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Abstract Menopause, the natural biological change that occurs during the aging process, is the permanent cessation of menses and fertility, and is typically classified as such upon cessation of menstruation for one or more years. Natural menopause generally occurs sometime between the ages of 45 and 55 years, with an average age of 51 years old. Natural menopause is the result of the gradual decrease in the level of the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, that are produced by the ovaries. (The National Women’s Health Information Center, 2009) Margaret and, James,(2008) pointed out during menopause ovarian quiscence causes permanent cessation of menstrual activity. Changes in endocrine function during menopause vary from woman to woman, but normally estrogen levels diminish and follicle-stimulating hormone production increases. This estrogen deficiency plays a risk factor role of two key metabolic effects: coronary thrombosis and osteoporosis. Other normal variations in endocrine function include reduced progesterone production, a 50% decline in serum aldosterone levels, and a 25% decrease in cortisol secretion rate Menopause may be also associated with vasomotor and genital symptoms as well as changes in bone metabolism. Changes in the lipid profile, obesity, hypertension, glucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus may become also relevant as risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Vascular disease represents the most frequent cause of mortality and morbidity in the woman, more than cancer either in the United States or in Europe. (Roy, 2010) |