Menopause is a major turning point in the lives of some women. Each woman’s experience during this transition is unique. Even though every woman will eventually have to go through menopause, there is still a need to understand the processes that lead to these changes.
Menopause can occur in two manners, normal menopause or premature menopause.
Normal or Spontaneous Menopause
Menopause is often called the ‘permanent cessation of period’.
Menopause is the point in time, which occurs with the final menstrual period. This simply means that menopause marks the end of menstruation. When a woman has not menstruated for a year, her menopause is considered completed.
Premature Menopause
A woman can also encounter menopause prematurely before the age of 40. This could be due to genetic factors.
Premature menopause can also be caused by permanent ovarian failure or due to the removal or damage of ovaries. However, some cases of ovarian failure are temporary and periods tend to return.
Women who have both their ovaries removed surgically, i.e. bilateral oophorectomy, usually experience menopause immediately and they may be hit harder by menopausal symptoms. When only one ovary is removed, menopause usually occurs naturally. In hysterectomy where the uterus is removed, the women will stop menstruating but she may not experience menopause immediately. However, in the case where both the uterus and ovaries are removed, the women will experience menopausal symptoms immediately.
Women who have gone through cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation to the pelvic area are also more vulnerable to premature menopause.
