Definition of Induced menopause
Induced menopause (and "menopause, induced"):
Menopause induced
by an unusual event, such as occurs when the ovaries are damaged by radiation,
chemotherapy or other medications; or as occurs when the ovaries are surgically
removed (by bilateral oophorectomy).
Induced menopause is distinct from natural menopause which occurs when the
ovaries naturally decrease their production of the sex hormones estrogen and
progesterone. Induced menopause, due to the abrupt reduction of ovarian
hormones, often causes the sudden onset of hot flashes and other
menopause-related symptoms such as dryness of the vaginal lining and a decline
in sex drive. When the levels of hormones normally produced by the ovaries
suddenly drop, changes associated with the menopause promptly take place: hot
flashes (a sudden warm feeling with flushing), night sweats, mood swings,
vaginal dryness, fluctuations in sexual desire (libido), forgetfulness, trouble
sleeping and fatigue, probably from loss of sleep.
Hormone therapy (HT) with estrogen and progesterone and other medications
have been used to treat the symptoms of induced menopause when these are severe
or disturbing. It reduces or stops the short-term changes of menopause such as
hot flashes, disturbed sleep, and vaginal dryness.
Last Editorial Review: 1/27/2009Common Misspellings: induced menapause
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