Question

What is menopause?

Answer 1

It usually occurs during the age of $40 - 50$. It is indicated by the end of the menstruation cycle. Periods or menstruation might not have occurred for more than $12$ month during this phase. The ovaries stop releasing eggs. It also marks the end of a woman’s reproductive stage or years. It begins with less frequency of periods until menstruation completely stops. There are several complications and symptoms seen during this phase.

Complete answer:
Menopause happens when there is an absence of menstrual periods or cycle for twelve months. It starts with varying cycles and lengths. The end is marked with a final menstrual period. Perimenopause occurs during the time around menopause and refers to the menopausal transitional period. It sometimes helps to explain certain aspects of the menopause transition in lay terms. Postmenopausal marks the time after menopause has occurred or its termination. This implies women have already reached their menopause. The function of the ovaries stops. Pregnancy doesn’t occur in such women. The ovaries produce ova and help in the release of female hormones like the estrogen and progesterone. An egg is released from one of the ovaries when a woman enters her menstrual cycle and it occurs every month. The egg reaches the uterus via the fallopian tube. The female hormones released by the ovaries which control the development of secondary female body characteristics such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair. The hormones are also responsible for the regulation of the menstrual cycle and a woman’s pregnancy. Estrogens protect the bones and hence; lack of estrogen may lead to osteoporosis (degradation of bones) later in life. The initial signs of menopause can vary from uneven or missed periods; vaginal dryness; sore breasts; needing to urinate more than often; trouble sleeping; a series of emotional changes; dry skin; eyes, or mouth etc. along with several complications and symptoms as listed below:
1. Vulvovaginal atrophy and dyspareunia, or painful intercourse
2. Slower metabolic function
3. Osteoporosis and urinary incontinence
4. Mood or sudden emotional changes
5. Cataracts and periodontal disease
6. Heart or blood vessel disease

Note:
In some cases, menopause may be induced artificially i.e., it doesn’t occur naturally like it can be caused by any injury in the ovaries. Surgical removal of the ovaries and related pelvic structures may also lead to menopause. Induced menopause can have a list of reasons and causes such as bilateral oophorectomy; ovarian ablation (the shutdown of ovary function usually done by hormone therapy, surgery radiotherapy techniques etc. in women who are generally diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive tumors); pelvic radiation or any kind of pelvic injuries that severely destroy the ovaries etc.