ORAL PATHOLOGY IN THE CONTEXT OF MENOPAUSE IN WOMEN

Abstract

Menopause is a non-pathological change which involve the permanent cessation of menstruation for at least 12 months and occurs in women with an average age of 51 years in the context of non-pathological estrogen deficiency. The effects of menopause are closely related to the lack of ovarian hormones, a fact that induces a physical and emotional instability of the woman with a direct impact on the health of the oral cavity. This paper reviews the changes in the oral mucosa in the peri- and post-menopause phases. The most frequently reported changes are: dryness of the oral cavity, sensation of decreased amount of saliva, burning sensation, dysgeusia, altered tolerance to pain and the possibility of neurological manifestations. The dentist and general practitioner must recognize the variety of signs and symptoms that occur in the context of this physiological stage and, at the same time, must focus on the symptomatic management of oral health changes.

Keywords

• menopause
• xerostomia
• estrogen hormones
• burning mouth syndrome