Menopause: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr M Madhuri , Gynecologists

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Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles. It is officially diagnosed when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months and is no longer able to conceive naturally.

Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 with the average menopause age being around 51 years. It can also occur earlier (premature menopause) or later depending on genetics, health conditions or medical treatments.

Menopause is not a disease but a normal life stage, though the physical and emotional changes that come with it can affect daily life. Women can manage symptoms effectively and maintain good health after menopause with proper care, treatments and lifestyle changes.

Types of Menopause

Menopause does not occur the same way in every woman. It can happen naturally with age or it may be caused by medical treatments, surgeries or health conditions. The different types of menopause include:

Natural Menopause

This is the most common type and happens gradually as a woman grows. It occurs between 45 and 55 years when the ovaries stop producing enough estrogen and progesterone.

Surgical Menopause

This happens when both ovaries are removed through surgery or oophorectomy during a hysterectomy. As hormones drop suddenly, so women may experience symptoms that are more intense than in natural menopause.

Premature Menopause

When menopause occurs before the age of 40, it is called as premature menopause. It can be due to genetics, autoimmune disorders or some medical conditions.

Perimenopause (Menopause Transition)

The stage preceding menopause is when periods become irregular and symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings and sleep problems begin.

Postmenopause

The type occurs after a woman has gone 12 months without a period. Here, the symptoms may not appear but risks such as osteoporosis and heart disease increase.

Induced Menopause

Induced Menopause is caused by medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or medicines that damage the ovaries and stop hormone production.

Early Menopause

Early Menopause occurs between the ages of 40 and 45, earlier than the average age range. It may be natural or caused by surgery or medical treatments.

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Phases of Menopause

Menopause is a gradual process that happens in different phases. Each phase has its own changes and symptoms:

• Perimenopause: This is the transition stage before menopause. Periods may become irregular and women start to experience hot flashes, mood swings and sleep problems. It can last several years.
• Menopause: The point when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Hormone levels drop suddenly and fertility ends.
• Postmenopause: The phase after menopause. Some symptoms may continue but women are also at increased risk of conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease due to low estrogen levels.

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What are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?

Menopause affects women differently. Some may experience very mild changes, while others notice multiple symptoms that interfere with daily life. Some common signs of menopause are:

• Irregular periods and eventual stopping of menstruation.
• Hot flashes and night sweats.
• Mood swings, irritability or anxiety.
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia.
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex.
• Decreased libido.
• Weight gain around the abdomen.
• Thinning hair and dry skin.
• Memory lapses or trouble concentrating.
• Joint pain and fatigue.
• Breast pain during menopause.
• Increased risk of urinary tract infections.

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What are the Risk Factors and Causes of Menopause?

Menopause is a natural process that occurs because of changes in the female reproductive system. In some cases, it can occur earlier due to medical or surgical reasons.

• Natural hormonal decline: Ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone with age, which regulate menstruation. As hormone levels decrease, periods become irregular and eventually stop.
• Surgical menopause: If both ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy or other surgery, menopause begins immediately, regardless of age.
• Medical treatments: Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and pelvic radiation can damage the ovaries and cause menopause earlier than expected.
• Premature menopause: Some women experience menopause before age 40 due to genetic factors, autoimmune conditions or unknown causes. This is also called premature ovarian insufficiency.

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What are the Complications and Side Effects of Menopause?

Menopause is a natural stage of life but the decline in estrogen and progesterone can affect different parts of a woman's body. These hormonal changes may increase the risk of some long-term health conditions and cause side effects that impact daily living.

