In recent times, problems related to menopause have been increasing in women. Due to changes in lifestyle, unbalanced diet, increasing mental stress and hormonal imbalance, its symptoms are becoming more complex. Menopause has a profound impact not only on women's physical health, but also on their mental and emotional state, adding challenges to daily life.

What is menopause?

Menopause generally means the cessation of menstruation. There is a difference between stopping menstruation and stopping menstruation. Towards the end of a woman's reproductive age, that is, after reaching the age of about 45, menstruation is considered to be stopped if it stops for 12 consecutive months. A woman's ovaries are born with a certain number of eggs. As she ages, these eggs run out and the ovaries stop producing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. The lack of these hormones causes menstruation to stop permanently.

At what age does menopause usually begin?

The average age of menopause worldwide is 45 to 55 years. In the context of Nepal, most women experience menopause between the ages of 48 and 51. However, it is not possible to say for sure that menopause will occur at this age.

Why does menopause occur early in some and late in others?

Early menopause, that is, it can occur even at the age of 40. Some people have early menstruation due to hereditary reasons. At what age did their mothers and sisters experience menopause? This can be used to estimate the age at which their daughters or sisters will experience menopause.

Similarly, autoimmune diseases, smoking (which can cause menopause 1-2 years earlier), cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiation), and surgical removal of the ovaries can cause menopause to occur early. Similarly, late menopause, meaning menstruation continues after the age of 55, can also occur. This can often be caused by obesity or genetics. In addition, tumors of the uterus and ovaries (benign or cancerous) can also cause menopause to occur late.

What symptoms can be considered normal during menopause?

Menopause is characterized by a sudden feeling of heat in the upper part of the body, especially the face and chest. Some people may sweat a lot, especially at night. In addition, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and itching may occur. After menopause, the skin may become thinner, hair may fall out, and breasts may also dry up. Menopause also causes mental and emotional changes. In this case, it is common to get angry for no reason, feel anxious, or suddenly feel sad, lose concentration, forgetfulness, or have difficulty focusing on any task.

What symptoms should you be aware of?

Menopause can also cause serious problems and symptoms. There is no bleeding after menopause. However, if for some reason, bleeding appears again after menstruation has completely stopped for 12 months, it should not be considered normal.

In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor. In some cases, very thick blood may flow during menstruation before menopause. In such cases, a medical examination is also mandatory. If you experience mental anxiety, depression, bone weakness, joint problems, or palpitations that interfere with your daily activities, you should not delay in consulting a doctor.