"Some people tell me that it's better to have menopause later in life, as it makes you look younger, but others tell me that late menopause increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Is that true?"

We received a private message from a 52-year-old woman asking a question. She said all her friends have gone through menopause and she envies that she still menstruates, but she also has a worry: she fears that late menopause might lead to cancer. Is this true or false?

1. Is it better to have menopause as late as possible? Does having menopause late really lead to ovarian cancer?

What is menopause? Superficially, it means the permanent cessation of menstruation, but in reality, menopause refers to the decline of ovarian function. Specifically, for women over 40 years of age who have not menstruated within one year of their last menstrual period, after ruling out pregnancy, menopause can be considered a possibility.

Just like menarche, every woman will face menopause at a certain age. However, menopause is not necessarily better the later it is. The later menopause, the more ovulation cycles there are, and the greater the risk of ovarian cancer.

According to census data, the natural age of menopause for women is approximately 48.5 years . Generally, women who experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 are considered to be within the normal range for menopause.

Generally, menopause before age 40 is considered early menopause, while menopause after age 55 is considered late menopause. Late menopause does not necessarily indicate a pathological condition, but it does warrant closer attention regarding the possibility of tumors in hormone-related organs. The risk of cancer is relatively increased in individuals with late menopause.

II. Ovarian cancer is mostly diagnosed at an advanced stage, hence it is also known as the "king of gynecological cancers".

Ovarian cancer presents three cruel 70% scenarios in clinical practice: 70% of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage; 70% of patients experience recurrence; and 70% of patients do not survive more than five years, with the five-year survival rate for advanced-stage patients being only 30-40% . It is precisely because of its high malignancy that ovarian cancer is often referred to as the "king of gynecological cancers."

Why are most cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage?

1. Concealed location and insidious symptoms

The ovaries are located deep in the pelvic cavity, and early symptoms of tumors are often atypical. Furthermore, due to the current lack of effective early diagnostic methods, the probability of early detection of ovarian cancer is low. 

2. It spreads very easily.

Ovarian cancer is characterized by its difficulty in detection, high recurrence rate, difficulty in treatment, and poor prognosis. Once diagnosed, the cancer cells in patients are like a sandstorm, "sweeping" over the intestinal surface, peritoneum, and ascites, making it very difficult to completely eradicate the lesions.

III. Women experiencing these symptoms without warning should be wary of ovarian cancer.

Although ovarian cancer symptoms are often subtle, as the tumor grows, patients may notice the following changes in their bodies.

1. Postmenopausal women regaining menstruation.

If you've already gone through menopause and suddenly experience menstrual bleeding again, don't mistake it for rejuvenation. It's very likely a symptom of endocrine imbalance, causing irregular menstruation and vaginal bleeding after menopause .

2. Abdominal distension

When an ovarian tumor grows, it may compress the abdomen, leading to ascites and an increase in waist circumference . Clinically, many patients with malignant ovarian tumors present with changes in waist circumference and abdominal discomfort.

3. Lower back pain

In the early stages of ovarian cancer, as the tumor grows, adhesions may occur in the tissues surrounding the ovary, which can cause women to frequently experience lower back pain and abdominal pain.

4. Unexplained swelling in both legs

As the tumor grows, it can compress the pelvic veins, causing poor blood flow and obstructing lymphatic drainage. This lymphatic obstruction can lead to edema in the lower limbs and vulva .

5. Significant weight loss

As ovarian tumors absorb nutrients from the body and continue to grow, they can cause ascites in the abdomen, compress the gastrointestinal tract, affect the patient's appetite , and cause weight loss.

IV. What to do if menopause is late?

The timing of menopause should first be considered in relation to the date of menarche. Generally, earlier menarche leads to earlier menopause, and later menarche leads to later menopause. This is a normal physiological phenomenon, and women should not worry too much. For women with later menopause, considering the risk of certain diseases, the following two measures are recommended:

1. Regular inspections

Annual checkups are essential to monitor for ovarian cancer, thrombosis, and other diseases. Basal body temperature monitoring can help; if ovulation is confirmed, observation is sufficient. If ovulation does not occur, regular progesterone supplementation is necessary to protect the uterine lining and prevent endometrial lesions.

2. Improve lifestyle and reduce high-risk factors

Obesity, metabolic diseases, and insulin resistance are all high-risk factors for endometrial and breast cancer. Therefore, late-menopausal women with underlying diseases should improve their lifestyle and actively treat their metabolic diseases.

Menopause isn't necessarily better the later it's delayed. A woman's ovaries are responsible for regulating and secreting estrogen, which not only makes her skin smooth and her complexion rosy, but also maintains reproductive and overall health. To properly care for your unique ovaries, it's essential to cultivate healthy and regular lifestyle habits.