menopause /men″əpôz/ [L, men, month; Gk, pausis, to cease] , strictly, the cessation of menses, but commonly referring to the period of the female climacteric. Menses stop naturally with the decline of cyclic hormonal production and function, usually between 45 and 55 years of age, but may stop earlier in life as a result of illness or surgery or for unknown reasons. As the production of ovarian estrogen and pituitary gonadotropins decreases, ovulation and menstruation become less frequent and eventually stop. Fluctuations in the circulating levels of these hormones occur as the levels decline. Compare andropause. See also artificial menopause. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Symptoms commonly associated with menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances. Vaginal dryness and mood swings are also experienced by some women. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: The symptoms of menopause may be relieved by hormone therapy. This can involve the use of either estrogen alone for women who have had a hysterectomy or estrogen with progesterone or progestin in its synthetic form for women who have not had a hysterectomy. Nonhormonal approaches include changes in lifestyle or diet; the use of dietary supplements may also relieve symptoms. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Symptoms associated with menopause vary greatly in severity and the length of time they persist.
