The World Health organization term menopause as ” the end of monthly menstruation ( also known as a menstrual period or ' period ') due to loss of ovarian follicular function . This means that the ovaries stop releasing eggs for fertilization .” longer count her days as they can stay between 2-6 months and she thinks she is perimenopausal . The only plus for her is that even when it comes the flow is very light almost just spotting though sometimes it is very dark like old blood .
GYN CHRONICLES
Menopause
By Dr . Maureen Owiti
The most exciting time of the year is upon us once again . We are about to start Carol singing , and merry making due to the imminent festivities . Staff Christmas parties are ongoing among others if austerity measures allow in this harsh economic climate with fuel pump prices still at an all-time high . As a security measure let me take this early opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and an even more prosperous New Year .
In view of this I don ’ t know why I want to delve into a not so exciting topic i . e . the climacteric period , but such is medicine , most things you visit the doctor for are usually not very thrilling . In my usual fashion I start with a case .
Penelope ( obviously not her real name ) a 51-year-old business lady calls me one day ; she has been referred by a friend and felt I may have a solution to her problems . We quickly agree on a date for her appointment and in walks this beautiful and graceful lady that looks almost half her age . I was at a loss as to what could be disturbing her as I love to guess what is ailing the patient as they walk in and get it right most of the time .
Anyhow we go through our introductions and she confides in me that she has been sweating profusely and it is making her not want to go to work or set up meetings as the sweats come in bouts completely unexpected and she gets fully drenched in it . At the time of the bouts she is very uncomfortable and usually needs to stop whatever she is doing to leave for a quiet place to recompose herself . You can imagine in a formal client meeting that may not be possible once settled in front of the client . She has resorted to carrying a hand-held fan and many handkerchiefs . She is torn whether to stop wearing her make up as she often has to do a full reapplication whenever her make up runs .
Does this sound familiar to anyone ? Also , of late she has noticed that her staff are avoiding her as she now gets easily irritated over small issues and ends up yelling , which is not in keeping with her normal demeanor .
I enquire further to find out if her periods are still coming and she reports that her menses have become erratic . She can no
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The World Health organization term menopause as ” the end of monthly menstruation ( also known as a menstrual period or ' period ') due to loss of ovarian follicular function . This means that the ovaries stop releasing eggs for fertilization .” longer count her days as they can stay between 2-6 months and she thinks she is perimenopausal . The only plus for her is that even when it comes the flow is very light almost just spotting though sometimes it is very dark like old blood .
I nod in consent . She definitely sounds like someone who is in the perimenopausal or climacteric period .
So , what is menopause ? Well menopause has a very precise definition according to the National Institute for Health , “ Menopause is the permanent cessation of menses for 12 months resulting from estrogen deficiency and is not associated with a pathology . The median age of menopause is 51 . Most women experience vasomotor symptoms , but menopause affects many other areas of the body , such as urogenital , psychogenic , and cardiovascular .”
The World Health organization term menopause as ” the end of monthly menstruation ( also known as a menstrual period or ' period ') due to loss of ovarian follicular function . This means that the ovaries stop releasing eggs for fertilization .”
Symptoms Of Menopause
Common symptoms of the menopause include :
Hot flushes and night sweats
Short , sudden feelings of heat , usually in the face , neck and chest , which can make the skin red and sweaty Hot flashes occur from
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