Menopause is the term used to describe the natural changes that occur in a woman's body as her ovaries stop producing the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. The word "menopause" comes from the Greek words "menos" meaning month and "pausis" meaning cessation, referring to the permanent cessation of a woman's monthly menstrual periods.
Some key points about why it's called menopause:
- The term signifies the end of menstruation, not the end of being a woman or femininity. Menstruation stops, it does not "pause", hence why "menostop" would not be accurate.
- The name reflects the main physiological event occurring - the final menstrual period and permanent stopping of menstrual cycles.
- The term has been used in medical literature for centuries, dating back to the early 1800s, well before much was understood about menopause. The name stuck even as more research emerged.
- Changing an established medical name can cause confusion. Keeping the term "menopause" maintains clarity.
- Many other names for this transition like "change of life" are vague or euphemistic. Menopause precisely signifies the central event occurring in the body.
The duration of menopause transitional stages can vary widely among women. But the endpoint is that
menstruation ceases permanently:
- Perimenopause - irregular cycles and emergence of menopausal symptoms, can last 4-8 years
- Menopause - final menstrual period, diagnosed after 12 months without a period
- Postmenopause - begins after final period, lasts the remainder of life
Hormonal changes underlie menopausal biology:
- Ovarian follicles decline until gone completely, by the late peri-menopause stage
- The ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing most of the estrogen and progesterone
- Lower estrogen/progesterone causes menstrual cycle disruptions, leading to final menstrual period
Other major changes occur:
- FSH and LH levels increase when estrogen drops, before plateauing at higher postmenopausal levels
- Postmenopause - ovaries produce minimal hormones, while other tissues still synthesize some estrogen
Calling this transition
"menostop" would ignore its most defining feature - that this is when periods permanently stop due to ovarian shutdown.
Consider hormone replacement at Hormone Harmony Clinic
If you're struggling with uncomfortable menopause symptoms, consider hormone replacement therapy customized to your needs. Hormone Harmony Clinic() provides personalized care including:
- Hormone level testing to guide custom balanced hormones
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- Telehealth available in all 50 states
- Most insurance plans cover treatment
- Specializing in menopause care for over 25 years
Schedule a consultation today to learn about hormone therapy options tailored for you. Take control of your menopause journey with the help of our compassionate practitioners.
