What is the difference between menarche and menopause?
Women experience both physical and biological changes in their lifetime. Menarche and menopause are some of the crucial events that occur in women.
The main difference between menopause and menarche is that the former refers to the ending stage of the menstrual cycle while the latter refers to the onset of the menstrual cycle in females.
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Comparison Table (Menarche vs Menopause)
| Basic Terms | Menarche | Menopause |
| Meaning | Refers to the onset of the menstrual cycle in females | Refers to the ending stage of the menstrual cycle in females |
| Age | Start at the age of 9-16 years | Commence at the age of 45-56 years |
| Bone Mass | Tend to increase | Usually starts to decrease |
| Significant | Indicate the beginning of the reproductive cycle | Indicate the end of the reproductive cycle |
| Oestrogen Level | Tend to increase | Usually decreases and decline |
| Effect | Acne, mood swing, and irritability | Weight gain, skin dryness, lack of sleep, and hair loss |
What Is Menarche?
Menarche occurs in females who have reached puberty stage. Research shows that the first menstruation occurs in females at the age of 13-16 years.
The biological process occurs when the level of reproductive hormones in females increases. Signs of puberty stage that shows the girl is ready for menarche are pubic hair and breast growth.
Keep in mind that menarche is influenced by both genetic and non-genetic factors. Early menarche is believed to be associated with an increase in the risk of endometrial cancer and breast cancer.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is a biological process that occurs in a female aged 45-56years. The process results in the stoppage of menstruation and ovulation.
The process is associated with a decrease in the level of estrogen hormones in women. But menopause is also influenced by genetic and non-genetic factors.
Women entering menopause usually experience hot flashes, mood swings, difficulty in sleeping, and weight gain. Research shows that early menopause occurs as early as 30 years and it causes infertility.
Main Differences between Menarche and Menopause
- Menarche is the beginning of the menstruation cycle while menopause marks the end of the menstruation cycle.
- Menarche start at the age of 9-16 years in girls while menopause begins at the age of 45-56 years old in women
- Menarche increases bone mass while menopause decreases bone mass
- Menarche result in an increase of estrogen while menopauses causes slow decrease and further declines
- Menarche is an onset of reproduction ability while menopause is the end of the reproduction cycle
- Menarche is associated with acne, irritability, and mood swings while menopause is associated with hot flashes, skin dryness, anxiety, and weight gain
Similarities between Menarche and Menopause
- Both happen in female human beings
- Both are influenced by age
- Both come with some symptoms
- Both are associated with female medical issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Menarche Determine Menopause?
Not really. But research shows that those women that experience early menarche tend to have early menopause. Research is still being undertaken since there is a lot of variation.
Can a woman have an Orgasm after menopause?
Absolutely. But the process usually takes a lot of time. Menopause reduces the flow of blood in the clitoris and vagina. It reduces sensitivity and this makes orgasm to be quite difficult to attain.
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Comparison Video
Summary
Females pass through menarche and menopause in their lifetime. It is something that is inevitable and it defines their reproductive cycle.
Both menarche and menopause are of high influence by age. But genetics and non-genetic factors also play a crucial role. Early menarche occurs at 9 years and early menopause at 30 years.
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