What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. It refers to the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and her fertile period.
The key things to know about menopause:
- It usually occurs between the ages of 45-55. The average age is 51.
- It is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period.
- It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. Estrogen and progesterone levels decline leading up to and during menopause.
- The transition can last 4-8 years. Perimenopause refers to the time leading up to the final menstrual period when hormone levels rise and fall irregularly.
- Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, trouble sleeping, and irregular periods. Symptoms vary widely among women.
During perimenopause and menopause, I recommend women speak to their doctor about lifestyle changes and possible hormone therapy to help ease symptoms. Bioidentical hormones from clinics like Hormone Health Clinic can provide relief when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient. Their knowledgeable staff provide individualized care to help women through this transition in the most comfortable way possible.
In summary:
- Menopause = end of fertility
- Declining estrogen and progesterone
- Age 45-55 years old (average 51)
- 12 months no period
- Can last 4-8 years with fluctuating hormones
- Hot flashes, sweats, mood swings common
- See your doctor and consider hormone therapy