Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32442/
Modified and translated by CFJA
What is Menopause?
Throughout a woman’s life, the body’s rhythm changes several times. A major factor influencing these changes is menstruation. Menstruation is affected by hormonal dynamics and is closely tied to reproductive function. Based on changes in hormone activity, a woman’s life can be divided into the following stages: fetal period, childhood, puberty, sexual maturity, menopause, and old age (Byoki ga Mieru Vol.9: Gynecology & Breast Surgery, p.95).
Menopause refers to the period when ovarian function begins to decline, eventually ceases, and menstruation ends. During this stage, the number of normally functioning follicles gradually decreases, leading to irregular menstrual cycles. Eventually, repeated anovulatory cycles occur, followed by the cessation of menstruation. After menopause, ovarian follicles disappear entirely. The transition period from declining follicular function to menopause lasts about five years (Byoki ga Mieru Vol.9: Gynecology & Breast Surgery, p.99).
Thus, menopause can be considered a period unique to women.
What is Menopausal Disorder?
Menopausal disorder is defined as “a syndrome in which the decline of ovarian function leads to a decrease in estrogen, and where social, environmental, and individual factors intricately intertwine, resulting in a wide range of nonspecific complaints—primarily centered on autonomic nervous system imbalance—despite the absence of any organic disease.”
The symptoms referred to as menopausal disorder are broadly classified into the following categories (Byoki ga Mieru Vol.9: Gynecology & Breast Surgery, p.98):
- Vasomotor symptoms – hot flashes, flushing, excessive sweating, cold hands and feet, palpitations, etc.
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms – irritability, restlessness, depression, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, etc.
- Sensory symptoms – numbness in the hands and feet, dullness of sensation in the extremities, tinnitus, etc.
- Musculoskeletal symptoms – easy fatigability, stiff shoulders, pain in the limbs, lower back pain, etc.
Since menopause is a period unique to women, many are often referred to gynecology. However, given the diversity of symptoms, patients may find themselves uncertain as to whether they should instead consult internal medicine, neurology, otolaryngology, or even orthopedics.
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