Menopause Advice * Treatment Options * Medicines & Treatment to Cope With Menopause
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MENOPAUSE CAUSES & RISKS
Menopause is caused by a gradual reduction in the amount of estrogen produced in the ovaries. Estrogen, a female hormone produced primarily by the ovaries, is essential for the reproductive process and influences menstrual cycles, pregnancy, some aspects of mood, and the aging process. In the years leading up to menopause, the ovaries become less functional and produce lower amounts of estrogen and progesterone (another female hormone). Studies indicate that women who smoke may reach menopause at a younger age than those who do not smoke. Some researchers speculate that the timing of menopause onset may be hereditary, but the evidence to support this claim is limited. Although menopause usually occurs naturally, it can be artificially induced through surgical removal of the ovaries (this is called surgical menopause). Menopause can also be caused by ovarian failure from cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Menopause is part of the natural aging process in all women, unless it is caused by surgical removal of both ovaries. (This operation, known as a bilateral oopherectomy, may be performed at the time of a hysterectomy). Surgical menopause tends to cause a more abrupt onset of symptoms. The following risk factors may also hasten the onset of menopausal symptoms: - Radiation, and/or chemotherapy
- Premature ovarian failure
- Smoking
- Hypothyroidism-diminished production of thyroid hormone
- Insufficient production of hormones by the adrenal glands
In general, menopause is considered complete when a woman has not menstruated for at least 1 year. A healthcare provider will perform an examination that includes a Pap smear, blood tests looking at hormone and cholesterol levels, and, possibly, a bone density measurement. It is important to have a thorough discussion with the healthcare provider regarding the benefits and risks of different options for reducing symptoms and health risks. If vaginal bleeding resumes unexpectedly once menopause has occurred, your doctor may consider a test called an endometrial biopsy. In this test (performed in the office), a gynecologist takes a sample of the uterine lining (the endometrium) and examines them under the microscope for abnormal changes.
The following preventive measures may help diminish symptoms and reduce the risk of serious complications (such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease) associated with menopause: - Quitting smoking-smokers tend to begin menopause 1 to 2 years earlier than nonsmokers; smokers are also at an increased risk for heart disease and osteoporosis
- Taking calcium supplements-helps protect against bone loss
- Exercising-slows the rate of bone loss, reduces hot flashes, and improves mood
- Consuming low-fat diets-helps prevent cardiovascular disease by decreasing LDL "bad" cholesterol and by lowering the chances of weight gain
- Taking certain medications (such as estrogen or non-hormonal medications)-prevents long-term illnesses associated with menopause, such as osteoporosis
- Avoiding caffeine-some studies suggest that caffeine consumption may be a risk factor for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
GREAT MENOPAUSE MEDICINE
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