Menopause – an inevitable part of a woman’s life is, often, shrouded in a bit of mystery. Some might see it as just another stage in life, but for many, it’s a phase filled with uncertainty and even frustration. Understanding, exactly what triggers menopause can help demystify some of the confusion and even empower women to deal with it better. In this blog, we’re delving into the clinical causes of menopause—exploring what triggers this natural biological process.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is essentially the end of menstruation. It typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can occur earlier or later. The onset of menopause is marked by the body gradually producing less oestrogen and other hormones. This hormonal shift affects the reproductive cycle and eventually leads to the end of menstruation altogether.
The most common sign that menopause is approaching is the irregularity of periods. This transitional phase is often called perimenopause, and it can begin several years before the final menstrual cycle. During this time, women may experience hot flashes—a sudden surge of heat, mood swings, night sweats, and a host of other symptoms. But what triggers this? Let’s dig deeper into the clinical factors behind menopause.
The Primary Cause: Decline in Ovarian Function
The main trigger of menopause is the natural decline in ovarian function. Throughout a woman’s reproductive life, her ovaries produce hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle. As women age, their ovarian follicles—the structures that release eggs—diminish in both quantity and quality.
From the age of around 35, there is a noticeable decline in ovarian activity, meaning fewer eggs are released, and hormone levels begin to fluctuate more significantly. Eventually, when the ovaries stop releasing eggs completely, menstruation ceases—marking the beginning of menopause.
Hormonal Changes Behind the Scenes
Oestrogen, the key female hormone, gradually declines in the years leading up to menopause. This drop in oestrogen is central to many symptoms women experience during menopause, including those hot flashes and changes in mood. Progesterone, another vital hormone, also decreases. Progesterone’s decline contributes to the irregularity of menstrual cycles before periods completely stop.
In addition, the body also produces higher levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) as a reaction to diminishing oestrogen levels. The pituitary gland in the brain tries to compensate by signalling the ovaries to produce more hormones, resulting in higher FSH levels. This imbalance is a clear clinical marker of menopause onset.
Genetic Factors
There’s no doubt genetics plays a role in the timing of menopause. If your mother experienced menopause at an earlier age, there’s a higher likelihood that you might also experience it sooner. Genetic factors influence how long a woman’s ovaries continue to function properly and how early they start declining.
Premature Menopause and Secondary Causes
While menopause typically occurs naturally with age, some women experience premature menopause, which can occur before the age of 40. This may be triggered by various factors including genetics, autoimmune conditions, and lifestyle choices such as smoking.
Additionally, medical interventions like chemotherapy or radiation therapy can lead to premature ovarian failure, causing early onset menopause. Surgical removal of the ovaries, known as oophorectomy, also directly leads to an abrupt menopause since there are no longer any ovaries to produce essential reproductive hormones.
Lifestyle and Health Factors
Lifestyle habits can also affect the onset of menopause. Smoking, for instance, is known to accelerate ovarian decline, and smokers may reach menopause earlier than non-smokers. High levels of stress and poor diet might also have an influence on hormonal balance, and indirectly affect the timing of menopause. Obesity and being overweight may impact hormone levels, thereby causing shifts that could lead to earlier or more problematic symptoms during menopause.
On the other hand, certain health conditions, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can delay menopause. PCOS is associated with a high number of immature ovarian follicles that prolong the ovarian activity, therefore sometimes delaying the onset of menopause.
When to See a Doctor
If menopause begins before the age of 40 or is accompanied by severe symptoms that impact daily life, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. Premature menopause can increase the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease, so monitoring and managing health during this phase is crucial.
Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process for women, triggered by a complex interplay of hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle factors. While it might feel overwhelming, understanding what triggers menopause can help women be more prepared and proactive in managing its symptoms. Remember, it’s not just about enduring the change but embracing it as a natural chapter in life’s journey.
If you’re approaching menopause or currently navigating it, take the time to educate yourself about your body’s changes, seek support, and speak with a healthcare professional to alleviate some of the symptoms and find the right treatment options for you.