Possible Complications and Side Effects:

• Osteoporosis: Lower estrogen levels weaken bones, making them brittle and more prone to fractures in the hips, spine and wrists.
• Heart disease and high blood pressure: Estrogen protects the heart and blood vessels. Its decline increases the risk of high cholesterol, hypertension and heart disease.
• Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse: Thinning of the vaginal tissues can cause dryness, itching, burning and pain during sex.
• Urinary incontinence: Weakening of pelvic muscles may lead to leakage of urine while coughing, sneezing or exercising. Frequent urinary tract infections are also more common.
• Weight gain and slowed metabolism: Many women experience changes in body fat distribution, particularly increased fat around the abdomen.
• Mood changes and mental health issues: Hormonal shifts can cause irritability, anxiety or depression when combined with sleep problems.
• Cognitive changes: Some women found forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating or brain fog during and after menopause.

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Sex After Menopause

Many women wonder if they can have a healthy sex life after menopause. The answer is yes. Although changes like vaginal dryness, reduced libido and discomfort may occur, following treatments can help:

• Use of vaginal lubricants and moisturisers.
• Hormone replacement therapies for vaginal health.
• Open communication with the partner to reduce anxiety.
• Yoga and pelvic floor exercises to improve blood flow.

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When to See a Doctor

You should consult a doctor if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding during perimenopause or after menopause.
• Causes of bleeding after menopause.
• Severe hot flashes or mood swings.
• Painful intercourse that does not improve with home remedies.
• Signs of osteoporosis or frequent bone fractures
• Symptoms that interfere with daily life and mental well-being.

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How Doctors Diagnose Menopause?

Menopause is diagnosed based on a woman's age, medical history and the symptoms she is experiencing. Most of the time, laboratory tests are not required but doctors may recommend them if menopause occurs earlier than expected or if symptoms are severe.

• Clinical evaluation: The doctor reviews your menstrual history and symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes or irregular periods to determine if you are approaching menopause.
• Blood tests: In some cases, hormone levels are checked. Higher levels of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) along with low estrogen, confirm that the ovaries are producing fewer hormones.
• Bone density scan: Since menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis, doctors may suggest a bone mineral density (DEXA) scan to check bone strength.
• Pelvic examination and ultrasound: These may be done if you have abnormal bleeding to find out other conditions such as fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.

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Effective Management and Treatment of Menopause

Menopause is a natural phase of life but its symptoms can sometimes be challenging. Treatment focuses on relieving discomfort, preventing complications and improving quality of life. The right approach depends on symptom severity, age and personal health conditions.

1. Lifestyle and Natural Remedies

• Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, protein and whole foods to support bone and heart health.
• Regular physical activity such as walking, yoga or strength training to improve mood and reduce bone loss.
• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing or mindfulness to manage stress and hot flashes.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption as both can worsen symptoms and increase long-term health risks.

2. Home Remedies for Symptom Relief

• Teas or supplements containing black cohosh, red clover or soy isoflavones may help ease hot flashes. Please consult a doctor before use.
• Warm baths and bedtime routines can improve sleep and reduce night sweats.
• Natural lubricants and moisturisers can relieve vaginal dryness and make intercourse more comfortable.

3. Menopause Diet

• Foods to eat: Leafy green vegetables, dairy products, legumes, nuts, omega-3-rich foods and whole grains.
• Foods to limit or avoid: Spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and processed snacks, as they can worsen hot flashes and sleep problems.

4. Medicines and Medical Treatments

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Tablets, patches, gels or creams that replace estrogen and progesterone to relieve hot flashes, vaginal dryness and prevent bone loss.
• Non-hormonal medications: Some antidepressants or blood pressure medicines may reduce hot flashes and mood changes.
• Supplements: Calcium, Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids to support bone strength and heart health.
• Complementary approaches: seven natural menopause treatments that really work include dietary changes, yoga, supplements, stress reduction, herbal support, sleep hygiene and regular exercise.

Most women are able to transition through menopause more comfortably and maintain good long-term health with the right combination of medical care and lifestyle adjustments.

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Conclusion

Menopause is a natural stage of life, not an illness. It can be challenging and can also impact lifestyle but with the right treatments, lifestyle adjustments and medical treatment, women can make the transition smoother. Women can live healthy, active and fulfilling lives after menopause with proper support and care.

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