Menopause

Overview

Menopause occurs when menstruation stops for 12 consecutive months and a woman can no longer become pregnant naturally. It usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55, but can develop before or after this age range.

Table Of Contents

Overview
Stages of Menopause
Symptoms
Complications
Treatments

Menopause is a natural process that occurs as the ovaries age and produce less reproductive hormones. The body begins to undergo several changes in response to lower levels of:

estrogen
progesterone
testosterone
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
luteinizing hormone (LH)

Menopause often causes debilitating pains and uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and weight gain.

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Stages of Menopause

Perimenopause: Most women first begin developing menopause symptoms before their last menstrual cycle. This phase is called Perimenopause, which occurs before menopause and is where hormonal changes happen in preparation for menopause. During perimenopause, menstrual periods are likely to become irregular. Your periods may be late, or you may completely skip one or more periods. Most women begin perimenopause in their mid-40s and symptoms could last from a few months to several years. Some women do not undergo perimenopause and enter menopause suddenly.

Menopause: Menopause is defined as a lack of menstruation for one full year. It’s important to know that every woman’s menopause experience is unique.

Post-Menopause: This refers to the years after menopause has occurred.