What Is Menopause?

• Menopause happens when a woman stops menstruating, usually between 45 and 55 years old. The diagnosis is made when the woman has not had a period for 12 months continuously.

• The transition from premenopausal to post-menopausal phase may take 10 years.

• During this phase, the levels of estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone in the serum drop off.

• We can artificially induce menopause in women by removal of the ovaries or via chemotherapy.

• Each woman will experience menopause in a unique way; they may present all or just a few of these symptoms with varying levels of intensity.

• The most important symptoms are hot flashes and night sweats. Researchers suggested that hot flashes are caused by changes to the hypothalamus, which regulates temperature.

• The depletion and fluctuation of hormone levels can cause:

  1. weight gain

  2. slower metabolism

  3. Mood swings, including symptoms of depression and anxiety

  4. Sleep problems

  5. Hair loss, dry eyes, and mouth

  6. Sexual problems; the hormone change can trigger a drop in libido

  7. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which includes genital dryness, irritation, sexual dysfunction, and urinary issues

source: https://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause/