What is menopause?
What happens during menopause?
During menopause, a woman's body goes through hormonal changes. The ovaries gradually produce fewer hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, which play vital roles in regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting reproductive health. As a result, menstrual periods become irregular and eventually stop altogether. This signifies the shift from the reproductive phase to the non-reproductive phase. During this time, a woman may go through various physical and emotional changes as her body adapts to hormonal fluctuations.
Which are the phases of menopause?
- Perimenopause is the symptomatic phase before and until one year after definitely entering menopause and can last from a few months to several years. Perimenopause starts when a woman experiences first symptoms related to hormonal changes or irregular menstrual bleeding.
- Menopause is when ovulation and menstruation permanently stop. It has occurred when a woman has had no menstrual period for 12 straight months and there is no other obvious reason for this (for example, medications). The definite timepoint of entering menopause can therefore only be calculated retrospectively.
- Postmenopause is the period after menopause. Early postmenopause refers to the 2-6 years immediately following menopause, while late postmenopause is the period after early postmenopause until death.
Which are the most common symptoms of menopause?
Several physical changes can occur during the transition period from the fertile years to perimenopause. Most of these symptoms are temporary, but if not addressed, hormonal deficiency can also have long-term consequences, such as osteoporosis.
Each woman experiences her own unique set of menopausal symptoms, which should be considered in relation to her age, the intensity and duration of symptoms, any other health conditions she may have, her family history of diseases, her personal therapy goals, and her desires for treatment options. You can find a description of all symptom clusters as well as tips and support for coping with the symptoms in everyday life in the Herea Guidebook.
What are the causes of menopause?
Menopause can be caused naturally or induced. Natural or spontaneous menopause occurs because the body naturally runs out of ovarian eggs. Induced menopause is a result of surgery, radiotherapy, or treatment with pharmaceutical products.
Genetics usually determine how long a woman is fertile and when menopause begins. Various environmental factors also influence this timing, including smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, obesity, and levels of physical activity.
Can women experience menopause outside the typical age?
There can be deviations to the typical age when entering menopause. Late menopause is menopause that happens after the age of 55 and occurs in 5% of women. Early menopause refers to menopause between the ages of 40 and 45 and affects around 10% of women. Approximately 1% of women experience premature menopause, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency, which develops before the age of 40.
The reasons why ovaries stop functioning prematurely in some women are still unclear. Causes can include iatrogenic causes, genetic diseases and certain autoimmune and infectious diseases. The symptoms of premature ovarian insufficiency (early menopause) are similar to those of natural menopause and are also treated similarly. Premature ovarian insufficiency (early menopause) results in a longer period of low estrogen levels, compared to the physiological menopause, and therefore implicates indication for hormone replacement therapy.
The importance of seeking support
Menopause is a unique experience for every woman. While some may transition through it with minimal discomfort, others may face significant challenges. It is essential to understand that menopause is a normal part of aging and not a sign of weakness or inadequacy.
If the woman is experiencing bothersome symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional. They can offer guidance on managing symptoms and may suggest treatments or lifestyle changes that can improve the woman´s well-being during this transitional phase of life. It can be immensely helpful to talk to friends and family or join support groups with other women going through the same phase. Sharing experiences and learning from others can provide emotional support and reassurance.
In the past, menopause was often viewed negatively, as a decline in youth and an increase in physical and mental issues. Due to greater awareness, menopause is nowadays recognized more positively, and some women believe that it has enhanced their ability to relax and enjoy leisure activities.
