Postmenopausal women: the definition and symptoms

Postmenopause is the last stage of menopause. In the postmenopausal woman's body works without hormones synthesized by the ovaries. Understanding what happens in a woman's body in postmenopausal women, avoiding different consequences.

Menopause and postmenopause

It is known that the climax - a lengthy multi-step process in which the ends gradually female reproductive function. As a result, developing physiological infertility due to fading of production of sex hormones. Thus, the body is operating under estrogen deficiency.

Contrary to popular belief, menopause symptoms are observed long before the complete cessation of the menstrual function. Climax develops over many years. Onset and duration of menopause flow have individual characteristics.

Gynecologists isolated following menopause phase:

• premenopausal;
• menopause;
• postmenopause.

The ovaries begin preparations for the completion of the reproductive function in about 45 years. This age period conventionally taken as the beginning of menopause or premenopausal. It is noteworthy that the ovaries are still synthesize hormones. However, their number is reduced, leading to menstrual dysfunction and the appearance of symptoms.

After the completion of the last menstrual period within the year there is menopause, which is the most short-lived phase of menopause. Basically, menopause itself is past month, that is not considered a disease. As in pre-menopausal women experiencing long delays menstruation, menopause set only twelve months after the last menstrual period.

After menopause, menopause comes the final stage, which is called menopause. Gynecologists classify postmenopausal as:

• earlier, flowing within the first five years;
• later, developing ten years without menses.

It should be borne in mind that any spotting in postmenopausal excluded. This is due to the lack of functioning of ovarian and endometrial changes. That is why spotting in any quantity in women with postmenopausal indicate serious pathology.

Specialists also secrete perimenopausal which combines the first two stages of menopause. Phase separation is different convention. It is important to establish an immediate menopause.

Menopause usually begins at age 50. In small percentage of healthy comes representatives of early menopause before 45 years of age. Some women suffer from the occurrence of menopause after 55 years. Early menopause occurs in 3% of healthy women, while the latter - at 5%. Often, early and late menopause combined with pathology.

physiological changes

The sole cause of all changes in any phase of menopause is the cessation of ovarian function. It is noteworthy that the functioning of the ovaries almost static during the reproductive cycle. Except for the period of pregnancy and childbirth.

In utero formation of ovarian follicles are laid, which are spherical formations in the form of bubbles. Each follicle can be a source of a mature egg.

Ovaries typically operate alternately in each menstrual cycle. During the cycle several follicles begin active growth, wherein changing structurally. As a result, the follicles are transformed into a kind of hormonal glands that can produce hormones. Then, as a result of "natural selection" is developed only one, the most viable follicles, which will ensure the proper functioning of the egg. The remaining follicles undergo reduction before the end of maturation.

At the end of the first phase of the cycle is broken follicle sheath that provides an outlet for ovum ovary boundary. This process is called ovulation. If fertilization does not occur, the egg dies on the second day. Starting so-called luteal phase. In place of the remaining elements of the follicle is formed corpus luteum, which is a temporary hormone structure. Corpus luteum produces progesterone and stops its operation before the onset of menstruation.

The functioning of the ovaries is controlled by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. The maturation of the follicle and the egg is provided due to the FSH produced by the pituitary gland. LH directly it affects the corpus luteum.

Cyclic hormonal activity of the ovaries not only realizes the reproduction, but also affects the entire body of women. Thus, the completion of hormonal function of ovaries causes infertility in addition to the emergence of a variety of symptoms associated with the adaptation of organs and systems.

The functioning of the ovaries does not stop suddenly. Nature programmed sufficiently long transition from normal concentration of sex hormones before their complete absence. This transition is usually about ten years.

Postmenopause is a kind of the final stage of menopause, during which indicated the maximum intensity of all the symptoms. This is due to a complete lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women. When the severity of symptoms in postmenopausal patient prescribers. Often the treatment is carried out in the framework of symptomatic therapy.

Postmenopausal period is the longest in the menopause and continues to old age. Postmenopause is a natural stage in a woman's life, therefore, can not be considered a disease. Healthy women usually come in postmenopausal women, with good compensatory potential. While the presence of the expressed symptoms suggests compensatory dysfunction. This means that the body can not adapt to changing conditions. Estrogen deficiency disrupts the work of the female body.

After the cessation of reproductive function synthesizing estrogen has vnezhelezistoe origin.

Identify several major estrogen:

• estradiol;
• estrone;
• estriol.

A significant amount of these hormones are synthesized in the ovaries. Produce data hormones can also adrenal gland, adipose tissue. Estrogens have the ability to samoprevrascheniyu. That is why a deficiency of the hormone can be replenished at the expense of another. For example, estradiol estrone becomes. It is noteworthy that this so-called interconversion occurs in various tissues of the woman's body. Place recycling of estrogen is the liver.

A normal amount of hormones in postmenopausal women has been established. This is due to changes in premenopausal and menopausal.

In menopausal and postmenopausal there is a lack of follicles in the ovaries. This increases FSH concentrations 10-20 times. In turn, LH production increases 3 times. In postmenopausal women, estrogen synthesis is carried out not by the ovaries and peripheral structures. estradiol concentration decreases and increases estrone. The ratio between androgens and estrogens is also changed in favor of the former.

