Quality of life in women after menopause

Over the last few years prolonging of an average life span of women in the majority of population has been observed. The average age of life span of a Polish woman was 81 years in 2012. The menopause takes place more or less in the 51st year of age at the average. Thus, the period after menopause is around 30 years long, which is over one third of a whole life span. The last menstruation is preceded by many characteristic hormonal changes which lead to inhibiting ovaries' hormonal activity which is described as premenopause. Changes accompanying the menopause concern first of all a decrease in ovarian synthesis of oestrogens, progesterone, ovarian androgens (testosterone and androsterone), and of adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulphate. Climacteric symptoms and frequent occurrence of many systemic diseases negatively affecting one's mental condition and self-esteem may lead to depression and worsening of a relationship with a partner and with an environment, which, in turn, significantly worsens the quality of life. Maintaining the quality of life after menopause is enhanced both by pharmacological treatment, namely hormone therapy and by alternative methods: the appropriate lifestyle or active sexual life. A gynaecologists play an important role in maintaining the quality of life, because they help the woman take the decision of introducing hormonal therapy.