Menopause: What You Should Know

Menstruation is common knowledge. Most people would know that the menstrual cycle is a series of changes a female’s body goes through in order to prepare for the possibility of pregnancy.

The first menstruation, which usually occurs around the age of 13, is called menarche. It is essentially the beginning of the menstrual cycle in females. However, not many know about the ‘ending’ of the menstrual phase in females- menopause.

What is menopause?

Menopause occurs when ovaries stop releasing eggs, and menstruation stops. Just as menstruation is a normal biological process, menopause is also a natural process that comes with age. Due to eggs no longer being released, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone present in the body differ, leading to a range of symptoms and bodily changes.

Menopause, when it occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, is considered “natural” and is a normal part of aging.

What are the stages of menopause?

There are three stages of menopause: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. It describes a time when hormones start to decline and menstrual cycles become erratic and irregular. Hot flashes, sore breasts, trouble with sleeping, changes in libido and vaginal dryness are also experienced.

Menopause occurs when you have stopped producing the hormones that cause your menstrual period and have gone without a period for 12 months in a row. Once this has occurred, you enter postmenopause.

Postmenopause is the time after menopause has occurred. Once this happens, you’re in postmenopause for the rest of your life. People in postmenopause are at an increased risk for certain health conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease. (Reference)

How can symptoms be managed?

Depending on tests and diagnosis of doctors, one may be prescribed hormone therapy, vaginal creams to ease dryness and even long term medication for hot flashes and mood swings. Exercise, meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and a nutrient-rich diet (especially rich in phytoestrogens) may help. A few studies have shown that reducing caffeine and alcohol intake have helped women manage symptoms.

Health risks increase as oestrogen in the body drops. Postmenopausal women are more prone to develop Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis amongst other complications. Maintaining an active lifestyle, consuming calcium and magnesium supplements along with a nutritious diet may aid in prevention.

Do men experience menopause?

Andropause, or male menopause, is a term given to describe decreasing testosterone levels in men. Testosterone production in men declines much more gradually than oestrogen production in women at about 1% per year. Some men will not even notice the change because it happens over many years or decades. Since the decline is so minimal and over an extended period of time, compared to female menopause, medical circles are still debating whether this should be termed as ‘menopause’.

Menopause is a natural biological process. Accompanying it are several changes that affect your quality of life. Always seek a healthcare professional’s advice to help you manage your symptoms and improve your comfort.