Clinical presentation

Clinical manifestations

Symptoms vary in nature and intensity, and may begin several years before menstruation stops.

Menstrual cycle disorders

• irregular cycles, with periods becoming progressively less frequent and eventually ceasing

Neuropsychiatric symptoms

• mood disorders (anxiety, irritability, depression)
• impaired cognitive function (memory and concentration problems)

Vasomotor symptoms

• hot flushes
• night sweats

Somatic symptoms

• sleep disturbances
• palpitations
• headaches
• musculoskeletal pain
• weight gain and changes in body composition

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

• vaginal dryness
• dyspareunia
• itching (pruritus)
• recurrent urinary tract infections

Causes

Menopause can:

• happen naturally
• be induced, in particular by:
  • oophorectomy
  • hysterectomy
  • cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy)
  • genetic causes

In some cases, no specific cause is identified.