The Menopause Guide for Men Trivia Quiz

Answer: The time after the last menstrual period

Menopause is the permanent cessation of reproductive fertility in women, and is indicated by the stopping of monthly menstruation. It is taken from the Greek words 'Pausis' (cessation) and 'Mensis' (month). Women are unable to define the exact date when they reach the menopause until a year or two after their last period.

Answer: Perimenopause

This period can also be called the 'climacteric period' or 'premenopause'. Periods start to become erratic, irregular, light or heavy. Hormone levels start to change and become imbalanced, therefore causing physical and psychological symptoms.

Answer: Estrogen and progesterone

Menopause occurs when the low levels of oestrogen and progesterone do not stimulate the lining of the womb. The ovaries stop releasing eggs, and the female body is no longer able to conceive. The average age in the western world for a woman to reach menopause is 51.

Answer: Tonsillitis

Lack of the hormone estrogen will cause problems with muscle and bone growth, skin suppleness, uterine growth, thinning of the vaginal wall and metabolism. There are several physical symptons of the menopause. Some women just get one or two, but other women get the full works.

Hot flashes/flushes
Irregular heartbeat
Insomnia
Dizziness
Irregular periods
Loss of libido
Dry vagina
Crashing fatigue
Aching and sore joints
Headache
Indigestion
Weight gain
Changes in body odour
Gum problems
Osteoporosis

Answer: Depression

Many women suffer with mental health issues during the menopause. I'm not saying that we are going mad and neither will the issues be long term. Lack of the hormone estrogen affects the functionality of the brain and having a healthy memory. Other psychological issues you may come across are listed below.

Anxiety
Irritability
Mood swings
Difficulty concentrating
Disorientation
Mental confusion
Memory lapses

Answer: Follicle stimulating hormone

Follicle stimulating hormone or FSH blood tests determine sexual development, menstruation and fertility in a woman. FSH is produced by the pituitary glands. The ovaries make the hormones estrogen and progesterone, and as the production of these decline approaching menopause, there is an increase in the follicle stimulating hormone.

Answer: Healthy diet and exercise

By making healthy lifestyle changes, women undergoing the menopause can minimise health risks such as heart disease, osteoporosis and stress. Some women decide to take hormone replacement therapy or natural remedies, but there are conflicting results on the effectiveness and side effects of these preparations.

Answer: Hot flush

Lack of the hormone estrogen can affect the temperature regulation in the body of a menopausal woman. The hot flush, or 'flash', can occur in 60-85% of women. For some women, this may happen infrequently, but for others it can affect their quality of life. During the night, they are called 'night sweats'.

Some women who suffer with them a great deal often have to take cold showers, change clothing and bedding several times during the night.

Answer: Postmenopause

A woman with ovaries intact is judged postmenopausal when she has not had a period for two years. For the woman who has had her ovaries removed, she is termed postmenopausal when she has not had a period for one year. Postmenopausal women should have bone density scans carried out to check for osteoporosis, and mammograms to check for early signs of breast cancer.

Answer: Oophorectomy

An oophorectomy is carried out on women who have ovarian cancer or ovarian cysts. The procedure involves the removal of an ovary or ovaries. Women going through surgical menopause tend to be younger than women going through a natural menopause. Once surgery has been completed, the onset of menopausal symptoms starts immediately.