Menopause is a process experienced by women where the gradual or sudden loss of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone results in cessation of menstrual periods. There are three different types of menopause a woman can experience:
- Premature menopause
- Artificial menopause
- Natural menopause
Premature Menopause
Premature menopause occurs when the last period occurs before the age of 40 years old. This type of menopause may be caused by:
- hereditary factors
- smoking
- exposure to radiation
- exposure to chemotherapy
Certain surgical procedures that interrupt the blood supply to ovaries may also be associated with premature menopause.
Artificial Menopause
Artificial menopause often occurs as a result of medical intervention. An example is the removal of the ovaries, which produces the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Radiation to the pelvic area may also cause artificial menopause and some drugs can cause a reversible menopausal state.
Natural Menopause
Natural menopause is caused by advancing age. Most women will experience this type of menopause.It usually occurs in women around the age of 45-60 years old and spans 2-6 years. During this time, hormone levels change as the ovaries gradually or suddenly reduces its production of estrogen and progesterone. Other hormones in the body can also fluctuate during natural menopause.
After menopause, a less active form of estrogen is produced. This is called estrone. Estrone is produced from the conversion of certain sex hormones in the kidneys, liver and fat cells. For this reason, very thin women may experience more severe menopausal symptoms.
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