Main Cause Of Menopause: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Main Cause Of Menopause
Menopause begins when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, marking the end of her natural fertility.
This phase usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier or later.
Common symptoms like; night sweats are prevalent during the period leading up to menopause, during menopause itself, and after it. In most cases, natural remedies can effectively alleviate these symptoms.
Perimenopause is the stage that precedes menopause and involves hormonal changes preparing the body for the transition.
This phase can last for several months to a few years, typically starting in a woman’s mid-40s. However, some women may bypass perimenopause altogether and enter menopause directly.
The average age for menopause is 51, but studies show that it may occur about two years earlier for Black and Latina women. However, more research is required to understand the onset of menopause for women of color.
Causes of menopause
Various factors, such as genetics and ovarian health, influence the timing of menopause. Premature menopause or early menopause may occur in some cases, affecting about 1 percent and 5 percent of women, respectively.
Menopause is a natural process caused by aging ovaries producing fewer reproductive hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Symptoms of menopause
Symptoms of menopause can vary among women and may include;
- hot flashes,
- night sweats,
- weight gain,
- depression,
- reduced libido,
- dry skin, and other physical and emotional changes.
Menopause complications
Conditions such as vulvovaginal atrophy, osteoporosis, and heart or blood vessel disease are potential complications of menopause.
Diagnosis
To diagnose menopause, healthcare providers may use blood tests to measure hormone levels like FSH and estradiol. Consistently elevated FSH levels of 30 mIU/mL or higher, combined with one year of no menstruation, generally confirm menopause.
Treatment and Management
Treatment options for menopause may include hormone therapy and other medications to manage specific symptoms like vaginal dryness and hair loss.
Recommended:
- What Are The 1st Signs Of Menopause? Common Symptoms
- The 3 Stages Of Menopause And How To Manage Them.
Home remedy
Home remedies and lifestyle changes, such as dressing comfortably, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques, can also help reduce menopause symptoms.
Summary
While menopause marks the end of fertility, it is a natural and normal phase in a woman’s life. Most women can manage its symptoms and lead fulfilling lives during and after this transition.
