Term:
Menopause
Description:
Cessation of menstruation, usually occuring naturally between the ages of 45 and 55. The term is also used to refer to that stage of a woman's life during which gradual hormonal changes, sometimes accompanied by vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes, and other signs (e.g., dryness of vaginal membranes and palpitations), lead to the cessation of menstrual periods.
The production of gonadotropins from the pituitary and estrogens from the ovaries gradually decrease; ovulation ceases, and menstrual periods stop. The periods may become scanty and irregular in occurence, or there may be episodes of heavy bleeding or abrupt cessation.
Also called climacteric and, colloquially, change of life.
Symptoms:
Emotional disturbances may result from hormonal imbalances during the period, but many of the symptoms once believed due to menopause cannot be reliably attributed to it.
Treatment:
n/a
*You should always seek a professional physician's
advice before trying to administer any type of treatment.
Picture:
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Care, regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations
with respect to your symptoms or medical condition.