Symptoms and Causes

Sources vnezhelezistogo nature of estrogen continue functioning after a few years after menopause. This is to support the work of the vagina, uterus and mammary glands. In addition, estrogens need excretory, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system. pathological symptoms may occur with a shortage of hormones.

The most prominent symptom is hot flashes. In postmenopausal women, the symptoms may persist. However, it is not as pronounced in postmenopausal women. Do not shift the tides come the following symptoms:

• urogenital disorders;
• cardiovascular disorders;
• musculoskeletal changes.

Violation of urogenital nature

As a result of estrogen deficiency develops mucosal atrophy. Thinning of the vaginal mucosa of the urethra and leads to the loss of their protective properties. As a result, the mucous become vulnerable to infection and traumatic shock. Also, a decrease in the number of lactobacilli, which leads to the development of vaginal dysbiosis.

In postmenopausal women, often occur vaginitis, urethritis and cystitis. Inflammation in the urethra sphincter function changes. It becomes the cause of urinary incontinence and frequent urination.

Often smears are determined by the signs and symptoms dysbiotic violations. Allocation in postmenopausal women may be purulent or serous, have an unpleasant odor and accompanied by itching. Against the background of non-specific inflammation sometimes observed spotting. However, such symptom needs to differential diagnosis.

Uterine bleeding in the early postmenopausal period may be due to hyperplasia and polyposis. Women after the age of 65 years, bleeding sometimes indicate cancer of the endometrium.

Changes in skin condition

It is known that the necessary level of estrogen maintains skin elasticity and strengthens the nails. The estrogen deficiency conditions of the skin gradually becomes thinner, which leads to the formation of wrinkles. Nails become brittle hair gradually lose their elasticity and prone to loss.

possible complications

In the late postmenopausal period may cause pronounced symptoms.

metabolic syndrome

Symptoms usually marked hypertension, atherosclerosis, disturbances in glucose utilization. Patients may disturb the following symptoms in postmenopausal women:

• tachycardia;
• angina;
• pressure surges.

Often there is weight gain due to changes in lipid metabolism. That is why the majority of postmenopausal women gain weight. If a woman's weight increases in the absence of changes in the diet, it may indicate that the exchange nature of the violation.

neurological disorders

In the late menopausal frequently observed neurological disorder. Estrogen deficiency provokes disorders associated with vision, hearing and memory.

Pathology of the musculoskeletal system

The necessary level of estrogen is a building material for bones. However postmenopausal due to estrogen deficiency varies muscle tone and bone structure. Over time there are symptoms of osteoporosis due to the fact that calcium is no longer accumulate in the bone. On the other hand, calcium begins to leach from the bones, causing brittleness.

In the postmenopausal woman loses 3% annually bone. Osteoporosis danger is that the pathology occurs without symptoms until the first fracture. Especially dangerous hip fracture, which leads to disability.

The weakening of the manifestations

In 45% of women postmenopause takes no symptoms. Postmenopausal cure is not possible, as this age period in a woman's life is not a pathology. Treatment of postmenopausal applies only to eliminate unwanted symptoms in the body's inability to adapt to a deficiency of estrogen.

drug therapy

Used as hormonal and non-hormonal drugs. In particular, the means employed, inhibit excessive excitability of the emotional sphere and the autonomic system. Good effect have B vitamins, antidepressants.

To eliminate estrogen deficiency symptoms Tibolone is used, which is considered a progestin drug. Tibolone has no effect on the endometrium, so there are no cyclic selection. The drug prevents the development of osteoporosis.

Hormone therapy in postmenopausal women is disputed by experts. It should be noted that hormone replacement therapy can alleviate the symptoms of menopause in women, however, the anti-aging effect is absent.

Hormone therapy in postmenopausal appointed only with strict indications. Use of hormonal preparations character is only possible after prior careful inspection. Many drugs hormone therapy differ severe side effects and can not be prescribed for certain medical disorders.

Phytoestrogens and traditional methods

Phytoestrogens are an alternative to hormonal methods postmenopausal. Unlike the latter, phytoestrogens act gently, the development of side effects are rare. Gynecologists use different phytoestrogens drugs to relieve symptoms in postmenopausal women, in particular, Klimadinon, Klimaktoplan.

Many herbs have proven effective and have been recognized by traditional medicine. In particular, to eliminate the symptoms of disorders marked by the various organs and systems in postmenopausal women can use plants such as upland uterus, brush and red Yarrow.

Nutrition and exercise therapy

The severity of symptoms in postmenopausal women often depends on the way of life of the woman, its compliance with the regime of work and rest, giving up bad habits. Are essential correct dietary habits and physical activity.

In postmenopausal metabolic processes are slowed down, which requires a review of the diet. It is advisable to consume as many vegetables and fruits as possible. Useful meat and low-fat varieties of marine fish. cooking method also affects the well-being of women. Fatty, salty dishes, smoked necessary to the maximum limit in the postmenopausal period. Frequent consumption of confectionery products adversely affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing disorders of the chair.

Adequate physical activity in postmenopausal warns of stagnation in the pelvis, it helps to fight diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is desirable to choose the type of physical activity in postmenopausal women after inspection. For example, exercises for the abdominal strain contraindicated in uterine tumors.