Menopausal age: Symptoms Treatment

When menopause begins, gynecologists say to a regular age stage in a woman's life. Its origin is not considered a pathology, and one of the physiological stages, which can not be avoided. However, special features of the menopause and menopause sometimes cause the need for competent medical correction.

Climax and its duration

If menopause, many women identify with her old age and with constant hot flashes, weight gain and termination of sexual relations. In fact, menopause means the aging of the female organism. Nevertheless, this is just one of the steps of age.

Female body extends through the main steps of:

• childhood;
• youth;
• youth;
• maturity;
• old age.

Between these phases there are transitional periods, which are accompanied by changes in hormonal background, mental and psychological state.

Climax is translated from Greek means "ladder", "stage." Thus, menopause literally means a turning point between the reproductive and older age in women.

From the point of view of medicine, menopause - ovarian failure. The aging of the reproductive function is being lost. Climax is accompanied by a lack of sex hormones, lack of menstruation and the ability to pregnancy. Menopause is a lengthy period during which adaptation of the organism occurs.

Menopause progresses from the very first symptoms of hormone deficiency and in fact until the end of a woman's life. Under the climacteric syndrome or menopausal symptoms mean that develops as a result of sex hormones in the deficit for the first five to seven years.

Despite popular belief, menopause and menopause mean different things. Menopause is called one of the periods of menopause, which lasts about a year and implies the cessation of menses.

It is noteworthy that the menopause occurs in both women and men. Lack of sex hormones observed at menopause, not only affects reproductive function, but also on the life of the whole organism.

After menopause, a woman also needs regular medical check-ups, despite the extinction of menstrual function. This is due to the possible development of tumors, inflammatory processes.

The menstrual cycle and sex hormones

Production of sex hormones is a prerequisite for procreation. However, sex steroids provide not only the functioning of the reproductive organs. In fact, the sex hormones affect the work of the female body. From the right balance of hormones depends on the specific type of female, sexy, attractive, behavior, and character. On hormones affects the state of the organism and environmental factors.

The major sex hormones are estrogens:

• estradiol;
• estrone;
• estriol.

estrogens account for more than 30 species.

Estrogens are produced:

• ovaries in the reproductive cycle;
• placenta during pregnancy;
• the adrenal glands;
• fat and muscle tissues;
• liver.

It is noteworthy that estrogens in women are formed from androgen, such as testosterone.

Estrogens have the following functions.

1. The maturation process of formation of genital organs and the secondary sexual characteristics character. Estrogens transform a girl into a woman and femininity support life.
2. Highlight the pheromone skin. These substances are responsible for female sexuality, indicating readiness for procreation.
3. Menstrual cycle. Estrogens are involved in the phases of the menstrual cycle, providing training to fertilize eggs.
4. Maintaining the necessary acidity of mucus. This factor affects the quality of sex life, it helps to promote the sperm, protects the pelvic organs from infection.
5. Prolongation of pregnancy. Estrogens allow make pregnancy maintain good body condition during fetal growth.
6. Changes in the mammary glands of a physiological nature. Thanks to hormones going training breast for breastfeeding. If estrogen increased, there is soreness and swelling of the breast.
7. Effects on the cardiovascular system. Hormones optimum support pressure, cholesterol, prevent the development of atherosclerosis, blood thinners, reduce the number of platelets.
8. Exchange of calcium and phosphorus. Estrogens are involved in metabolic processes, facilitate the delivery of essential substances in the bone. In addition, hormones prepare the pelvic bone in the process of childbirth.
9. Exposure of the skin and the psycho-emotional state. Due estrogens in the skin to produce collagen and other necessary substances promoting elasticity, elasticity, moisture content and smoothness of the skin. Estrogens have an effect on hair growth.
10. Fat metabolism and increase blood glucose. Estrogen helps to distribute the fat tissue, thus predetermining the features of the figure and physique. Also, it estrogens predispose to atherosclerosis and excessive weight gain.

Progestins are represented by progesterone. This is the "pregnancy hormone" because it is due to progesterone appear processes necessary for conception and pregnancy prolongation.

Progesterone is produced by:

• ovaries;
• placenta in case of pregnancy;
• the adrenal glands.

Progesterone:

• is directly involved in the ring, for example, provides the onset of ovulation and menses after termination of conception;
• It provides overgrowth inner layer of the uterus in the first phase for the implantation of the ovum;
• effect on uterine tone and increase in body size in accordance with the growth of the fetus;
• involved in the formation of the embryo tissue;
• It contributes to prolongation of pregnancy and its normal development;
• It has an impact on women's behavior and condition of the nervous system during pregnancy;
• It eliminates the pain and swelling in the breasts;
• prepares the breast for lactation process;
• warns mastopathy and neoplasms;
• It affects the skin, in particular, stimulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands and provides the hair growth;
• provides metabolic processes, e.g., calcium, phosphorus, fat, and reduces the blood glucose concentration;
• accelerates blood clotting;
• It affects the central nervous system, the emotional state.

