Menopause symtoms and treatments Information
Estrogen is known as a
'female hormone' because it plays a key role in shaping the female body and
preparing it for uniquely female functions such as pregnancy. For example,
estrogen is vital for the development of breasts and hips. In addition, the
vagina, uterus, and other female organs depend on the presence of estrogen in
the body to mature.
Together with progesterone,
another female hormone made by the ovaries, estrogen regulates the changes that
occur with each monthly period and prepares the uterus for pregnancy. Prior to
menopause, more than 90% of the estrogen in a woman's body is made by the
ovaries. Other organs (including the adrenal glands, liver, and kidneys) also
make small amounts of estrogen. That's why women continue to have low levels of
estrogen after menopause. Because fat cells can also make small amounts of
estrogen, women who are overweight when they are going through menopause may
have fewer problems with hot flashes and osteoporosis (both of which are
related to lack of estrogen).
Some of the other important
benefits of estrogen become apparent when estrogen levels decline after
menopause. For instance, estrogen stimulates skeletal growth and helps maintain
healthy bones. It also helps protect the heart and veins by increasing 'good
cholesterol' (HDL or high-density lipoprotein) and lowering 'bad cholesterol'
(LDL or low-density lipoprotein). Estrogen may also affect a woman’s sexual
desire.
Menapause (Menopause) is a stage of the human female reproductive cycle
that occurs as the ovaries stop producing estrogen, causing the reproductive
system to gradually shut down. As the body adapts to the changing levels of
natural hormones, vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and palpitations,
psychological symptoms such as increased depression, anxiety, irritability,
mood swings and lack of concentration, and atrophic symptoms such as vaginal
dryness and urgency of urination appear. Together with these symptoms, the
woman may also have increasingly scanty and erratic menstrual periods. The average onset of menopause is 50.5 years, but some women
enter menapause at a younger age, especially if they have suffered from cancer
or another serious illness and underwent chemotherapy. Premature menopause (or
Premature Ovarian Failure) is defined as menopause occurring before the age of
40, and occurs in 1% of women. Other causes of premature menapause include
autoimmune disorders like thyroid disease or diabetes mellitus. Premature
menopause is diagnosed by measuring the levels of follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH); the levels of these hormones will be higher
if menopause has occurred.
Perimenopause: It is known as the time leading up to
menopause (when you have not had your period for twelve months). During
perimenopause, your body starts making less of certain hormones (estrogen and
progesterone), and you begin to lose the ability to become pregnant. How long does perimenopause last? It varies. Women normally
go through menopause between ages 45 and 55. Many women experience menopause
around age 51. However, perimenopause can start as early as age 35. It can last
just a few months or a few years. There is no way to tell in advance how long
it will last OR how long it will take you to go through it.
Menopause signs and symtoms:
Common Signs and Symptoms of Menapause:
-menstrual irregularity
-hot flashes
-head aches,dizziness
-rapid or irregular heartbeat
-vaginal itching,discomfort during intercourse
-bloating,breast tenderness
-mood changes
-fatigue,depression
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