What is menopause?
The term ‘menopause’ refers to the natural aging process when menstrual cycles come to an end due to a decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels. It usually occurs in individuals aged between 45 and 55 but can develop earlier or later than this range in some circumstances, too.
There are three types of menopause:
Natural menopause – this occurs when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and menstruation ends naturally as the individual grows older.
Premature (early) menopause – this is when a menstrual cycle stops before the age of 45. It can happen naturally for no apparent reason, or as a result of certain health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue.
Artificial (surgical) menopause – this is when a surgical operation – such as a hysterectomy or an oophorectomy – causes immediate menopause.
What happens during menopause?
Menopause affects everyone differently. That is, some individuals have no symptoms at all, while others experience noticeable physical and emotional changes that can last for days, weeks or years and may even affect their quality of life.
Since experiences vary widely, it can often be difficult to know whether any physical or psychological symptoms that arise are directly the result of menopause. Trickier yet, there is currently no medical test that can be used to confirm whether someone is going through the menopause.
This has resulted in the menopause sometimes being misdiagnosed for anxiety and depression. That’s because the hormonal changes associated with the menopause can also cause symptoms that are generally associated with these conditions, including feeling sad and low, experiencing a change in appetite, and losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed.
While there is no rule of thumb for confirming menopause, there are some common indications to look out for. These include:
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Problems with sleep or concentration
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Tiredness and lack of energy
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Low mood or irritability
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Feeling tearful or overwhelmed with emotion
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Loss of interest or enjoyment
It’s important to remember that the way you experience the menopause is unique to you and perfectly normal – whether you identify with many of these symptoms, just a few, or none at all.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of menopause, please visit the NHS website.