Menopause refers to a period of time when you stop experiencing menstrual cycles, usually, resulting in infertility. Typically, it is a natural process that occurs after age 40 when your reproductive system ceases producing the sex hormones: progesterone and estrogen. Your ovaries are naturally responsible for making these hormones, which regulate ovulation and menstruation. When your ovaries fail to release the female sex cell or ovum every month, your menstruation cycles stop, indicating infertility. A normal menopause occurs after age 40. This article explores each of these eight causes of menopause in detail as follows:
The decline in estrogen and progesterone production is a natural process that occurs with aging. It may also result from other factors, including Turner syndrome, chronic kidney diseases, eating disorders, and too much physical exercise. The decline may continue until you reach full menopausal age when your ovaries completely cease to produce eggs, leading to total disappearance of the periods. Because the decline may also result from other factors other than aging, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as the signs and symptoms of a decline of reproduction hormones appear. This helps in early diagnosis and treatment of any other underlying cause.Next
1. Decline of Reproduction Hormones
As a woman, you have two reproduction hormones: estrogen and progesterone. They are produced by your ovaries and are responsible for controlling your reproduction processes, including menstrual cycles and ovulation. The production of these hormones begins to decline as you approach your 30’s. By the time you reach your 40’s, you may begin to experience abnormal menstrual cycles and other menopausal signs and symptoms. The cycles may be longer or shorter than normal and may also decline in frequency. In some cases, the cycles may be abnormally heavy or light. Other signs and symptoms of low estrogen and progesterone levels include low sex drive; pain during sex due to poor vaginal lubrication; urethra thinning, which increases vulnerability to urinary tract infections; migraines; and breast tenderness. You may also have trouble concentrating, depression, and fatigue.The decline in estrogen and progesterone production is a natural process that occurs with aging. It may also result from other factors, including Turner syndrome, chronic kidney diseases, eating disorders, and too much physical exercise. The decline may continue until you reach full menopausal age when your ovaries completely cease to produce eggs, leading to total disappearance of the periods. Because the decline may also result from other factors other than aging, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as the signs and symptoms of a decline of reproduction hormones appear. This helps in early diagnosis and treatment of any other underlying cause.Next