Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Climacteric

Climacteric in healthcare refers to the period of time in a woman’s life when her reproductive system begins to transition to a non-reproductive state, known as menopause. The climacteric, which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, is marked by a decline in estrogen and other hormones, which can result in physical and emotional changes.

During the climacteric, women may experience a range of symptoms, including:

Hot flashes: Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth and flushing that can occur during the climacteric.

Night sweats: Night sweats are episodes of sweating that can occur while a woman is sleeping.

Vaginal dryness: Estrogen plays a role in maintaining healthy vaginal tissue, and a decline in estrogen during the climacteric can lead to vaginal dryness, which can cause discomfort during sexual activity.

Mood changes: The hormonal changes that occur during the climacteric can also affect mood, leading to feelings of irritability, anxiety, or depression.

Bone loss: The decline in estrogen that occurs during the climacteric can also lead to bone loss, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Managing the climacteric can involve a range of strategies, such as lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, and medications, to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.