Menopause

Menopause is a normal and expected time in a woman's life when her monthly menstrual cycle ceases. The average age of a woman's last period is 51 but can range from her 40s to late 50s. After one entire year without menstruation, a woman can say she has been through menopause.

Symptoms of menopause can vary from woman to woman. Early menopause usually starts with shorter and less dense menstrual periods. Other common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, an increase in vaginal dryness and or urinary tract infections, urine leaks, trouble sleeping, increased or decreased interest in sex, mood changes and weight gain.

Menopause is caused by naturally reduced levels of estrogen. Surgery to remove the uterus will cause periods to stop, the definition of menopause. However, because the ovaries are untouched, symptoms such as hot flashes may not begin to occur immediately. Over time, as the ovaries produce fewer hormones, symptoms and signs of menopause could begin. An oophorectomy along with the removal of the uterus could trigger instant menopause symptoms regardless of the woman's age.

Menopause is not an illness that requires a cure. However, there are treatments to help manage symptoms of menopause, such as  oral birth control pills may be used to help with very heavy, frequent or unpredictable menstrual periods. They may also help with hot flashes. Hormone replacement therapy can help manage menopause symptoms and prevent bone loss. Medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and osteoporosis are important to consider, as menopause increases the risks for these conditions.

Menopause is caused by the loss of the hormone estrogen in the female body. Because of the fluctuation in female hormone levels, the body adapts, transitioning to compensate for the lack of estrogen and progesterone being produced.

Other events and conditions in a woman's life can bring about menopause and menopausal symptoms much earlier in life. Surgery to remove the uterus will cause periods to stop, the definition of menopause. However, because the ovaries are untouched, symptoms such as hot flashes may not begin to occur immediately. Over time, as the ovaries produce fewer hormones, symptoms and signs of menopause could begin.

An oophorectomy — a surgery in which both ovaries are removed — along with the removal of the uterus could trigger instant menopause symptoms regardless of the woman's age. This is because the body has just lost its main and immediate supply of estrogen.

Talk with your doctor if hot flashes, sleep problems, or mood changes affect daily life, or to discuss bone and heart health. Report any vaginal bleeding after menopause, as it always needs evaluation.