Menopause

• Overview
   
• Causes
   
• Symptoms
   
• Treatment
   
• Further information

Causes

The menopause happens because of falling levels of oestrogen, which regulates menstruation.² In turn, we stop producing eggs.²

Very rarely, women under 45 suffer premature menopause, known as premature ovarian failure.² In many cases, doctors can't find any cause.²

In around five to 15 percent of cases, your ovaries still release eggs occasionally, which mean you may still be able to get pregnant.²

Rare causes of premature ovarian failure include:²

• Down's syndrome, and Turner's syndrome, chromosomal conditions; Addison's disease, and hypothyroidism; autoimmune conditions which sees the body attacking itself.²
• Medical treatments and procedures which trigger premature ovarian failure by mistake, such as removal of ovaries; radiotherapy in the pelvic area; chemotherapy and removal of the womb (hysterectomy).²
• Infections such astuberculosis or mumps. With mumps, the damage is usually only temporary.²
• More rarely, malaria, chickenpox and shingles, and shigella can cause premature ovarian failure.²

Diagnosis

Visit your GP if you feel you cannot cope with any menopausal symptoms.^1,2

Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and if you are still having any periods before making a diagnosis.^1,2

If there's any doubt, doctors can measure the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood. The level of FSH rises in women who are menopausal.^1,2