Menopause

Menopause is the time when menstrual periods permanently stop, marking the end of the reproductive phase for female humans. The menopausal transition can be divided into three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Menopause is a natural part of aging, it can also be a result of surgery, or have another medical or non-medical source. Natural menopause is the result of a decrease in the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Natural menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although the exact timing can vary occurring earlier or later for a variety of reasons, for example tobacco use may result in an earlier menopause while having been pregnant may result in a later menopause. Surgical menopause occurs as the result of a surgery that removes both ovaries. Surgical removal of the ovaries or ovarian failure before the age of 40 years is termed "premature ovarian insufficiency". A marked decrease in hormone levels can have other sources, including some types of chemotherapy. Women often notice symptoms of hormonal changes prior to any formal diagnosis, tests which measure hormone levels in blood or urine can confirm menopause. In the years before menopause, a woman's periods typically become irregular, which means that periods may be longer or shorter in duration, or be lighter or heavier in the amount of flow. During this time, women often experience hot flashes; these typically last from 30 seconds to ten minutes and may be associated with shivering, night sweats, and reddening of the skin. Hot flashes can recur for four to five years. Other symptoms may include vaginal dryness, urinary frequency and urgency, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. The severity of symptoms varies between women. Menopause is also known to cause thinning and drying of the skin as 30% of the skin's collagen is...