Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. During menopause, the ovaries stop producing eggs and the levels of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, begin to decrease.

The onset of menopause is characterized by a number of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. These symptoms can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life and may require treatment.

In healthcare, menopause is managed by a combination of lifestyle changes and hormone therapy (HT).

Lifestyle changes that may help to reduce menopausal symptoms include:

Eating a healthy diet

Regular physical activity

Getting enough sleep

Managing stress

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption

Hormone therapy (HT) can also be used to relieve menopausal symptoms. HT involves taking estrogen and progesterone to replace the hormones that the ovaries no longer produce. HT can be administered in a variety of forms, including pills, patches, creams, and gels.

It’s important to note that the use of hormone therapy is associated with some risks, such as increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer, so it’s recommended to use only under the guidance of a healthcare provider and for the shortest possible duration.

Other treatments like Vaginal estrogen creams, gels or tablets for vaginal dryness, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for mood changes, can also be used by a healthcare provider to manage menopause symptoms.

Additionally, doctors may also suggest bone density scans or Mammograms, as women’s bone density tends to decrease after menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and the risk of breast cancer also increases with age.