What is menopause? Menopause is characterized by the irreversible cessation of ovarian function and the end of menstruation in a woman. This natural process occurs between the ages of 45-55, with an average age of 52. Perimenopause is a period when the first symptoms of menopause appear. Perimenopause is a period during which the body makes the transition to menopause. Progesterone and estrogen change their concentration and menstrual cycles become irregular. This period can last between 7 and 14 years. A woman is considered to be in menopause when she has not had a menstrual cycle for 12 months. When moving to postmenopause, the unpleasant symptoms disappear. During postmenopause, a woman’s risk of heart disease and osteoporosis increases. What are the causes of menopause? Natural reduction of reproductive hormones; Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy), which causes sudden menopause because the ovaries produce the hormones that regulate the monthly cycle; A hysterectomy is an operation that removes the uterus but not the ovaries and does not lead to immediate menopause. The ovaries continue to secrete hormones even though there is no menstruation; Radiotherapies and chemotherapies may cause menopause, accompanied by hot and cold flashes after the end of treatment. Menstruation does not always stop after chemotherapy. With radiation therapy, menstruation stops if the radiation is directed only to the ovaries. If it is directed to other parts of the body such as the head, it will not be related to the onset of menopause. Symptoms during menopause Accompanying symptoms may be hot flashes, headaches, trouble sleeping, more frequent urination, reluctance to have sex, weight gain, frequent mood swings, easy irritability, vaginal dryness, drier skin, thinning hair, joint and muscle pain palpitations and more.(1) Ways to overcome symptoms Eating a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, less red and processed meat and more seafood ; Alcohol restriction; Stop smoking; Leading a healthier lifestyle, light exercise, frequent walks, practicing the deep breathing technique; Rest and quality sleep; Taking certain supplements recommended by a doctor. When should you see a doctor? Every woman of reproductive age must visit the gynecological office once a year without any reason to perform preventive health care. It is desirable that visits should not be discontinued after menopause. These cares include: blood smear examination annually; Breast examination, echomammography or mammography annually; Regular triglyceride screening; Colonoscopy – once every five years. Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland with a certain frequency by a specialist is also recommended. References: 1. https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/2014/10000/the_north_american_menopause_society.5.aspx 2. https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-supplements-for-menopause-7505896 3. https://www. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397 4. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/what-menopause#:~:text=Menopause%20is%20a% 20point%20in,between%20ages%2045%20and%2055. 5. https://www.dietdoctor.com/recipes/roast-beef-with-keto-no-tato-salad