Menopausale

Menopausale is an adjective used in medical and everyday language to describe things related to menopause, the natural end of a person’s reproductive ability. The term is used across languages to label symptoms, conditions, or life stages associated with the decline in ovarian function and sex hormone production.

Biology and stages: Menopause is reached when a person has gone without menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months, marking the end of fertility. It results from a decline in ovarian follicles and estrogen and progesterone production. The transition period before menopause, known as perimenopause, can last several years and is characterized by irregular menses and fluctuating hormone levels. After menopause, the stage is referred to as postmenopause.

Age range and variability: Most individuals experience menopause in their late 40s to early 50s, with an average around 51, but actual age varies by individual and population and can be influenced by genetics, health, and medical interventions such as oophorectomy or chemotherapy.

Symptoms and health considerations: Common menopausale-associated symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, mood changes, and reduced libido. Long-term health considerations may include reduced bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis, as well as changes in cardiovascular risk profile. Management is individualized and may involve hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, topical treatments for vaginal symptoms, and lifestyle measures such as regular exercise, weight management, smoking cessation, and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.

Other use: The concept of menopausale also appears in veterinary contexts to describe menopausal stages in other mammals, though the occurrence and interpretation can differ among species. In all uses, medical guidance is recommended for diagnosis and treatment decisions.