Menopause

MENOPAUSE Menopause is the transition period in a woman’s life when the ovaries stop producing, ovum, estrogen and progesterone; and menstruation becomes less frequent and eventually stops. Menopause is clinically defined as amenorrhoea of 12 months' duration after the final menstrual period. Menopause represents complete ovarian follicular depletion and the absence of estrogen secretion by the ovaries. MENOPAUSE Tobacco use, nulliparity, and family history are associated with earlier menopause. Estrogen deficiency leads to the development of vasomotor, genitourinary, psychological and musculoskeletal symptoms as well as sleep disturbance. Estrogen deficiency also leads to longer-term health issues such as a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Climacteric – is a phase of the aging process during which a woman passes from the reproductive stage to the non-reproductive stage MENOPAUSE Target organs of estrogen • Bone • Urogenital • Vasomotor • Heart • Eyes • Teeth • Breast • Colon MENOPAUSE: CLASSIFICATION Physiological/ Natural menopause – normal aging process. Physiologic menopause is a natural event that usually takes place between the ages of 45 and 55 years. The average age of menopause is 51.4 years. Premature/Early menopause. This refers to menopause that occurs before the age of 35 years due to genetic factors and insufficient follicles. It may be predisposed by smoking, alcoholism, autoimmune disorders and endocrine disorders. Artificial/Induced menopause. This occurs following deliberate manipulation such as surgical removal of uterus and ovaries (Surgical menopause) or due to cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy due to premature ovarian failure.