Androgens are represented by testosterone. Testosterone is a male hormone, however, is present in the female body to perform certain functions.

Testosterone is produced:

• the adrenal glands;
• the ovaries.

Testosterone has the following functions:

• participates in the structure of sex hormones;
• responsible for libido and orgasm;
• regulates protein metabolism that allows skeletal muscle to increase in their volume;
• effect on fat metabolism, for example, reduces fat deposits, prevents atherosclerosis, vascular disease;
• It affects the exchange of phosphorus, calcium, and other trace elements, particularly after menopause;
• Insulin controls work glucose uptake;
• It has an impact on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, for example, prevents atherosclerosis, aneurysm;
• promotes vascular wall;
• It enhances the growth of hair and the sweat, sebaceous glands;
• It helps in the formation of sex organs in male gestation;
• involved in the formation of hemoglobin, the red blood cells.

Lack of testosterone It leads to anemia.

In the female body produces hormones that directly regulate the level of sexual steroids and help carry reproductive function.

1. Releasing hormones. These hormones are produced by the hypothalamus, influence the synthesis of pituitary hormones.
2. FSH and LH. Hormones are synthesized by the pituitary gland, controls the functioning of the ovaries and the cycle.
3. Prolactin. It lactation hormone, because it stimulates milk production. Furthermore, prolactin allows you to have fun at sexual intimacy.
4. Oxytocin. The hormone stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and during the postpartum stage. Oxytocin helps to establish breastfeeding. Effect on libido and orgasm, promotes male gametes at conception. In addition, oxytocin affects the emotional state.

sex hormones produced depending on the phase of the cycle under the influence of libido, arousal, intercourse, pregnancy impact environmental factors. On the level of sex hormones affects drinks and food, emotional state. A significant amount of hormones synthesized when in love, causing "the chemistry of love" or the blossoming of a girl.

Menstrual cycle is called the period of development and egg preparations for the upcoming fertility, pregnancy. The average menstrual cycle length is 28 days.

Several distinct phases of the cycle.

1. Maturation of follicles (1-14 day cycle). Follicles are immature oocyte formed in utero. The number of follicles laid genetically. In teenage girls in the follicular apparatus of the ovaries begins production of sex steroids. Under the influence of sex hormones occur complex processes of oocyte maturation.
2. Ovulation (approximately 14 days). Gynecologists called the culmination of this process. Follicle rupture occurs at which it leaves from mature egg and into the fallopian tube. The egg is able to fertilize for about two days.
3. Luteal (up to 28 day cycle). Instead ruptured follicle forms a timing iron - corpus luteum, which produces progesterone and other hormones. Thus, the female body begins to prepare for subsequent maturation oocyte to a new cycle.
4. Menstrual. Starting rejection inner layer of the uterus and is bleeding, six days before continuing normal.

The menstrual cycle is repeated for the purpose of reproductive function. In addition, the cycle is accompanied by the release of hormones needed for adequate state of health of women. When the going gets anovulatory cycles, this implies a hormonal failure which adversely affects the health of the woman, her appearance.

Age of menopausal women

Menopause occurs in every woman differently. This process begins under the influence of many factors. More recently it was thought that menopause starts at about 40-45 years. Modern women menopause occurs on average at a 51-year-old women. Thus, the time boundary is shifted to 45-55 years. However, in some cases, menopausal period begins as soon as, or later.

Menopause begins at different ages under the influence of the following factors.

1. Genetic predisposition is a major determinant factor when menopause.
2. Pathology ovarian resection for various cysts and neoplasms lead to the early depletion of the gonads.
3. Lifestyle, in particular, wrong eating habits, smoking, alcohol consumption contribute to disruption of the blood supply to the pelvic area. As a result of the imbalance menopause sometimes begins earlier. In addition, these factors can exacerbate the symptoms of menopause.

Proved that women who smoke menopause begins three years earlier.

Causes of menopause

Follicles containing immature eggs are considered to be the functional unit of the ovary. The ovaries contain follicles at the stage of fetal development. Accordingly, the number is not only not increased. Follicles are "finite resource".

A large proportion of the follicles is lost before puberty. Some of the follicles die in their reproductive cycle. Fully mature follicles about 300-400 (10%) yield of a mature egg. When the follicles end, hormonal ovarian function fades. Gradually the end of menstruation, menopause begins.

