Understanding Menopause

Women's Health Event, 29 May 2024

The event was organised by the VBOs' Gender Focal Points in collaboration with VIC Medical Service (VMS) and focused on the physical and psychological aspects of issues related to women's health including menstrual health, menopause and cancers which affect women.
The FAQ form of the event will follow up soon.

Menopause - What is it?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines natural menopause as the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from the loss of ovarian follicular activity or follicle depletion. The menopausal transition can be gradual, usually beginning with changes in the menstrual cycle. 'Perimenopause' refers to the period from when these signs are first observed and ends one year after the final menstrual period.

When does it happen?

Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 years as a natural part of biological ageing. Some women experience menopause earlier (before 40 years of age). This 'premature menopause' may be because of certain chromosomal abnormalities, autoimmune disorders, chronic stress, or other unknown causes.

Stages

Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause. It describes a time when hormones start to decline and menstrual cycles become erratic and irregular. You may start to experience symptoms listed below.
Menopause is the point of time when you have gone without a period for 12 months in a row. Once this has occurred, you enter postmenopause.
Postmenopause is the time after menopause has occurred and it lasts for the rest of your life.

What causes menopause?

Natural Menopause is caused by the loss of ovarian follicular function and a decline in circulating blood oestrogen levels.

Menopause can also be a consequence of surgical or medical procedures, e.g. removal of both ovaries, or medical interventions that cause cessation of ovarian function (for example radiation therapy or chemotherapy).

Symptoms of Menopause

Women have varying degrees and combinations of symptoms. Some women do not notice symptoms, for others, symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities. Perimenopause can last several years and can affect physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. Some symptoms might initially not be recognized as caused by menopause, even if this is actually the case. Treatments during perimenopause can positively affect or prevent postmenopausal symptoms and risks like osteoporosis, heart disease, urinary incontinence, hair loss.

Typical Symptoms include:

Mood swings, depression, and/or anxiety
Hot flashes: sudden feeling of heat in the face, neck and chest, often accompanied by flushing of the skin, perspiration (sweating), palpitations, and acute feelings of physical discomfort which can last several minutes
Night sweats
Sleep disorders
Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA): thinning of the vulva, vagina and urinary tract over time leading to vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse and incontinence
High blood pressure
Indigestion
Low sexual desire, also known as hyposexual desire disorder (HSDD)
Osteopenia: decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) below normal reference values; a precursor to osteoporosis
Changes in body composition
Increase in cardiovascular risk
Weakening of the pelvic support structures

When to see a GP or gynecologist

Regular check-up visits are recommended in any case. You should consider seeing the GP or gynecologist if you are suffering from any of the symptoms associated with menopause.

The GP or gynecologist can prescribe a hormonal status check and explain possible hormonal and non-hormonal treatments, with consideration of medical history, values, and preferences. Perimenopausal care plays an important role in the promotion of healthy ageing and quality of life.