The transitional phase that refers to the change from the reproductive period to the childless period in a woman is called menopause. This period is characterized by hormonal fluctuations that intensify before and after the last menstrual cycle, which is a milestone that indicates the final stage of this process, according to the Ministry of Health.
This final menstruation, confirmed after 12 consecutive months without bleeding, is menopause, defined as the end of a woman’s reproductive potential. This is a biological event associated with a permanent decline in ovarian activity, which determines the focal point of the changes observed in the climax phase.
The difference between the two terms – which are commonly confused – is that menopause is the date that marks one year from a woman’s last menstrual period, while menopause is the period that includes the years before and after the gradual failure of ovarian function, explains Dr. Raquel Machado, a gynecologist.
“Menopause is part of the menopausal period. Medical monitoring at this stage is important, especially to determine the risks of ovarian failure to a woman’s health, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and muscular dystrophy. The specialist explains that an individual evaluation allows the doctor to treat symptoms and prevent these diseases in mature women.”
The specialist explains that the first and most common symptoms are changes in the menstrual cycle, but the most common are hot flashes (hot flashes), decreased libido, mental fog (forgetfulness), mood changes, sleep changes, and vaginal dryness.
“A woman should see a gynecologist if she notices symptoms that affect her quality of life, unusual irregular menstrual bleeding, or if a woman has premature menopause or ovarian insufficiency. The earlier the evaluation, the better to prevent complications,” the gynecologist warns.
Menopause most often occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and cases recorded before the age of 40 are classified as early menopause.
As shown by data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), released by the Brazilian Company of Hospital Services (Ebserh), premature or early ovarian failure, known as premature menopause, affects 7.9% of the female population – about 30 million women in Brazil.
Gynecological care and disease prevention
According to Dr. Raquel Machado, regular medical monitoring allows for targeted treatment, such as hormonal therapy when necessary, symptom management and risk prevention, and improvement of quality of life through personalized plans.
“From the age of 40, especially during the peak period, clinical evaluation is essential, including monitoring of blood pressure and body mass index (BMI), age-specific cervical cancer (HPV) screening, annual mammography, bone density measurement when indicated, basic laboratory tests and hormonal tests, when clinical information is necessary to clarify the menstrual status or in specific cases,” says the specialist.
The doctor confirms that there are more modern hormonal treatments as well as new non-hormonal methods that help relieve menopausal symptoms safely. “We are living in a new era of menopause, and the scientific world has turned its attention to these women and their complaints. There are technologies such as intimate lasers and probiotics for genitourinary menopause syndrome and newer medications to treat hot flashes.”
For Dr. Raquel Machado, many women still view menopause with a certain sense of fear or taboo, and information and medical support can help turn this phase into a moment of self-knowledge and care. “Demystifying menopause through evidence-based information and observation changes this phase. Medical listening and education reduce stigma and anxiety.”
The specialist confirms that risk assessment, symptom management, preventive planning against bone, heart and cancer diseases, and empowerment in treatment options increase self-care and women’s quality of life.