Physical Development in Middle Adulthood: Flashcards
What life stage does middle adulthood describe?
The life stage between 46 and 65 years of age.
What natural physiological change happens to women during middle adulthood?
Menopause
What is menopause?
The gradual ending of menstruation, where the ovaries stop producing eggs and oestrogen levels decrease.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
• A reduction in oestrogen and progesterone.
• Hot flushes.
• Night sweats.
• Mood swings.
• Vaginal dryness.
• Reduction in libido.
What are the physical effects of menopause?
Shrinking of the ovaries and vagina, thinner hair, and weight gain.
What causes the symptoms of menopause?
Hormonal changes, particularly the reduction of oestrogen and its impact on the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that regulates body temperature).
What happens to hormone levels during perimenopause?
Oestrogen and progesterone levels gradually decrease.
What marks the end of perimenopause?
Menopause, when menstruation stops completely.
What signs of aging occur during middle adulthood?
• Grey hair.
• Loss of skin elasticity.
• Reduction in muscle tone, strength, and stamina.
• Increase in weight.
• Men no longer produce sperm at the same levels as before.
What role do sex hormones play in females?
Oestrogen regulates ovulation, maintains the lining of the uterus, and affects sexual health and libido.
What role do sex hormones play in females?
Oestrogen regulates ovulation, maintains the lining of the uterus, and affects sexual health and libido.
