Causes and Risk Factors
A woman is born with a finite number
of eggs that are stored in the ovaries.
The hormones that regulate menstruation
and ovulation (estrogen and progesterone)
are also stored in the ovaries.
Menopause occurs when the ovaries
cease to produce an egg every month,
resulting in the permanent ending
of menstruation. Menopause
typically occurs after the age
of 40 years (typically in the
range of 40-55 years) and is considered
to be a normal part of aging.
However in some cases, premature
menopause occurs as a result of
surgery such as hysterectomy or
damage to the ovaries because
of chemotherapy. Menopause that
occurs before the age of 40 years
is called premature menopause.
Menopause
can affect the physical and emotional
health of women. It is believed
to cause bone disorders like osteoporosis
as well as breast cancer and certain
heart diseases. |
