Posts Tagged ‘Menopause begins at the end of menstruation.’

Psychological Symptoms of Menopause

The anxieties, difficulty concentrating, overreacting to minor problems, easy irritability, forgetfulness and mood swings are typical psychological problems. Studies indicate that many cases of depression relate more to the circumstances of menopause it self. Other events, such as care for elderly relatives, retirement, divorce or widowhood, children growing and leaving the house occur around the time of menopause. Also, some problems may be caused indirectly due to the disruption of sleep. To address emotional symptoms you should exercise regularly. This will help maintain your hormonal balance and preserving bone strength. Talking with other women, who are going through menopause, can help with emotional symptoms. Women approaching menopause often complain of memory loss and inability to concentrate.

What is Menopause

Menopause is the period that ends a woman’s reproductive phase. Menopause begins at the end of menstruation. Over time, the ovaries gradually lose the ability to produce estrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. As estrogen production decreases, ovulation and menstruation occur very often, and eventually stop. Menstruation can be stopped early due to illness or a hysterectomy. In these cases we speak of induced menopause. In Europe and North America, menopause usually happens when a woman is around 51-52 years old. Menopause can happen but sometimes as early as 40. The age and menopausal symptoms also have a strong genetic influence. As a rule of thumb, women who began menstruation early is more likely to experience menopause earlier.