Menopause Overview and Effects

Menopause

• Occurs due to decreased estrogen production and loss of ovarian activity
• Identified by absence of menstruation for six months
• Premature menopause occurs before the age of 40
• Hysterectomy does not affect menopause
• Perimenopause is the period before and after menopause with fluctuating hormones
• Perimenopause usually occurs between 45-55 years old
• Perimenopause causes fluctuating hormones, decreased fertility, mood swings, vasomotor flushes, sleep disturbances
• Increased gonadotropins (LH, FSH) occur due to decreased estrogen and inhibin levels
• Hot flashes are the most common physical complaint of menopausal women
• Estrogen deficiency leads to vaginal dryness, irritation, and dyspareunia
• Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is caused by decreased estrogen levels, loss of bone matrix and minerals
• Recommended preventative measures for osteoporosis in menopausal women include adequate calcium and protein intake along with physical activity
• Prolonged estrogen intake for more than 10 years is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer
• Excessive estrogen intake can cause endometrial hyperplasia and cancer

Andropause

• Gradual decline in testosterone levels with age in men
• Testosterone declines at a rate of 1% per year after 40
• Low testosterone levels can cause shrinking of the penis and scrotum, decreased facial hair growth, reduced muscle mass and bone density
• DHEAS administration in middle-aged men is associated with prostate enlargement and limited sperm production
• Andropause causes a decrease in muscle mass and strength

Cell Division

• Mitosis is the process of producing two identical diploid cells, for growth and replacement
• Meiosis is the process of cell division that produces four unique haploid cells for sexual reproduction

Spermatogenesis

• Process of forming sperm in the seminiferous tubules of the testes
• Meiosis I results in two haploid secondary spermatocytes
• Spermiogenesis is the transformation of spermatids into mature sperm

Oogenesis

• Process of forming eggs in ovaries
• Resumption of meiosis in primary oocyte is triggered by a surge in LH before ovulation
• One oogonium produces one mature ovum