Menopause - Revision history

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2025-04-08T03:54:36Z

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			{{SI}}
			{{Infobox medical condition
			\| name = Menopause
			\| image = [[File:Menopause_symbol.svg\|150px]]
			\| caption = Symbol representing menopause
			\| field = [[Gynecology]]
			\| synonyms = Climacteric
			\| symptoms = [[Hot flashes]], [[night sweats]], [[vaginal dryness]], [[mood changes]], [[sleep disturbances]]
			\| complications = [[Osteoporosis]], [[cardiovascular disease]]
			\| onset = Typically between ages 45 and 55
			\| duration = Permanent
			\| causes = Natural decline in [[reproductive hormones]]
			\| risks = [[Smoking]], [[obesity]], [[genetics]]
			\| diagnosis = Based on symptoms, [[blood tests]] for hormone levels
			\| differential = [[Thyroid disorders]], [[depression]], [[pregnancy]]
			\| treatment = [[Hormone replacement therapy]], [[lifestyle changes]], [[alternative medicine]]
			\| frequency = Affects all women eventually
			}}
	'''Menopause''' is the physiological cessation of [[menstrual cycles]] associated with advancing age in species that experience such cycles. Menopause is sometimes referred to as '''change of life''' or '''climacteric'''.		'''Menopause''' is the physiological cessation of [[menstrual cycles]] associated with advancing age in species that experience such cycles. Menopause is sometimes referred to as '''change of life''' or '''climacteric'''.
			[[File:Vaginal Canal Normal vs. Menopause.png\|left\|thumb\|Vaginal Canal Normal vs. Menopause]]
	[[File:Vaginal Canal Normal vs. Menopause.png\|thumb\|Vaginal Canal Normal vs. Menopause]]
	Menopause, often colloquially referred to as the "change of life" or "climacteric," signifies the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles, which is typically associated with advancing age in species that undergo such cycles. This biological transition is marked by significant changes in the reproductive system and a range of physical and psychological symptoms, stemming from the ovaries' gradual cessation of estrogen production<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397\|title=Menopause\|publisher=Mayo Clinic}}</ref>.		Menopause, often colloquially referred to as the "change of life" or "climacteric," signifies the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles, which is typically associated with advancing age in species that undergo such cycles. This biological transition is marked by significant changes in the reproductive system and a range of physical and psychological symptoms, stemming from the ovaries' gradual cessation of estrogen production<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397\|title=Menopause\|publisher=Mayo Clinic}}</ref>.

	== Menopausal Transition ==		== Menopausal Transition ==
	The process leading to menopause is often called the climacteric, although popular usage frequently substitutes this term with menopause. This process, which typically takes a year but can last from six months to over five years, involves increasingly sporadic and scanty menstrual periods<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585770/\|title=The Menopausal Transition\|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.		The process leading to menopause is often called the climacteric, although popular usage frequently substitutes this term with menopause. This process, which typically takes a year but can last from six months to over five years, involves increasingly sporadic and scanty menstrual periods<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585770/\|title=The Menopausal Transition\|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.

	While menopause is a natural and expected part of a woman's aging process, termed natural or physiological menopause, certain medical procedures, such as a hysterectomy including an oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), can induce menopause.		While menopause is a natural and expected part of a woman's aging process, termed natural or physiological menopause, certain medical procedures, such as a hysterectomy including an oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), can induce menopause.

	== Onset and Causes ==		== Onset and Causes ==
	The average onset of menopause is around 50.5 years. However, certain conditions like cancer, serious illness, chemotherapy, or specific genetic factors can trigger early menopause, known as premature menopause or premature ovarian failure, before the age of 40. This premature condition is seen in approximately one percent of women and is typically diagnosed by measuring the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood. A higher level of these hormones usually indicates the occurrence of menopause<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-menopause/\|title=Early Menopause\|publisher=NHS}}</ref>.		The average onset of menopause is around 50.5 years. However, certain conditions like cancer, serious illness, chemotherapy, or specific genetic factors can trigger early menopause, known as premature menopause or premature ovarian failure, before the age of 40. This premature condition is seen in approximately one percent of women and is typically diagnosed by measuring the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood. A higher level of these hormones usually indicates the occurrence of menopause<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-menopause/\|title=Early Menopause\|publisher=NHS}}</ref>.

	== Health Risks ==		== Health Risks ==
	Post-menopausal women, particularly Caucasian women of European descent, are at an increased risk of osteoporosis due to the decrease in estrogen levels<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2682452/\|title=Menopause and Osteoporosis\|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.		Post-menopausal women, particularly Caucasian women of European descent, are at an increased risk of osteoporosis due to the decrease in estrogen levels<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2682452/\|title=Menopause and Osteoporosis\|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.

