Menopause: Treatment options, dietary aspects and clinical implications

Menopause refers to the cessation menstruation. It is a counterpart of menarche which marks the beginning of menstruation. The current understanding of the physiology of menopause is that there is a depletion of primary Oocytes in the ovary by atresia as an effect of aging coupled with decreased sensitivity of the remaining Oocyte to Gonadotropins. This is then reflected as a decrease in the levels of oestradiol and progesterone. Oestradiol is currently known to be central to the pathogenesis of most of the symptoms encountered during the climacteric period. Because the currently understood theory of the pathogenesis of the symptomatology is cessation of production of oestradiol by primary Oocytes, the management of these symptoms has been hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) though of recent, other options including diets and supplements have been found to have a potential to minimize or relieve symptoms. This article will review the physiology, symptomatology and treatment options of the climacteric symptoms.