Menopause marks the end of the reproductive ability of a female. At this stage, a woman will not have her monthly periods. It is a natural cycle of aging and typically occurs late 40s or early 50s. However, menopause will also stop, if a woman surgically removes her ovaries.
Menopause happens when ovaries do not produce hormones anymore. Normally, the ovaries produce hormones and stores eggs which in turn they release them in the fallopian tubes every month.
They are also responsible for producing female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is responsible for calcium absorption and maintaining cholesterol level in the blood. As menopause approaches, the estrogen level declines and the body produces in very minute quantity. There are steps to menopause. It is not sudden and happens gradually. If you want to know the details, you can consult a doctor to maintain a good health during the process. Let us check the steps:
Perimenopause or transition towards menopause
This can happen 8 to 10 years before the menopause actually begins. With time, the ovaries produce less amount of estrogen. Usually symptoms of perimenopause start at the end of 30s or early 40s. It will last till menopause where the ovaries stop producing eggs. However, during the later stages of perimenopause estrogen can drop drastically and most of the women gain weight around their waist during this time.
A woman will still have periods during this time and can get pregnant. This transition should be given utmost attention, for a healthy life after menopause. Exercise and good eating habits can reduce the symptoms of menopause. Not only will it improve your wellbeing but keep your other bodily functions working properly.
Menopause
In this stage a woman no longer gets menstrual period and the ovaries stop releasing the eggs for reproduction. The production of estrogen also reduces drastically. As per medical terms, menopause is considered where a woman goes without having periods for a year.
Post menopause
This is the time when menopause has occurred. In this stage, a woman experiences hot flashes. This is a result of lower estrogen levels. Additionally, it increases the risk of osteoporosis and heart related issues. Most of the health care professionals recommend hormone replacement therapy along with healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
The best time to approach a gynaecologist is when you are in your late thirties. There is no harm to start early. With proper medication a doctor can even help you with longer perimenopause, where you can have your periods and maintain the best of health.
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