A lot of women are asking: What is menopause? Menopause occurs when a woman stops receiving her monthly period. It can start anywhere from 45 years to 51years depending on each individual. It is usually a trying time for a woman and those around her as she is irritable and has mood swings that rock like a pendulum. Menopause does not occur suddenly but is preceded by the perimenopause period that is characterised by subtle changes and an irregular monthly period. This period represents the gradual decline in the function of the ovaries and is characterised by erratic menses both in terms of volume and regularity.
Some of the changes that occur in the body are weight gain, osteoporosis, incontinence, dry vagina and a very light skin. There are symptoms that can make you recognise the onset of menopause including irritability and extreme mood swings, depression, hot flushes, headaches, heavy sweating, insomnia and restlessness. Some women even develop facial hair which can be distressing.
There are treatments to lessen the impact of menopause and one of them is hormone replacement treatment. It involves the daily intake of the hormone oestrogen which is what is lacking in the body. These may be taken in form of pills, patches, implants, gels or vaginal rings