Overview
Spontaneous or natural menopause occurs when the final menstrual period is confirmed after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea with no pathological cause. Induced menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation after bilateral oophorectomy (ie surgical menopause) or iatrogenic ablation of ovarian function (eg pelvic radiation therapy, chemotherapy).
Menopause is associated with decreased estrogen production which leads to vasomotor symptoms (eg hot flushes and night sweats) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) (eg urogenital atrophy which includes vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, painful urination, urinary urgency and recurrent urinary tract infections [UTIs]).
A complete and thorough history and physical exam is needed for the diagnosis of menopause,
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) should always be individualized and should be considered only with clear indications and when contraindications have been ruled out and potential individual benefits outweigh the risks.
For further information regarding the management of Menopause & Hormone Therapy, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
Menopause is associated with decreased estrogen production which leads to vasomotor symptoms (eg hot flushes and night sweats) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) (eg urogenital atrophy which includes vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, painful urination, urinary urgency and recurrent urinary tract infections [UTIs]).
A complete and thorough history and physical exam is needed for the diagnosis of menopause,
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) should always be individualized and should be considered only with clear indications and when contraindications have been ruled out and potential individual benefits outweigh the risks.
For further information regarding the management of Menopause & Hormone Therapy, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
