Menopause: A serious but natural phase of women life
Menopause is the critical period that happens in every women life. It is a natural process and can be simply termed as the time frame in women’s life when their menstrual periods stop permanently. Menopause is also described in many ways by the peoples. In the medical profession, Menopause is often described as the period when a woman does not has any bleeding for a very long time or many months. It may also be defined as the phase in which the ovaries hormones production decreases abruptly and due to the menopause, the women are no longer to conceive or bear a child.
Menopause mainly occurs in between the 45 to 52 years of age. However, the average age for menopause in women is 50 years. It can be termed as a disease or any serious condition. But it is a natural process that every woman has in their life.
Symptoms
Menopause is the period in women’s life when the fertility starts declining. Women not having menstrual periods for one year can confirm about her menopause, however, these are the other symptoms that show if a woman is going to have Menopause.
• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Lower fertility
• Irregular periods
• Mood swing
• Disturbed sleep
• Urinary problem
However, any genital bleeding in case of women during post-menopause phase is an alarming symptom and requires proper diagnose and treatment of an issue.
Causes of Menopause
Progesterone and Estrogen are the two hormones present in women responsible for the pregnancy and menstrual cycle regulation respectively. By the age of 30 years women’s ovaries declining in the production of these two hormones that cause peri-menopause in them.
If the ovaries stop production of progesterone and estrogen before the age of 45, the women are said to experience the early menopause or premature menopause. However, the age of menopause varies from women to women.
Diagnosing the Menopause
Women experiencing any of the above symptoms are required to visit the doctor. By knowing few essential things, a doctor can diagnose menopause or peri-menopause.
A doctor also may advise a blood test to measure the level of estrogen or FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). However, the FSH test is not so helpful due to varied level during menopause or peri-menopause.
Treatment of Menopause
Menopause is a natural process and most of the women during menopause do not require any medical attention or advice. However, if menopause starts affecting the behavior and daily life, may need a visit to the doctor. Various therapy and treatments are available for menopause.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT is a very effective therapy in which a hormones patch is attached to the skin, which releases estrogen and progestin. However, this therapy has its own benefits and risks which are determined by the doctor before using HRT.
Anti-Depressants
Low dose anti-depressant shows a decrease in the hot flashes caused by menopause and treating the level of depression in women.
Vaginal Estrogen
Vaginal estrogen can be used for treating the hot flashes, discomfort during intercourse and vaginal dryness.
Physical Exercises
Physical exercises can also be helpful in treating menopause and help in preventing weight gain and boosting bones density.