Are there any risks associated with the menopause

Women most ask themself whether there are risks associated with the menopause. In menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, urogenital atrophy, reduced energy and drive, can significantly impair a women's health and sence of well being. Postmenopausal women frequently experience diminised quality of life and self- esteem. These physiological symptoms can result in a variety of phychosocial symptoms, such as sexualdysfunction, decreased libido, sleep deprivation, mooddisorders, anxiety and depression.

Osteoporosis is one of the long term effects of the menopauseand deficiency associated with an increased intensity in bone resorption but decreased bone formation. This leads to overall bone loss, reduced bone quality and reduced load- bearing strength resulting in an increased risk of bone fracture.

A number of large clinical studies have shown that oestrogen is effective in preventing and even partially reversing post-menopausal bone loss, and this in turn reduces the incidence of vertebral and hip fractures. The incidence of cardiovascular disease increasesignificantly in womem at the time of the menopause and oestrogen depletion is likely to play a role in this increased risk.

Systoms associated with the menopause

The menopause is a natural and irreversible process. When a women goes through the menopause usually in her fiftys, she will experience a number of biological changes. Typically, this will; involve a rapid decline in ovarian function and significantly reduced production of sex hormones known as principally oestrogens. The resulting amenorrhoea, permanent cessation of menstruation signals the end of a women's ability to have children.

The menopause symptoms which are most associated with the menopause are first its give a signs of menopause, the beginning of the peri-menopausal periods which the usually the start of irregular menstrual periods. This irregulars periods can last from a few months or to a few years.

This also associated with hormonal change can have a profound effect on the neuoendocrine system and can induce hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, insomnia, loss of energy and libido(sex drive), mood changes, anxiety and irritability. In many women these systoms have significant effects on daily life and on their overall quality of life.