Final answer:
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of menstrual cycles, predominantly due to a decline in the ovaries' sensitivity to reproductive hormones. While Hormone Replacement Therapy can alleviate symptoms, it carries risks of serious conditions. Similar changes happen in men termed as andropause.
Step-by-step explanation:
Menopause can be understood as neither strictly a design nor degradation, but rather as a natural physiological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. This process involves the loss of reproductive capacity in women due to decreased sensitivity of the ovaries to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Over time, ovarian follicles deplete, and the production of estrogen declines, leading to the cessation of the menstrual cycle. Menopause is considered complete after an individual has not menstruated for a full year and is then classified as postmenopausal.
The side effects of menopause can include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and an increased risk of osteoporosis due to a decline in calcium metabolism. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can mitigate some of these side effects by supplementing estrogen, many doctors are cautious about recommending it due to potential risks such as an increased chance of developing breast cancer, stroke, heart attack, and blood clots.
Aging and the male reproductive system also undergo changes similar to menopause, known as andropause, with a decline in Leydig cell activity and reduced testosterone levels that can lead to symptoms like fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and lowered fertility.