With the cessation of menses sex hormone synthesis terminates. Development of a minor amount of hormones occur in the adrenal glands, liver, muscle and adipose tissue.

Hormonal deficiency leads to disruption of the functioning of the organism, that leads to the appearance of numerous signs and symptoms suggestive of adaptation of the internal organs and systems. The slower the menopause starts, the less pronounced the adaptation process takes place. Usually expressed in pathological signs are observed during menopause, comorbidity.

The main reason that menopause begins, a physiological ovarian functions. Sometimes, however, the climax comes unplanned, that is, as a result of various pathological conditions.

Classification

There are several varieties of menopause.

1. Physiological. This menopause, which starts in the absence of disease.
2. Pathological or artificial. In most cases this kind of menopause is required for treatment of gynecological disorders.
3. Early. This premature menopause, which occurs before the age of forty.
4. Late. This menopause usually begins after age 55 due to a genetic predisposition. If there comes a late menopause, there is a risk of development of malignant tumors of the uterus, breast, and ovary.
5. ovary exhaustion syndrome. This is a rare pathology, which is also transmitted through the maternal line. During tab follicles in utero fails. As a result of the follicles is laid much less they end respectively before 30-40 years.

You need to know about the genetic predisposition, In particular, early menopause and exhaustion of the ovary syndrome to have time to carry out reproduction.

There are several forms of artificial menopause.

1. Surgical. Menopause begins after the removal of the uterus and ovaries. When you save the uterus or one ovary menopause occurs prematurely, not immediately. When you remove both ovaries menopause begins immediately.
2. Radiation. Menopause begins after a significant exposure, for example, the passage of radiation therapy courses.
3. The drug or drug-induced. Menopause occurs after chemotherapy, in the treatment of infertility, endometriosis. After this treatment there is a chance of reproductive function.

The causes of early menopause include:

• adrenal disorders, thyroid gland;
• diabetes;
• endocrine disease;
• CNS diseases, in particular, of the hypothalamus or pituitary tumor;
• prolonged stress, severe emotional distress;
• inflammatory processes and tumors in pelvis;
• mental or physical exhaustion;
• the chronic nature of infections, such as tuberculosis.

stage

Menopause does not begin immediately. This is a long process that takes place in three stages.

1. Premenopausal. The body is gradually reduced production of sex hormones, which leads to the extinction of the reproductive function of the ovaries. The menstrual cycle is disrupted, while maintaining spontaneous ovulation possible pregnancy. Premenopausal begins approximately 45 years of age and lasts for quite a long time. In 4-5 years there has been cessation of menstruation, which means that the transition to the next stage.
2. Menopause. About this stage is judged by one year after the last menstrual period, during which there is no menstruation.
3. Perimenopause. This term implies premenopausal and the menopause.
4. Postmenopause. This is the longest period of menopause, which lasts until at least 65-69 years. During menopause significantly increases the risk of various diseases, such as osteoporosis.

symptoms

Intensity of symptoms depends on the severity of the menopause.

1. Tides. It is the most common symptom when menopause begins. According to statistics, tides begin when 75% of premenopausal women. Tides can be felt as a burning sensation, chills. Hot flashes are accompanied by redness, palpitations, sweating, headache, insomnia. The duration of the tides can be 3-5 years. In some cases, hot flashes may bother women to 15 years.
2. Urogenital disorders. This symptom usually occurs after menopause. Estrogen deficiency affects the mucous membranes of the vagina and the bladder, the quality of cervical mucus. Women often experience pain when urinating, sexual acts. Often there is a thrush, and other infectious processes.
3. Changes in the mammary glands. The atrophy also affects the mammary glands. Breast loses its shape due to the atrophy of the glandular tissue.
4. Changes associated with skin and hair. The lack of estrogen leads to a decrease in collagen production. When it's menopause, skin and hair become dry, and nails - brittle.
5. Decreased bone density. Peak bone observed in 25-30 years. Then, bone mass starts to thin. When menopause begins a rapid thinning of bone tissue up to 3% per year. No symptoms. Gradually osteoporosis occurs in the absence of treatment. The first signs imply frequent fractures. The most dangerous hip fracture, in which a woman receives a disability.
6. Changing the level of cholesterol. When it's menopause, cholesterol levels increased. This fact significantly increases the risk of heart and vascular abnormalities, hypertension, headaches.
7. weight gain. The average body weight increased by 5 kg in three years. May develop metabolic syndrome, which sometimes leads to coronary heart disease, diabetes of the second type.
8. Emotional instability. When the menopause, a woman becomes irritable, anxious, tearful. mood instability marked.

