Menopause
At the age of menopause, which is concentrated between 45-55 years in the world and 46-48 years in Turkey, the amount of follicles in the ovaries (ovaries) decreases and therefore estrogen production begins to stop. Menopause is not the end of the menstrual cycle when you wake up one morning; ovulation decreases over time. Menopause is the cessation of ovulation, i.e. the loss of the ability to reproduce.
Menopause, from the Greek words mens (moon) and pause (to stop), means the cessation of the lunar phase. The reason why menstruation is called the beginning of the month in some cultures is also based on its meaning.
According to the World Health Organization, menopause occurs in three different periods. Premenopause, as the name suggests, covers the period before menopause and during this period, the first symptoms such as menstrual irregularities begin to be felt. This period can last for a few months or a year. At the end of the premenopause period, ovulation decreases and stops and menopause begins with the last menstrual period. Postmenopause is a process that continues for 6-8 years after menopause. In order to say that a woman is in postmenopause, her last menstrual period must have been completed 1 year ago.
Menopause is also divided into three according to the way it occurs. The first is natural menopause. This is the spontaneous termination of reproduction between the ages of 46 and 48. By the age of 40, reproductive cessation is called early menopause. Surgical menopause is the condition of the uterus and ovaries removed due to a compulsory operation.
What are the Symptoms of Menopause?
The symptoms of pre-menopause vary in every woman, but common symptoms are as follows:
- Menstrual irregularity
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Weight gain
- Loss of breast fullness
- Sudden changes in mood
- Sleep problems
- Vaginal dryness
Is Menopause Treatable?
When menopause occurs naturally, within the normal age range, it is an expected process of the body and does not require treatment because it is not a disease. However, when various gynecological diseases cause menstrual irregularity, excessive bleeding or interruption, this can be mistaken for menopause. Formations such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, polyps, fibroids… can be treated to normalize the menstrual cycle.
The effects of menopause, which vary from person to person and are severe in some people, can be alleviated by restoring the hormones that stop secretion in the body with menopause. Menopause under the control and follow-up of a physician can help prevent many diseases that can be encountered at an advanced age.
As menopause and its symptoms are as individualized as menopause, its treatment can only be decided after an examination.
If you have similar complaints, you can contact a health specialist without delay and make an appointment.