Menopause is marked by the end of menstrual bleeding caused by a decrease in the levels of estrogen in the body. This occurs when the ovaries become unable to produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
The ovaries simply run out of follicles or eggs at around the age of 50. Follicles produce the vast majority of estrogen and all of the progesterone.
After menopause, the ovaries still have an important function as they continue to produce very small quantities of estrogen and significant amounts of testosterone. After menopause, the adrenal glands take over by producing more hormones that are converted into estrogen in a woman's adipose or fat tissue.
The amount of estrogen produced this way varies depending on the amount of body fat an individual has and the health of her adrenal glands. This is one reason why it is important not to be overly thin or overweight.
During menopause, the fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone and other hormone levels can cause changes in body functions which include hot flashes, night sweats, depression, change in skin and hair texture, insomnia, urinary urgency and frequency, body dryness, difficulty concentrating, memory loss (especially when recalling a name or word) and other symptoms. Some women experience few or no symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms and discomfort.
Risks of Cancer and Heart Disease Increase
The decline in hormone levels at the onset of menopause also triggers other effects in the body. Estrogen and other hormones are required to protect and maintain the normal cellular function of body organs and systems, including the vagina, bladder, breasts, skin, bones, arteries, heart, liver, and brain.
Menopause increases the incidence of heart attacks, high blood pressure and osteoporosis, as well as the risk of certain types of cancers. Before menopause, female hormones decrease the risk of heart disease in women, but with the onset of menopause, that protection is lost. After the age of approximately 55 years, women suffer from heart disease at similar rates as men.
Reducing the Risk of Osteoporosis
Additionally, the gradual loss of bone density that most women experience from the age of 30 years onward is drastically accelerated after menopause, causing a 10 to 20 percent decrease in bone mass. Bone loss results in part from the lack of estrogen as well as insufficient absorption of calcium by the body, causing osteoporosis. This bone thinning increases the risk of fractures which can lead to disability and pain.
Osteoporosis occurs when bone mass diminishes and bones become fragile and susceptible to fracture. It is most common among post-menopausal women, although it can affect people of all ages and both sexes. Certain dietary measures can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Besides calcium-rich dairy products, fruit and vegetables are important for good bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. Unlike some foods that increase acidity in the body and encourage minerals to be drawn out of the bones to neutralize acid, fruit and vegetables create a more alkaline environment and so help to prevent the loss of bone mineral density.
Menopause is a great physical milestone in a woman's life and for many this change brings fears of the loss of physical and mental function and the onset of old age. It is important to follow the body's natural rhythms and menopause does not have to be painful or traumatic; however, health changes that occur with menopause can lead to serious disease and should not be ignored.
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