Menopause

Abstract

Women's lives can be examined in seven phases with no definite boundaries. One of these phases is the climacterium and menopause phase. This phase is a transition period between reproductive age and old age in women's lives and is characterized by the symptoms that occur as a result of the differentiation of hormonal balance depending on morphological and functional changes in the ovary. The word menopause is derived from the Greek words "mens (month)" and "pause (stop)." Menopause is the last menstrual bleeding when menstruation is permanently terminated. This period is the end of the production of ovarian eggs and estrogen and progesterone hormones as a result of the genetically-programmed loss of follicles in the ovary. The menopausal transition phase begins with menstrual irregularities and an increase in the FSH level. According to the classification of the WHO, the menopause phase is divided into three main periods: pre-menopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Clinical symptoms that can be seen in menopause are divided into two: early symptoms that are noticed and late symptoms that are unnoticed risks. The most common symptoms are insomnia, depression, constipation, sweating, hot flashes, loss of libido, frequent urination, loss of height, thinning of the skin, loss of breast tissue, increased bone fractures, osteoporosis, and thinning and dryness of the vagina. The FSH level, which is tested especially on the third day of menstruation, is the basic test whereas anamnesis, physical examination, TV-USG, cervical smear, biochemical parameters, mammography, and bone density measurement are important in follow-up. In addition to non-pharmacological therapy and information, medical treatments such as hormone replacement therapy, calcium and vitamin D support, and other supportive SSRIs can be recommended in the treatment.