Menopause
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Definition[edit | edit source]
Natural menopause occurs when there is a complete, or near complete, ovarian follicular depletion of a female's ovaries. This results in the end of her menstrual cycle for 12 months, which is retrospectively determined. It occurs at a median age of 51.4 years and menopause before the age of 40 years old is considered abnormal. The months and years leading up to this are called peri-menopause.[1]
Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]
Clinical Exam[edit | edit source]
Symptoms of menopause and peri-menopause are:[2][3]
- hot flashes
- vaginal dryness
- sleep disturbances
- mood symptoms
- irregular bleeding or spotting, during peri-menopause
Additionally, after menopause, the risk of chronic diseases including osteoporosis, heart disease and risk increases.
Management[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Menopause: Resource Overview. Available from https://www.acog.org/Womens-Health/Menopause
- ↑ Burger HG. Unpredictable endocrinology of the menopause transition: clinical, diagnostic and management implications. Menopause international. 2011 Dec;17(4):153-4.
- ↑ Burger HG, Hale GE, Dennerstein L, Robertson DM. Cycle and hormone changes during perimenopause: the key role of ovarian function. Menopause. 2008 Jul 1;15(4):603-12.