	== Animal Kingdom and Menopause ==		== Animal Kingdom and Menopause ==
	Menopause is rare in animals, possibly because many do not live long enough to experience it. However, some primates, like gorillas, have been observed to go through menopause, with an average onset age of 44.		Menopause is rare in animals, possibly because many do not live long enough to experience it. However, some primates, like gorillas, have been observed to go through menopause, with an average onset age of 44.

	== Perimenopause ==		== Perimenopause ==
	The term perimenopause refers to the period preceding menopause, when hormone production, such as estrogen and progesterone, begins to decrease and become irregular, leading to diminished fertility. It can begin as early as age 35 and last for several months or years. The exact duration cannot be predicted in advance.		The term perimenopause refers to the period preceding menopause, when hormone production, such as estrogen and progesterone, begins to decrease and become irregular, leading to diminished fertility. It can begin as early as age 35 and last for several months or years. The exact duration cannot be predicted in advance.

	== Etiology ==		== Etiology ==
	Menopause is primarily caused by the eventual atresia or degeneration of almost all oocytes (immature egg cells) in the ovaries. This leads to decreased production of estrogen, leading to menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, vaginal atrophy, and depression.		Menopause is primarily caused by the eventual atresia or degeneration of almost all oocytes (immature egg cells) in the ovaries. This leads to decreased production of estrogen, leading to menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, vaginal atrophy, and depression.

	Certain lifestyle factors, such as cigarette smoking, can expedite the onset of menopause by approximately one year.		Certain lifestyle factors, such as cigarette smoking, can expedite the onset of menopause by approximately one year.

	== Symptoms ==		== Symptoms ==
	The clinical features of menopause, primarily caused by estrogen deficiency, span across various bodily systems and include:		The clinical features of menopause, primarily caused by estrogen deficiency, span across various bodily systems and include:

	* '''Vasomotor instability''': Hot flashes, sleep disturbances		* '''Vasomotor instability''': Hot flashes, sleep disturbances
	* '''Urogenital atrophy''': This includes symptoms like dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), vaginal dryness, bleeding, urinary frequency and urgency, and incontinence<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296151/\|title=Urogenital Atrophy: Prevention and Treatment\|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.		* '''Urogenital atrophy''': This includes symptoms like dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), vaginal dryness, bleeding, urinary frequency and urgency, and incontinence<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296151/\|title=Urogenital Atrophy: Prevention and Treatment\|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.
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	* '''Skin and soft tissue''': Menopause can lead to breast atrophy, skin thinning, and decreased elasticity<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583889/\|title=Skin Aging and Menopause\|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.		* '''Skin and soft tissue''': Menopause can lead to breast atrophy, skin thinning, and decreased elasticity<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583889/\|title=Skin Aging and Menopause\|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.
	* '''Psychological effects''': These may include mood disturbances, irritability, fatigue, decreased libido, and memory loss<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4890704/\|title=Psychological Symptoms and Menopause\|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.		* '''Psychological effects''': These may include mood disturbances, irritability, fatigue, decreased libido, and memory loss<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4890704/\|title=Psychological Symptoms and Menopause\|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.

	== Treatment of Symptoms ==		== Treatment of Symptoms ==
	Several medical treatments have been developed to manage the symptoms of menopause. Most notably, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been used to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6523115/\|title=Hormone Replacement Therapy and Osteoporosis\|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.		Several medical treatments have been developed to manage the symptoms of menopause. Most notably, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been used to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6523115/\|title=Hormone Replacement Therapy and Osteoporosis\|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.

	However, there has been resistance against viewing menopause as a disorder, with some arguing that it should be recognized as a natural stage of life. Additionally, there has been ongoing scientific debate over the cost-benefit balance of HRT. For several years, women were advised to undertake hormone therapy post-menopause to mitigate the risks of heart disease and various aspects of aging. However, the Women's Health Initiative, a large, randomized, controlled trial, found that women undergoing HRT experienced increased risks of Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi/\|title=The Women's Health Initiative\|publisher=NHLBI}}</ref>.		However, there has been resistance against viewing menopause as a disorder, with some arguing that it should be recognized as a natural stage of life. Additionally, there has been ongoing scientific debate over the cost-benefit balance of HRT. For several years, women were advised to undertake hormone therapy post-menopause to mitigate the risks of heart disease and various aspects of aging. However, the Women's Health Initiative, a large, randomized, controlled trial, found that women undergoing HRT experienced increased risks of Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi/\|title=The Women's Health Initiative\|publisher=NHLBI}}</ref>.

