through menopause is distinct, influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and the environment. This phase brings in an array of physical and emotional changes that can be both fascinating and frustrating. Yet, with the right understanding and support, going through menopause can be an enlightening experience.

In this detailed blog, we shall delve into the world of menopause. From the fundamental biology underlying the process to the complexities of its stages, symptoms, causes, and treatments, we will leave no stones unturned. Whether you are a woman preparing for this transition, a partner seeking to understand and support you, or simply inquisitive about the science behind the female body, this blog is designed to provide you with the knowledge you seek.

What is Menopause?

The menopause occurs when a woman has gone 12 months without having a menstrual cycle. The term is sometimes used to characterize the changes that occur just before or after menopause, which marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. Typically, the menopause age for women is around 50 years.

Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing oestrogen and progesterone, two essential hormones needed for fertility.

What are the Stages of Menopause?

Natural menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation that does not result from medical treatment. The process occurs gradually and in three stages:

Perimenopause:

Perimenopause begins eight to ten years before menopause when ovaries produce less oestrogen. It usually starts in your 40s. Perimenopause lasts until menopause, which is when your ovaries stop producing eggs. At this period, many women may experience menopause symptoms. A few perimenopause symptoms include, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, etc…

Menopause:

Menopause is the period during which menstruation stops. At this point, your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and have stopped producing oestrogen.

Post menopause:

Post menopause is the period that occurs after menopause, when a woman has not had a period for an entire year or for life. Some women still have signs of menopause even after the menopause transition.

Menopause Symptoms

The early symptoms of menopause include:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Insomnia
• Mood swings and emotional challenges
• Sore breasts
• Vaginal dryness

Other symptoms also include:

• Excessive weight gain
• Experiencing headaches
• Loss of hair
• Rapid heartbeat
• Changes in libido
• Depression

These symptoms are caused by shifts in hormone levels. Some individuals may experience severe menopause symptoms, whereas others may experience mild symptoms. During the transition to menopause, not everyone will experience the same symptoms.

What is the Cause of Menopause?

Menopause is a natural process that happens because of your levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and other hormones change as you get older. Loss of active ovarian follicles is associated with these changes. These hormones are responsible menstruation and fertility by producing and releasing eggs from the ovarian wall.

In some instances, the menopause occurs prematurely because of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, a pelvic injury, or other factors influencing the reproductive organs, which is referred to as induced menopause.

Diagnosis of Menopause

Menopause is typically diagnosed based on a combination of clinical symptoms and menstrual cycle alterations. When a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months in a row, menopause is usually diagnosed. In some instances, however, the menopause may be diagnosed earlier due to medical interventions, such as surgical removal of the ovaries or specific medical treatments.

Doctors may also use blood tests to measure hormone levels, such as Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and oestrogen, to help find out if a woman is going through menopause. A woman may be in the perimenopausal or menopausal phase if her FSH levels are high and her oestrogen levels are low.

Treatment Options for Menopause

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

Hormone Replacement Therapy is a way to ease the effects of menopause by taking oestrogen and sometimes progestin. It can alleviate hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and night sweating effectively. However, HRT is not appropriate for all women, particularly those with a history of certain diseases such as breast cancer. To determine if HRT is an appropriate option, it is necessary to consult with a healthcare professional.

Non-Hormonal Treatment:

The nonhormonal treatments for menopause include nonhormonal medications, and lifestyle modifications such as daily exercise, dietary habits, stress management, sleep management, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

If you are a woman preparing for menopause or experiencing the aforementioned symptoms and are unsure whether you are going through menopause, you can speak with a gynaecologist online.