Menopause Symptoms

Menopause is a natural and inevitable stage of life, much like infancy, adolescence, and sexual maturity. During menopause, the number of follicles in the ovaries decreases, leading to a reduction in estrogen production. Over time, estrogen production ceases, and the ovaries shrink. As a result, the menstrual cycle stops, and fertility is lost.

The term "menopause" is derived from the Greek words mens (month) and pause (stop). The World Health Organization defines menopause as the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle due to the loss of ovarian function.

The average age for menopause worldwide is between 45 and 55 years. Studies show that in Turkey, the average age of menopause is between 46 and 48 years. The symptoms experienced during menopause can include changes in menstrual bleeding patterns (such as irregular cycles, heavier or lighter bleeding, or prolonged bleeding), hot flashes and sweating, difficulty falling asleep and shortened sleep duration, palpitations, depression, mood swings, forgetfulness, irritability, headaches, hair thinning and loss, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, dryness of the skin, eyes, or mouth, vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, reduced sexual desire, sudden urge to urinate, urinary incontinence, and an increased risk of vaginal and urinary tract infections, as well as changes in appetite, slower metabolism, and associated weight gain.

As menopause approaches, the ovaries begin producing less estrogen. This decrease in estrogen causes the menstrual cycle to become irregular and eventually cease. As the body adjusts to different hormone levels, physical changes may occur. It is possible to notice changes in your body months or years before menopause begins, including hot flashes and irregular periods. This phase is called perimenopause.

It is difficult to predict exactly when menopause will occur. The best approach is to pay attention to how you feel and notice changes in your body. It's important to remember that symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some women may not experience any symptoms at all, which is also considered normal.

Irregular periods are a classic sign that you are approaching menopause. Your periods may become more frequent or less frequent, heavier or lighter, or last longer or shorter than usual.

Mood changes, such as feeling more pessimistic, are also common during this time. Being informed about the process and recognizing the symptoms can help you manage the transition more easily and comfortably. Although it is a natural process, being well-informed, understanding the effects on your body, and knowing how to cope with them are important. Regular check-ups with your doctor are essential to understand the changes in your body, and psychological support may be beneficial if the emotional impact becomes challenging. With the right support, this transition can be managed more comfortably.

Is There an Age for Menopause?

The average age for the onset of menopause is 51, with the typical age range falling between 45 and 55 years. In developing countries, women tend to experience menopause at earlier ages compared to women in developed countries.

In developed countries, menopause typically occurs between the ages of 49 and 52, while in developing countries, it tends to occur between 43 and 50. Menopause symptoms can begin as early as four years before the final period and may continue for up to four years after the last menstruation.

Can Menopause Occur Early?

Early menopause is possible, but it is important to confirm the diagnosis through a medical evaluation, including a thorough history and specific tests. Sometimes, an endocrinologist may contribute to the diagnosis and treatment.

Women experiencing hot flashes or menstrual irregularities should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Physiological menopause typically occurs after the age of 40, but early menopause can occur as early as 30 to 35 years old.

One cause of premature menopause is premature ovarian insufficiency. Technically, premature ovarian insufficiency and premature menopause are not the same thing. In premature ovarian insufficiency, the ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. These women may still have periods, but they generally experience infertility.

Autoimmune diseases can also lead to early menopause. For example, if there is a history of thyroid gland or adrenal gland diseases, the reproductive system may also be affected. Poor environmental factors can be a cause as well. For instance, women who have lived in areas with high radiation exposure, such as the Chernobyl region, may experience early menopause due to prolonged exposure to harmful environmental factors.

High levels of stress, anxiety, or emotional trauma can disrupt the normal hormonal system and contribute to ovarian reserve depletion. Smoking is another significant factor. In addition to its many negative effects on health, smoking can accelerate menopause, affecting the entire body, including reproductive functions.

Around 3% of women in the general population experience premature menopause. Severe and restrictive dieting can also play a role. Some women follow strict diets to lose weight, which may result in insufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals, ultimately affecting reproductive health. Medical interventions, such as treatments for severe diseases or cancer, can also impact ovarian function, leading to earlier and more intense menopause symptoms. Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, can also influence the timing and severity of menopause.

For more detailed information or support regarding menopause, feel free to contact our clinic.