	== References ==		== References ==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}

	== See Also ==		== See Also ==
	* [[Premature ovarian failure]]		* [[Premature ovarian failure]]

Prab at 01:29, 28 May 2023

2023-05-28T01:29:37Z

New page

'''Menopause''' is the physiological cessation of [[menstrual cycles]] associated with advancing age in species that experience such cycles. Menopause is sometimes referred to as '''change of life''' or '''climacteric'''.

[[File:Vaginal Canal Normal vs. Menopause.png|thumb|Vaginal Canal Normal vs. Menopause]]
Menopause, often colloquially referred to as the "change of life" or "climacteric," signifies the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles, which is typically associated with advancing age in species that undergo such cycles. This biological transition is marked by significant changes in the reproductive system and a range of physical and psychological symptoms, stemming from the ovaries' gradual cessation of estrogen production<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397|title=Menopause|publisher=Mayo Clinic}}</ref>.

== Menopausal Transition ==
The process leading to menopause is often called the climacteric, although popular usage frequently substitutes this term with menopause. This process, which typically takes a year but can last from six months to over five years, involves increasingly sporadic and scanty menstrual periods<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585770/|title=The Menopausal Transition|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.

While menopause is a natural and expected part of a woman's aging process, termed natural or physiological menopause, certain medical procedures, such as a hysterectomy including an oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), can induce menopause.

== Onset and Causes ==
The average onset of menopause is around 50.5 years. However, certain conditions like cancer, serious illness, chemotherapy, or specific genetic factors can trigger early menopause, known as premature menopause or premature ovarian failure, before the age of 40. This premature condition is seen in approximately one percent of women and is typically diagnosed by measuring the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood. A higher level of these hormones usually indicates the occurrence of menopause<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-menopause/|title=Early Menopause|publisher=NHS}}</ref>.

== Health Risks ==
Post-menopausal women, particularly Caucasian women of European descent, are at an increased risk of osteoporosis due to the decrease in estrogen levels<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2682452/|title=Menopause and Osteoporosis|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.

== Animal Kingdom and Menopause ==
Menopause is rare in animals, possibly because many do not live long enough to experience it. However, some primates, like gorillas, have been observed to go through menopause, with an average onset age of 44.

== Perimenopause ==
The term perimenopause refers to the period preceding menopause, when hormone production, such as estrogen and progesterone, begins to decrease and become irregular, leading to diminished fertility. It can begin as early as age 35 and last for several months or years. The exact duration cannot be predicted in advance.

== Etiology ==
Menopause is primarily caused by the eventual atresia or degeneration of almost all oocytes (immature egg cells) in the ovaries. This leads to decreased production of estrogen, leading to menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, vaginal atrophy, and depression.

Certain lifestyle factors, such as cigarette smoking, can expedite the onset of menopause by approximately one year.

== Symptoms ==
The clinical features of menopause, primarily caused by estrogen deficiency, span across various bodily systems and include:

* '''Vasomotor instability''': Hot flashes, sleep disturbances
* '''Urogenital atrophy''': This includes symptoms like dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), vaginal dryness, bleeding, urinary frequency and urgency, and incontinence<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296151/|title=Urogenital Atrophy: Prevention and Treatment|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.
* '''Skeletal changes''': There can be an increased risk of osteoporosis, joint pain, muscle pain, and back pain<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2904091/|title=Skeletal Health and Osteoporosis After Menopause|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.
* '''Skin and soft tissue''': Menopause can lead to breast atrophy, skin thinning, and decreased elasticity<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583889/|title=Skin Aging and Menopause|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.
* '''Psychological effects''': These may include mood disturbances, irritability, fatigue, decreased libido, and memory loss<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4890704/|title=Psychological Symptoms and Menopause|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.

== Treatment of Symptoms ==
Several medical treatments have been developed to manage the symptoms of menopause. Most notably, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been used to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6523115/|title=Hormone Replacement Therapy and Osteoporosis|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>.

However, there has been resistance against viewing menopause as a disorder, with some arguing that it should be recognized as a natural stage of life. Additionally, there has been ongoing scientific debate over the cost-benefit balance of HRT. For several years, women were advised to undertake hormone therapy post-menopause to mitigate the risks of heart disease and various aspects of aging. However, the Women's Health Initiative, a large, randomized, controlled trial, found that women undergoing HRT experienced increased risks of Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi/|title=The Women's Health Initiative|publisher=NHLBI}}</ref>.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== See Also ==
* [[Premature ovarian failure]]
* [[Hormone replacement therapy]]
* [[Osteoporosis]]
* [[Women's Health Initiative]]
[[Category:Health]]
[[Category:Women's Health]]
[[Category:Menopause]]
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{{health}}
[[Category:Gynecology]]
[[Category:Endocrinology]]
[[Category:Menstruation]]