Menopause & related issues

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It typically occurs around the age of 45 to 55, although the timing can vary widely from woman to woman. Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months due to declining levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones produced by the ovaries.

Here's an overview of menopause and related issues:

• Perimenopause:
  
• Perimenopause refers to the transitional phase leading up to menopause when a woman's hormone levels begin to fluctuate, and menstrual cycles become irregular.
• During perimenopause, women may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, changes in libido, and irregular periods.
• Menopause:
  
• Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation.
• Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and changes in sexual function.
• Some women may also experience long-term health effects associated with hormonal changes, such as bone loss (osteoporosis) and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Postmenopause:
  
• Postmenopause refers to the period of time after menopause when a woman no longer experiences menstrual periods.
• Women may continue to experience symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes during postmenopause, although they may decrease in frequency and severity over time.
• Regular Health Screenings:
  
• Women should continue to receive regular health screenings, including bone density tests, cholesterol checks, blood pressure monitoring, and mammograms, to assess their risk of developing certain health conditions associated with menopause.