Menopause is a normal phenomenon at the end of a woman's life, defined as the cessation of menstruation, i.e., periods.
The average age at presentation is about 51.4 years with a standard deviation of 3.8 years.
The factors that influence its appearance are various, such as the age of the first period, the number of deliveries, the interment, etc.
It mainly relates to a hormonal change in the female body.
This change leads the woman to the non-reproductive phase of her life, the climacteric.
These hormonal changes are perceived by women as hot flashes, i.e. a feeling of heat on the skin, mainly in the face and extending to the neck and chest.
In addition, they may be accompanied by sweating, palpitations, tachycardia and perhaps arrhythmia.
A significant change may also occur in the woman's psyche.
About 60% women experience depressed mood, melancholy, lack of mood and energy.
There is also a decrease in sexual activity (libido), which is aggravated by vaginal atrophy, i.e. the dryness of the area of the female system.
However, very important changes also occur in the woman's cardiovascular system, as until menopause female hormones had a protective role against such diseases.
For this reason, postmenopausal women are at increased risk for heart failure, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
Another important effect of the "menopausal syndrome" is osteoporosis.
Bones become more fragile and the risk of fracture increases.
It is considered necessary at this age to measure the bone density of the lumbar spine and hip (BMD).
For these reasons, we realize how important this phase of a woman's life is and why she herself should consult her gynecologist in order to undergo the appropriate tests and raise the issue of hormone therapy.
Ioannis Kalogirou obg
