Menopause Research Paper Outline

What is menopause?

It is a period in a women’s life when she, is typically 45-50 years of age and menstruation ceases or stops. (Source A)

The process is gradual and there are three steps or phases of menopause.

Firstly, there is the perimenopause, this is the 3 to 5-year period before menopause when your estrogen and hormone levels begin to drop. During this time, you will start to experience the early symptoms of menopause which are o Hot flashes o Sleep disturbances-insomnia o Night sweats o Elevated heart rate o Mood changes—irritability, depression, anxiety o Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sexual intercourse o Urinary issues (Source B)

The next phase is menopause, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center,

Symptoms that you experience during perimenopause and menopause may still continue. Additionally, due to the decrease in estrogen, there 's an increased risk of heart disease, osteopenia and osteoporosis. (Source A, B)

What is hormone replacement therapy(HRT’s)?

It is treatment used to augment the body 's natural hormone levels, either in the form of oestrogen-alone therapy (ET), for women who have had a hysterectomy (or surgical menopause) or as oestrogen with progesterone therapy (EPT). (Source C)

This treatment replaces the hormones needed for the body because the body no longer produces those hormones specifically oestrogen and progesterone.

Oestrogen helps the body to process calcium which is important for the strengthening of bone and aids in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and keeps the vagina healthy. If you still have your uterus, taking estrogen without progesterone raises your risk for cancer of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. Since the cells from the endometrium aren’t leaving your body during your period any more, they may build up in your uterus and lead to cancer. Progesterone lowers that risk by thinning the lining. (Source