Prevention of early menopause

Prevent the onset of menopause is impossible. The use of hormone replacement therapy and phytoestrogens allows alleviate the symptoms of menopause.

Postpone menopause, you can use the advanced delivery and lactation. However, in addition to physiological menopause, there is a pathological, which needs appropriate treatment.

Prevent the onset of early menopause can, using the following rules:

• stick to a diet;
• to comply with an active lifestyle;
• to refuse from bad habits;
• family planning and reject abortion;
• to engage in the prevention of STDs;
• regular visits to the gynecologist and pass inspection;
• avoid stressful situations;
• to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals.

Diagnostics

Know that menopause begins, it is possible by the level of hormones. During perimenopause are conducting a study on the level of FSH and estrogen.

When menopause:

• estrogen concentration decreases;
• FSH and LH are very high;
• estradiol estrone content above;
• changing levels of testosterone.

Also assess thyroid function, cardiovascular system. The woman controls the level of cholesterol in the blood. It is necessary to conduct regular checkups at the gynecologist and assess the condition of the endometrium. Determine the reduction of bone mass by DXA possible.

The weakening of the manifestations

When it is a physiological menopause, do not talk about the pathology. Since menopause is not a disease, it can not be cured. But you can significantly reduce symptoms when menopause begins period.

Nutrition and adherence

Adherence primarily relates to nutrition. When menopause begins, the need for reducing the amount of food. Should eat a fractional, small portions at a preset time. The diet should include plenty of vegetables, fruits and sea fish, lean meats and dairy products. Of fatty, salty, smoked products and confectionery, it is desirable for the possibility to refuse. Low-fat food to avoid the development of metabolic syndrome, when it is menopausal.

When the menopause, should pay particular attention to work and rest. In this work it is imperative to take a break, during which you can make a light snack, get some fresh air, or to engage in physical activity.

Physical activity and emotional stability

It is known that physical activity raises self-esteem, promotes good mood. Prevent osteoporosis, weight gain, when it is the menopausal period, you can use the regular physical activity. Useful hiking, swimming, doing exercises. To prevent arousal and sleep disorder, should not engage in physical activity, watching television just before bedtime. It promotes emotional stability, communication with loved ones, finding new interests, travel.

Hormone therapy and herbal remedies

Hormone therapy can delay the menopause, which occurs in women at different ages. Nevertheless, well-chosen treatment eliminates unpleasant symptoms, associated with the fact that menopause begins.

In modern gynecology preference is given to low-dose formulations containing analogs of progesterone and estrogen. Monotherapy has greater side effects, whereas the combination of hormone balancing effects of drugs. In particular, the combination of progesterone and estrogen is recommended for saved uterus.

Hormonal treatments can be used in the form of:

• cream;
• rings;
• adhesives;
• tablets and capsules;
• sprays.

Gels and patches have fewer side effects.

There are certain indications and contraindications for reception of hormonal preparations. Hormone therapy is most effective when it is premenopausal. If the first stage of menopause begins, hormone treatment is given to:

• eliminating hot flashes, emotional disturbances;
• elimination of vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence;
• prevention of osteoporosis.

When starting menopausal, hormone treatment can help in the following cases:

• elimination of vegetative, beauty, emotional disorders;
• prevention of osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease;
• elimination of vaginal dryness, sexual relations normalization.

hormonal therapy may be assigned rates and in a continuous mode.

Contraindications to hormone replacement therapy, menopause when, as follows:

• hormone-dependent tumors;
• bleeding;
• endometrial hyperplasia;
• thrombosis of the veins of the legs;
• coronary heart disease;
• hypertension;
• liver disease;
• idiosyncrasy.

Hormonal drugs used with caution when menopause begins, the following pathologies:

• fibroids and endometriosis;
• migraine;
• thrombosis in history;
• cholelithiasis;
• epilepsy;
• initiation of treatment after 65 years;
• prevention of Alzheimer's disease and heart abnormalities.

Monotherapy is prescribed for remote uterine body. progestin treatment is indicated for uterine fibroids, endometriosis, bleeding, when menopause begins. Long reception of combined hormonal drugs increases the chance of stroke. When treating only estrogen increases the risk of endometrial cancer. When it postmenopause, hormone treatment increases the risk of cardiovascular pathologies.

Women whose menopause begins may be recommended as an antidepressant medication, and natural, such as St. John's wort. To normalize the sleep and eliminate anxiety and sedative drugs used melatonin.

As prevention of osteoporosis is recommended to take calcium supplements and vitamins when menopause begins. If it is impossible receiving HRT phytoestrogens may be used, which is softer impact on the body and do not have severe side effects.