Definition
Etymological, the term menopause means “cessation of rules.” Menopause or climacteric is a normal physiological process that marks the end of the fertile period. The cessation of ovarian function and secretion of female hormones – estrogen and progesterone – causes cessation of menses.
According to the Dictionary of Medicine Flammarion, “menopause is the time of the climacteric woman normally between 50 and 55, characterized by suppression of ovarian function and the total disappearance of menstruation. It is recognized that menopause installed where there were no rules for a year. After the surgical removal of ovaries (castration) in a woman yet settled, which follows the menopause is called artificial. ”
Menopause is preceded by a long transition period that begins at the age of 40 years and in which appear the first biological changes. This transition corresponds to the premenopausal and perimenopausal.
- The premenopausal means the period during which hormonal fluctations produce menstrual irregularities. It can vary from months to several years, it usually lasts 5 years.
- Perimenopause is the “period of one year immediately prior to menopause during which begins endocrinological signs characterizing biological and clinical approach of the menopause.” (Definition of Lucien Chaby extracted from his book on Menopause, Collection Dominos, Flammarion) (more…)
