WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?
Menopause is a natural transition marking the end of reproductive life.
‘Menopause’ literally refers to the last normal menstrual period that a woman experiences. The process of menopause is usually gradual. Although symptoms may persist for a number of years, menopause is said to have taken place when a woman has not had a period for twelve months.
The menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 with the average age being 51. It can occur earlier due to surgery, illness or other reasons. Most women (95%) experience menopause after the age of 45. Historically, women did not live far beyond 50 but, nowadays, due to longer life expectancy, women spend approximately 30% of their lives in an oestrogen-depleted state. It is important to recognise that menopause affects all biological women regardless of race, sexual identity or social background.
As we age, the number of ‘eggs’ in our ovaries reduces until they finally they ovaries are depleted. Normally the developing egg produces oestrogen, a naturally occurring hormone in our body that keeps many tissues and organs young and vital. The falling levels of oestrogen can cause unpleasant symptoms. For most woman, menopausal symptoms are mild and transient.
Timing of menopause can be difficult to determine following hysterectomy, endometrial ablation or women using the contraceptive pill.
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