On the other hand, it has been seen that estrone is the compound, which is at the highest level after menopause. Thereby on the hormonal basis, it has been seen that the transition is more defined by the gradual shift from estradiol to estrone (Atsma, Bartelink, Grobbee, and van der Schouw, 2006, p
With a great drop in the estrogen levels, a great decrease is seen in the bone mass as well as strength. Thinning of bones is also known as osteoporosis (Boland, and Lavelle, 2006, p
Some of the main symptoms of the menopause as highlighted in the studies include an irregularity seen in menstruation, a menopausal transitions that begins when the women turns 40. This menopause is divided in an early as well as a late phase by conventional clinical and medical studies (Burger, Hale, Robertson, and Dennerstein, 2007, p
These hot flashes make a woman feel as if they are in a constant state of premenstrual syndrome. Some of the main emotional changes that are seen in the women suffering from transitional state include feeling of irritability, sadness, and increase in anxiety, depression, and difficulty in concentration, anger, stress and tension as well as mood changes (Currier, 2010, p
As the ovarian failure is markedly increased in this case, that means that there are no steroid hormones being released that sends a signal to the pituitary to release more gonadotropin releasing Hormone. As the levels of the gonadotropin releasing Hormone rises, there is a subsequent increase in the levels of FSH and LH (D'Adamo, and Whitney, 2006, p
Other than the change in estrogen levels, some other changes that are seen include a reduction in the early cycle inhibin B. And anti-Mullerian hormone (Gracia, Sammel, Freeman, Lin, Kapoor, and Nelson, 2005, p
The irregularity in menstruation is because of an elevated level of FSH. The great rise in the hormone is associated with reduction in the length of menstrual cycle and a decrease in the follicular phase (Lobo, Kelsey, and Marcus, 2000, p
One of the main reasons of the transition is the change in the number of ovarian follicles. The number of ovarian follicles falls below the critical level that is seen to be the main reason of changes and transition (Lorrain, Denesle, Petit, and Dominique, 2001, p
Second important neurotransmitter involved in this case is the serotonin. The reduction of estrogen causes a great decrease in the blood serotonin level that causes a great up-regulation of the serotonin receptors in hypothalamus that causes a great increase in the heat loss (Robertson, Hale, Fraser, Hughes, and Burger, 2008, p
The studies have shown that there is a great increase in the skin temperatures based on peripheral vasodilation and this rise is seen at a higher level in certain body parts that include toes and fingers. In these fingers and toes, difference of the temperature with the rest of the body can be as much as 10 to 15°C (Rossouw, Prentice, Manson, Wu, Barad, Barnabei, Ko, LaCroix, Margolis, and Stefanick, 2007, p
Methods. Qualitative researchers have a number of methodologies available to them besides grounded theory, including the historical methodology, ethnography, phenomenology, hermeneutics, field-based case study, and action research (Burton & Steane, 2004)
Suggestions for the Methodology. Although a phenomenological approach could have been used to better understand the lived experiences of the subjects, this methodology does not contribute to the development of theory (Neuman, 2003)
Primary ovarian insufficiency can develop in females as young as teenagers. Women with primary ovarian insufficiency "stop producing normal amounts of reproductive hormones, develop hot flashes, typically become infertile and, in addition, face an increased risk for depression," ("Depression Screening Urged for Young Women With Menopause-Like Symptoms" 2010)
The term midlife crisis connotes a negative experience, but not all Changes of Life are experienced negatively. "the most profound difference in attitude between men and women at middle age is that women are twice as likely to be hopeful about the future," (Gibbs 2005)
National Institutes of Health 2010). In fact, women who have had hysterectomies or oophorectomies might experience more severe menopausal symtoms (Gorman 2005)
Other women might not experience an awakening or a midlife crisis when they go through menopause. "People who live their lives fulfilling their dreams and with a purpose are less likely to experience a crisis at midlife," (Meyer n
Menopause A midlife counterpart to puberty, menopause is a natural process that affects every female human being. Menopause is defined officially and most practically as "the state of an absence of menstrual periods for 12 months," (Stoppler 2010)
"These episodes usually begin with heat emanating from the upper chest and into the neck, face, and arms. The skin actually reddens, the pulse quickens, and the body sweats" (Baldo, Schneider, and Slyter)
Mental health counselors may encourage midlife clients to opt for transitions that are different from the previous generation and support these clients in their choices, thus empowering clients to make non-traditional choices. (Degges-White & Myers, 2006) Additionally there are other gender differences: Forty may feel like midlife at work to a man, but not necessarily to a woman
Menopause, once it existed, then may have taken on new functions, some of them adaptive. (Derry) However, it appears that regardless of its origin, it will continue to affect the human female population