In the 'Symptoms - Reproductive - Female Cycle' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about your current menstrual status:
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What is your current menstrual status? If unsure, answer Premenopausal if aged under 45 or Perimenopausal if 45-52. Only answer Postmenopausal if you have passed through menopause. Answering Don't know will present all menstrual questions.
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"Don't know" |
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| 2. |
"Premenopausal - I still have regular periods" |
Being premenopausal |
A pre-existing condition |
| 3. |
"Perimenopausal - periods are changing" |
Being perimenopausal |
A pre-existing condition |
| 4. |
"Menopausal - having menopausal symptoms" |
Being menopausal |
A pre-existing condition |
| 5. |
"Postmenopausal, either naturally or surgically" |
Being postmenopausal |
A pre-existing condition |
(If your response is 1 then you will be asked further questions about your current menstrual status later.)
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
GLOSSARY
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Magnesium
An essential mineral. The chief function of magnesium is to activate certain enzymes, especially those related to carbohydrate metabolism. Another role is to maintain the electrical potential across nerve and muscle membranes. It is essential for proper heartbeat and nerve transmission. Magnesium controls many cellular functions. It is involved in protein formation, DNA production and function and in the storage and release of energy in ATP. Magnesium is closely related to calcium and phosphorus in body function. The average adult body contains approximately one ounce of magnesium. It is the fifth mineral in abundance within the body--behind calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Although about 70 percent of the body's magnesium is contained in the teeth and bones, its most important functions are carried out by the remainder which is present in the cells of the soft tissues and in the fluid surrounding those cells.
Menopause (Menopausal)
The cessation of menstruation (usually not official until 12 months have passed without periods), occurring at the average age of 52. As commonly used, the word denotes the time of a woman's life, usually between the ages of 45 and 54, when periods cease and any symptoms of low estrogen levels persist, including hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, loss of libido and vaginal dryness. When these early menopausal symptoms subside, a woman becomes postmenopausal.
Menstruation (Menses, Menstrual, Menstrual Cycle, Menstrual Cycles, Menstrual Flow, Menstrual Phase, Monthly Cycle)
The periodic discharge of blood, tissue fluid and mucus from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) that usually lasts from 3 - 5 days. It is caused by a sudden reduction in estrogens and progesterone.
Perimenopause (Perimenopausal)
A transition time during which menstrual periods can become irregular and symptoms of menopause may be experienced prior to menopause. On average, the onset of perimenopause occurs around age 47 and the average duration is 4-5 years. It is increasingly seen in women even up to 12-15 years before menopause. An array of physical, mental and emotional symptoms can occur during this time.
Postmenopause (Postmenopausal)
The postmenopausal phase of a woman's life begins when 12 full months have passed since the last menstrual period and any menopausal symptoms have become milder and/or less frequent.
Premenopause (Premenopausal)
The period when women of childbearing age experience relatively normal reproductive function (including regular periods).
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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