Calmfident Team, September 20, 2022
What is Menopause
Perhaps during painful periods, some may wish never to menstruate again. However, the cessation of menstruation, or menopause, also means that natural pregnancy is no longer possible. Generally, not menstruating for a year can be diagnosed as menopause.
Menopause is a natural phenomenon associated with ageing, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can also occur due to surgical removal of the ovaries or uterus.
Typically, changes occur in menstrual cycles before menopause, such as becoming more severe or irregular. Some may also experience problems with sleep, emotional changes, weight gain, slowed metabolism, thinning hair, and dry skin. However, symptoms vary from person to person. If unusual symptoms arise or discomfort is felt, it is advisable to consult a doctor for adjustments.
Causes and Effects of Menopause
As mentioned earlier, menopause is a natural physiological phenomenon that occurs with aging. Essentially, menopause symbolizes the aging of the ovaries. By the time people reach their thirties, reproductive hormones naturally decline, so if the ovaries are removed or other changes affecting reproductive hormones occur, menopause can come earlier.
In addition to this, about 1% of women experience early menopause before the age of 40, often due to congenital ovarian insufficiency, such as genetic factors or autoimmune diseases.
After menopause, metabolism slows down, making it easier to gain weight. Simultaneously, bones become more fragile, increasing the likelihood of fractures. The risk of cardiovascular diseases also increases.
Menopause vs. Amenorrhea
So, if I haven't menstruated for a few months, does that mean I'm menopausal? Actually, no. Amenorrhea and menopause are different; amenorrhea is a temporary cessation of menstruation. The main reasons include:
Temporary endocrine disruption caused by environmental factors, typically resolving naturally within six months.
Pituitary amenorrhea, which may also involve symptoms like loss of pubic hair, genital atrophy, and lactation.
Ovarian amenorrhea, very common; includes conditions like Sheehan's syndrome, ovarian cysts, ovarian tumors, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, and various causes of endocrine dysfunction leading to anovulation.
Pregnancy
Excessive stress: Stress can affect the brain's release of hormones, which in turn affects the release of hormones by the ovaries, and menstruation may naturally resume after some time.
Excessive exercise
Being overweight
Having discussed the phenomenon, causes, and effects of menopause, we should acknowledge menopause just as we do ageing—it is an inevitable natural physiological phenomenon. There is no need to feel inferior, ashamed, or sad about it. This represents another milestone in the lifecycle. In dealing with these bodily changes, everyone can adjust their mindset, engage in more physical activity, and actively embrace life ahead!
Resource
[1] https://www.bbc.com/ukchina/simp/48465161
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/zh-hans/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/zh-hans/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
[3] https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%81%9C%E7%BB%8F/1838857
[4] https://www.sohu.com/a/466326105_455575
[5] https://patient.info/womens-health/periods-and-period-problems/missed-periods