Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Menopause explained

Menopause is a natural event that normally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. It is defined as having had 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It is sometimes called, "the change of life and is characterized in stages - early menopause, perimenopause and post menopause.

It is more likely to occur at a slightly earlier age in women who smoke, have never been pregnant, or live at high altitudes. It is neither an illness nor a disease, it is only another natural phase in a woman's life we often picture it as a time of decline; a time when a woman and those near her, notice physical and emotional changes. It is a natural process that occurs because of a decrease in the function of the ovaries, which also control oestrogen production.

Menopause and hair loss

Hair loss and menopause are often times directly related in women. The most common of the reasons for why this would happen is that the thyroid gland is not working properly during menopause causing the hair loss. Another reason as to why a woman would start to loss hair during menopause would be that she is taking a medication, this may well affect the way the body functions.

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and Menopause

The good news is that the hormones that are associated with IBS flare-ups will subside substantially when menopause happens. Women with IBS generally begin to feel better around age 50 to 55, depending on when they go through menopause. They may notice a sudden improvement when menopause begins, or it may take a while for symptoms to slow down. It is important to remember that while going through menopause, the fluctuations of hormones can be dramatic.

CONCLUSION

This phase in a woman's life marks the end of her reproductive cycle. The monthly menstrual flow may stop suddenly or gradually. The first sign of menopause is irregular menstrual bleeding. Periods may be light one month and heavy the next until they eventually cease. Twelve months after the last period, a woman is no longer fertile.