What is the menopause?

For most women, the onset of menopause occurs when they are around 45–55 years of age, but the average age is typically 51–52. For some, however, this can happen much earlier. There are no guidelines to how long the menopause lasts. For some women, it is brief, while for others it can go on for several years. This said, there are some indications that genes inherited from the mother can affect when it starts, how severe it will be and how long it will last.

Symptoms and changes during the menopause are due to the ovaries ceasing to produce the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. The function of oestrogen is, among other things, to build the lining of the uterus and keep the mucous membranes in the vagina and urinary tract strong. It also stimulates bone formation and prevents hardening of the arteries. Progesterone, on the other hand, stabilises the uterine lining, and thus regulates the menstrual cycle.

The discomforts associated with the menopause are mainly due to the decrease in oestrogen, but fluctuations in the production of progesterone may also cause irregular bleeding, etc. Three out of four women will experience menopausal symptoms. These typically take the form of hot flashes, increased sweating, mood swings, irregular bleeding and disturbed sleep.

Source: Sundhed.dk