What is menopause? What physical reactions does it cause?

Menopause is a significant milestone in a woman's life that is both a natural and biological process, signaling the conclusion of her reproductive years. This change typically occurs when a woman reaches her late 40s or early 50s, but it can happen at different ages. It's defined by the cessation of menstruation, a result of the ovaries gradually ceasing their production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

The onset of menopause, known as perimenopause, can span several years, during which a woman may experience irregular menstrual cycles. The biological mechanism behind these changes involves the depletion of the finite number of eggs stored in the ovaries since birth. As the number of eggs dwindles, the ovaries reduce their hormone production, leading to the end of monthly ovulation and menstruation. Once a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, she is considered to have reached menopause.

The transition into menopause is a critical phase in women's health, as it can impact physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Women may encounter various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood fluctuations, and sleep disturbances, which can affect daily life and overall health.

Women's health during menopause extends beyond the immediate symptoms. There's an increased risk of health issues like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and changes in metabolic rate, potentially leading to weight gain. Due to the lowered estrogen levels, vaginal dryness and decreased bone density become more common. Given these potential challenges, a focus on health care that informs and supports women during this transition is essential. This often includes lifestyle advice on diet, exercise, and sometimes the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) under medical guidance to manage symptoms.

Hormonal changes are at the core of the menopausal transition. The primary hormones involved, estrogen and progesterone, serve essential reproductive functions such as preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy and regulating the menstrual cycle. As menopause approaches, the levels of these hormones decline significantly due to the ovaries' reduced function.

The decline in estrogen can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, which are sudden feelings of warmth that are often most intense over the face, neck, and chest. Another key symptom is the thinning of the bones, or osteoporosis, due to estrogen's role in maintaining bone density. To manage these hormonal changes, some women may consider hormone replacement therapy, which can alleviate menopausal symptoms but also comes with risks that need to be carefully weighed. Personalized medical advice is crucial for women considering HRT to understand the benefits and potential side effects.