Menopause Healthcare professionals and scientists have carefully prepared this ALtruis Biomedical Network-affiliated site, intended for informational purposes only . This phase in the life of a woman is characterized by the cessation of menstruation and is complete when the woman has experienced no menstrual periods for a year. In some women, menopause occurs abruptly, while in others there is a gradual cessation of normal periods. Decreased estrogen levels and a shift from ovarian production of estrogen to other sources, i.e. adrenal, is seen. Symptoms that may occur during menopause are hot flashes, changes in reproductive organs, cardiovascular disease , osteoporosis , nervousness, and depression.
Hot flashes are the most common symptom and are associated with estrogen withdrawal.
Reproductive organ changes include vagina l dryness, thinning of the vaginal lining, and a decrease in size of the uterus and cervix. These changes are also a result of estrogen withdrawal and account for complaints such as vaginal itching and stress incontinence. There is an increased incidence of high blood pressure , stroke, and heart disease following menopause probably due to the removal of the protection estrogen affords. Osteoporosis is also a risk when estrogen decreases making postmenopausal women more at risk for fractures. The breasts become less glandular and are composed of more fat tissue than in reproductive years.