Menopausal Syndrome - an Overview

Abstract

Menopause is the natural cessation of a woman's menstrual cycle, and marks the end of fertility. Most women experience menopause by the average age of 52, but pelvic or ovarian damage may cause sudden menopause earlier in life. Genetics or any disease conditions may also lead to early onset of menopause. Perimenopause and post menopause are the two different stages of menopause. The beginning of irregular menses to the first 12 months of amenorrhea is perimenopause and the period after menopause is post menopause. Women experience various physiological and psychological changes during their menopausal period which will affect their quality of life and health. The main objective of this review was to assess the literature concerning the various postmenopausal symptoms and prevalence. In many research they reported that the most common symptoms in menopausal women are somatic symptoms such as hot flushes, heart discomfort, sleep problem, muscle and joint pain. The psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, irritability, physical and mental exhaustion, sexual problem, bladder problem and dryness of vagina are the urogenital symptoms. The menopause in women is stressful and produces many changes in vital parameters. The low intakes of dietary iron and calcium are common in menopausal women. As a conclusion of this study proper diet, improved life style, self-care, medical support and awareness program can help to reduce the postmenopausal symptoms and increase their quality of life.