Menopause

Ovaries: The ovaries are located on both sides of uterus. In addition to producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, the ovaries also produce mature reproductive eggs (ova) that are released each month during ovulation in pre-menopausal women. If an egg becomes fertilized by sperm while it travels from the ovaries to the uterus through one of the Fallopian tubes, then it implants itself in the uterus where it will grow and evolve into a mature baby over the next nine months. If the egg is not fertilized by sperm, then it breaks down along with the uterine lining and is discarded during menstruation. Near menopause, the follicles in the ovaries become less responsive to the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is responsible for preparing the egg for fertilization. When a woman reaches menopause, her ovaries reduce their production of estrogen and progesterone which usually results in irregular periods and other symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal changes, sleep disturbances, etc.

Menopause Terminology

Menopausal Symptoms

The symptoms of menopause vary significantly from woman to woman. Some women only experience mild menopausal symptoms while others have severe discomfort. The most common symptoms that signal that a woman is beginning the transition to menopause are irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.

Most women experience changes in their menstrual periods before they reach menopause. These changes may include longer or shorter menstrual cycles or the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) for periods of time. On average, women experience changes in menstrual periods approximately two years before they reach menopause, although the time may be longer or shorter depending on the individual. It is important for women to report these changes to their physicians since, at times, irregular menstrual cycles can signal other health problems.

Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause. Hot flashes may be accompanied by sweating, flushing, or heart palpitations. Hot flashes occur when estrogen is blocked in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls the body’s thermostat. It is estimated that nearly 80% of menopausal women experience hot flashes. Hot flashes typically last up to two years after the final menstrual period.

During peri-menopause (the time period immediately before a woman reaches menopause), changes also occur in the vagina and urinary tract. Vaginal tissue becomes thinner, dryer, and less elastic, which may cause discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse. Urinary tract tissue also becomes less elastic, which may cause a release of urine during laughter, coughing, sneezing, or exercise. Many women also find that urinary tract infections occur more frequently during this time. Other menopausal symptoms may include mood changes, insomnia (sleep deprivation), depression, or anxiety. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can relieve many of these symptoms.

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