What does menopause mean?

Menopause, also known as the perimenopausal period, is a crucial transitional phase for women from their reproductive years to older age, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.

During this stage, women experience a gradual decline in ovarian function and fluctuations in estrogen levels that ultimately decrease. This not only causes irregular menstrual cycles that eventually stop but also triggers a range of physical and psychological symptoms. For example, hot flashes and frequent sweating may suddenly cause feelings of intense heat without warning; mood swings may lead to unexplained irritability, anxiety, or depression; sleep disturbances, including insomnia, are also common. These symptoms are primarily caused by the effects of declining estrogen levels on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and metabolic system.

For men, menopause is less noticeable but generally occurs around the ages of 55 to 60. It is primarily caused by a gradual reduction in testosterone levels and the symptoms are usually milder compared to those experienced by women.

Menopause is a natural stage in the aging process of the human body, and both men and women should pay attention to it, actively and appropriately managing this transition.