Menopause Types

There are 3 types of menopause a woman can experience;

• Premature menopause
• Artificial menopause
• Natural menopause

A woman is said to be experiencing premature menopause when she has her last period before she is actually 40 years old. This is because menopause is usually and naturally seen to be occurring in women who are beyond 50. There may be reasons for experiencing a premature menopause. Some such factors may be;

• Smoking
• Exposure to chemotherapy
• Hereditary factors
• Exposure to radiation
• Over-exposure to xenoestrogens

During surgery if the blood supply to the ovaries is interrupted then it may lead to the premature type of menopause also.

An Artificial menopause made possible by medical intervention due to the wish of the patient. This is often done by removing the ovaries that produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone. At times though radiation experienced in the pelvic area may also lead to the artificial type of menopause.

A Natural menopause is a part of the aging process of a woman. This phenomenon is associated with women in the age group of 45-60 and it indicates the end of fertility and the child bearing age. The period of menopause lasts for two to six years, during which time, hormone levels change due to the reduction in the production of estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries. There are 12 types of menopause and they are as follows;

Hormonal Imbalances of Menopause

• Normal Menopause - This kind of menopause is free from discomfort. You just stop menstruating and may never have a hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or fatigue.

• Low Testosterone Imbalance - In this kind of hormonal imbalance in menopause, a woman's body is producing estrogen and progesterone to meet her needs. However, the levels of both hormones tend to be on the low end of normal. The body is not making enough testosterone and can increase your risk of disorders of the vulva, such as lichen sclerosus. This is a condition in which the labia and vulva become thin and fragile.

• High Testosterone Imbalance - This kind of hormonal imbalance in menopause is similar the first two kinds hormonal imbalance and may be relatively easy. With adequate levels of both estrogen and progesterone, things may go smoothly. Too high a level of testosterone may be a problem.

• Low Estrogen Imbalance - This kind of hormonal imbalance in menopause appears when your body doesn't produce enough estrogen. It may be due to stress or other factors. The adrenal glands may find it difficult to increase production while making estrogen.

• Low Estrogen, Low Testosterone Imbalance - Although this kind of hormonal imbalance in menopause has many of the same physical discomforts as "Low Estrogen Imbalance", the most painful effects may be emotional. Having low estrogen and low testosterone can affect a woman's mood; but together, this types effects can be overwhelming.

• Low Estrogen, High Testosterone Imbalance - The women with this kind of hormonal imbalance in menopause may suffer from awkward combinations of agitation and fatigue. Low estrogen may make it hard for you to concentrate and remember names, while high testosterone levels may make you feel irritable.

• Low Progesterone Imbalance - This kind of hormonal imbalance in menopause can cause anxiety. In the woman's body, progesterone has a soothing effect on the nervous system. Progesterone and its by-products can affect the same nervous system receptors affected by anti-anxiety drugs such as Valium and Xanax.

• Low Progesterone, Low Testosterone Imbalance - This kind of hormonal imbalance in menopause is similar to "Low Progesterone Imbalance". The lack of libido, drive, and motivation accompanies low testosterone levels and increases anxiety in women who already are feeling anxious from a progesterone deficiency. It can involve lower spirits and a greater tendency towards depression.

• Low Progesterone, High Testosterone Imbalance - This kind of hormonal imbalance in menopause causes anxiety from low progesterone and testiness from high testosterone. Needless to say, when this type of imbalance is combined, the result is unpleasant.

• Low Estrogen, Low Progesterone Imbalance - This kind of hormonal imbalance in menopause involves a profound definicency in two important hormones in a woman's body; estrogen and progesterone. Women with this type hormonal imbalance may feel inadequate in significant ways.

• Low Estrogen, Low Progesterone, Low Testosterone Imbalance - This kind of hormonal imbalance in menopause may cause deep discomfort. Menopause is difficult enough with deficiencies in both estrogen and progesterone, but when your testosterone level is low as well, it may make it worst.

• Low Estrogen, Low Progesterone, High Testosterone Imbalance - This kind of hormonal imbalance in menopause can make you feel more agitated and/or frustrated. Like hormonal imbalance "Low Estrogen/ Low Progesterone" and "Low Estrogen/Low Progesterone/Low Testosterone", this can bring a profoundly disturbing sense of being out of balance or out of phase.

Most important, even though menopause is not an illness, you shouldn't hesitate to get treatment if you're having severe symptoms. There are conventional treatments and holistic treatments available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy.

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Our job at Patients Medical is to listen, to connect the dots between a patient's medical history, symptoms, and their underlying causes. Patients Medical is a superb place for women and men to secure integrative and holistic health care from providers who give personalized care, partner with the patient to focus on the root cause of their illness, support their recovery, and help them maintain good health.

To make an appointment with one of our physicians, please call us at 1-212-794-8800. We look forward to hearing from you.

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