Understanding Menopause
Menopause occurs when a woman's body no longer produces enough estrogen to complete
ovulation (develop an egg for fertilization). Before menopause occurs, estrogen
production slows gradually and may fluctuate causing other hormones involved with
ovulation to change as well. One of these hormones is follicle stimulating hormone
or FSH.
During ovulation, a high amount of FSH is released from the pituitary gland
to prepare the release of an egg from the ovaries. The increased presence of
FSH signals the body to increase its production of the hormone estrogen to complete
ovulation. Once ovulation has occurred the production of FSH decreases until
the start of the next reproductive cycle (see Fig. 1). For menopausal women
however, the body does not produce enough estrogen to complete ovulation so
FSH levels remain elevated (see Fig. 2).
What Are The Stages Of Menopause?
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the two to 10 year time period leading up to menopause when estrogen
production begins to slow and affect your FSH level. It is not uncommon for this
stage to begin while a woman is in her 30s or 40s. Women experiencing perimenopause
most commonly notice changes in their menstrual cycles due to hormone fluctuations.
This can be any change in the frequency, duration or flow of your monthly period.
Other common perimenopausal symptoms include:
- hot flashes
- vaginal dryness
- irritability
- mood swings
- forgetfulness
- unexplained fatigue
- interrupted sleep
- decreased libido (sex drive)
Menopause
Menopause is the time when your body has stopped producing enough estrogen to
support ovarian activity. Menopause typically occurs naturally in women between
the ages 40 and 55 however it can occur earlier or later. Most healthcare professionals
consider a woman to have experienced menopause when she has gone 12 consecutive
months without a period. At this time your FSH level remains consistently high.
Long-term health effects of menopause that you may want to discuss with your
doctor include increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, incontinence
and reduced sex drive.
Postmenopause
Postmenopause is the time starting after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual
period and continuing for the rest of your life. Your FSH level will remain
permanently elevated. Typically, perimenopausal symptoms have diminished.
©Estroven Monitor
