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Menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process that every woman goes through. It is defined as the depletion of ovarian eggs, naturally or electively induced. It marks the end of menstruation and the ability to reproduce (fertility). Menopause is diagnosed 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual period. Natural menopause is when the ovaries decrease the production of estrogen and progesterone. Induced menopause is when the ovaries are surgically removed or damaged due to a variety of reasons.

Typically, menopause occurs after the age of 40, but it can have an early onset influenced by various factors, induced or genetic. Menopause treatment varies and is customizable for every woman with differentiable symptoms.

Symptoms 

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of menopause include:

• Irregular periods: A change in your menstrual cycle pattern can be one of the leading symptoms of menopause.
• Vaginal dryness.
• Hot flashes: This can be described as feeling waves of heat in the face, chest and neck.
• Hair loss and increase facial hair growth.
• Decreased libido.
• Psychological symptoms like mood swings, poor sleep patterns, anxiety and/or forgetfulness.

Common questions and answers about menopause

When should you visit your doctor for menopause?

Typically, menopause starts after the age of 40, but anyone can experience the early onset of menopause. Therefore, it is best-advised to consult a doctor when any of the above symptoms start affecting your quality of life.

What causes premature menopause?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 5% of women go through early menopause. Menopause can happen without a known reason or due to certain genetic or external factors such as:

• Smoking.
• Family history.
• Surgical removal of the ovaries.
• Surgical removal of the uterus.

Read about other risk factors of premature menopause on the Office on Women’s Health’s website.

What is induced menopause?

Induced menopause is the end of menstrual periods due to the surgical removal of the ovaries or damage to the ovaries or medically terminating periods as treatment of a disease. Unlike natural menopause, the onset of the symptoms is sudden. Treatments such as hormone therapy can help manage your symptoms of induced menopause.

What should I expect from my doctor’s visit for menopause?

• Questions around your medical history and other comprehensive questions around your periods and symptoms.
• Although there is no “cure” for menopause, the doctor will discuss your options to manage the symptoms of menopause.
• If there is a chance you are still ovulating and could get pregnant, your doctor will ask questions to try to understand your reproductive needs.

Where can I find a menopause specialist near me?

At Zocdoc.com! You can book an appointment with top-rated practitioners for menopause in your location. Booking is simple, secure and free!

How much does a visit for menopause cost?

The cost for a menopause visit varies depending on factors such as your location, insurance, the doctor you visit and the severity of your needs.

Sources: 

Mayo Clinic

MedlinePlus

NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Office on Women's Health

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.