MENOPAUSE - CAUSES

Natural or physiological menopause:

Occurs as part of a woman's normal aging process. It marks the end of a woman's potential childbearing years, brought on by the ovaries gradually slowing down their function. FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is a hormone produced by the brain, and it is responsible for stimulating the growth of the woman's eggs.

As menopause approaches, the remaining eggs become resistant to FSH (hence FSH levels increase) and the ovaries reduce their production of estrogen significantly (hence, estrogen levels decrease). It is these fluctuating and rapidly declining estrogen levels that are responsible for many of the symptoms associated with menopause.

Induced Menopause:

This can be caused by surgical removal of both ovaries or disruption in normal ovarian function due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

MENOPAUSE - DIAGNOSIS & INVESTIGATIONS

The diagnosis of menopause is usually made in retrospect – once it has been 12 months since your last menstruation, you are deemed to be in menopause.

Occasionally, your doctor may do some laboratory tests to check the levels of certain hormones. This would include Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estradiol levels.

Other tests which may be done include:

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone – because thyroid disease can mimic the symptoms of menopause.

• Cardiovascular Risk assessment – cholesterol levels, checks for diabetes, echocardiogram etc.

• Assessment of Osteoporotic risk – DEXA scan for those at increased risk of osteoporosis.

MENOPAUSE - TREATMENT

Menopause is not a disease, and so it should not be viewed as something which requires treatment. However, short term Hormone Replacement Therapy may be prescribed in women with severe symptoms.

Treatment is also prescribed for the associated effects of menopause eg. Osteoporosis, increased cardiovascular risk, urinary incontinence etc.

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The article above is meant to provide general information and does not replace a doctor's consultation. 
Please see your doctor for professional advice.