Stages Of Menopause - Symptoms & Signs - Ananthapuri Hospitals

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?

Menopause is a normal, natural transition in a woman’s life when she stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. During this time, ovaries get smaller and stop producing the hormones called estrogen and progesterone, which control the menstrual cycle. As a result, your eggs are depleted and your fertility declines. 

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF MENOPAUSE?

1. PERIMENOPAUSE - It is the time period from when the ovaries start to fail (and symptoms such as irregular periods or hot flushes may begin), until 12 months after the last menstrual period.
2. MENOPAUSE - Menopause is the last menstrual period. The average age at menopause is approximately 51 years. Estrogen levels are very low.
3. POSTMENOPAUSE is the time after the complete cessation of menstruation. It can only be known with certainty after 12 months of amenorrhoea.

Premature menopause is defined as menopause that occurs before the age of 40 years.

SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE

Symptoms can start during perimenopause, and may continue through menopause and postmenopause

• Hot flashes – A rapid feeling of intense heat, which is felt more in the face, neck, and chest, which sweat and causes redness of the skin.
• Night sweats 
• Difficulty sleeping
• Reduced sex drive (libido)
• Memory problems and lack of concentration
• Vaginal dryness and pain, itching or uneasiness during sex
• Headaches
• Mood swings, panic attacks, depression, forgetfulness, reduced verbal memory and fluency
• Palpitations – Increased and notable heartbeats
• Stiff joints, soreness, and pains
• A decrease in muscle mass
• Frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Constipation 
• Long-term problems like osteoporosis, high blood pressure and dementia

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?

You don’t need a diagnosis for menopause - it’s when you haven’t got your periods for 12 months straight. However, you do have to visit the doctor if the symptoms of menopause are interfering with your daily life

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Are symptoms of menopause troubling you? If yes, you can book an appointment with the doctors from our excellent Gynecology Department. Call us at +919400332777 or visit our hospital at Chacka, NH Bypass, Thiruvananthapuram.

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