Menopause
Menopause is a normal event in life, characterised by hormonal changes, and in this way, is similar to life’s other significant hormone-related event, menarche (first period). It typically occurs in ‘mid-life’, between the late 40s and early 50s. Women who smoke tend to experience menopause around two years earlier than non-smokers.
The term menopause is used to describe the time when a woman stops having her menstrual periods. This time of change signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive years.
Artificial menopause
Artificial menopause often occurs as a result of medical intervention.
Examples of the causes of artificial menopause are:
- radiation to the pelvic area
- some medication or drugs
Premature menopause
Premature menopause, as its name suggests, occurs when a woman reaches menopause before the usual age of 45 to 60 years old, typically before 40 years old.
Premature menopause may be caused by:
- hereditary factors
- smoking
- exposure to radiation
Natural menopause
Natural menopause is a natural process of advancing age. Most women will experience this type of menopause.