Menopause
is a three-stage transition in a woman's reproduction cycle. A woman's
menses (period) comes to an end, and she loses her ability to reproduce.
Pre-menopause is the first-stage of the
transition. Women exhibit many symptoms. During this stage, which usually
onsets five years prior to menopause, the ovaries begin to produce lower
amounts of estrogen.
Menopause
is the second-stage. When the ovaries are completely depleted of
eggs, the estrogen levels plummet to an all time low, thereby unable to
produce a period.
Post-menopause is the final-stage of menopause. When a woman has gone a full cycle of twelve months without a period, it can be said that she is in final stage of menopause.
No longer are the ovaries able to produce sufficient amounts of estrogen; however, male hormones, called androgens, are produced.
The male
hormones account for the secondary male characteristics often seen in
post-menopausal women, such as facial hair.
Symptoms
Hot
Flashes Account for the most common symptom of menopause. Three thirds
of all women experience hot flashes for months, years, or not at all.
When a woman
is experiencing a hot flash, the skin becomes red and breaks out in a
sweat; they can last half a minute to five minutes.
Irritability
Because of the ongoing process of hormonal changes, many women will
experience mood changes. Among theses emotional changes is an increased
irritability.
It must be
noted that not all women experience mood changes.
Tinnitus
Many women report an increased ringing in the ears, tinnitus. The sounds
do not come from outside of the body.
Bleeding
Gums Because of the lower levels of estrogen, women experience changes
in the oral cavity, bleeding gums being of these.
Mood
Swings The fluctuating levels of estrogen and androgens during and
after menopause cause many women to experience mood swings. Many describe
the transition as an emotional roller coaster.
Dry
Vaginal Canal The lower levels of estrogen may cause the vaginal canal
to become unusually dry, especially during intercourse. The lining of
the vaginal walls becomes thinner, less flexible and susceptible to infection.
Weakening
of the bones Women are more susceptible than men to osteoporosis because
of menopause. Bone weakening is a normal part of aging. However, when
women are going through menopause, the rate at which the bones lose their
strength and density decreases. When the bones become so fragile that
they fracture easily, the condition is known as osteoporosis.
It is recommended
that women strengthen their bones through diet, supplements, and exercise
to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Heart
Attacks/Strokes Estrogen is plays a vital role in protecting women
against heart failure. Naturally, after the production of the hormone
decreases because menopause, the risk for stroke increases.
Loss of Sex Drive Hormonal fluctuations of estrogen and testosterone cause sex drive to plummet in women. However, hormone therapy can usually increase sex drive in most women.
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