Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. Specifically, menopause refers to the point in time when a woman stops menstruating permanently. It signals the end of a woman's reproductive years.
The age when women experience menopause varies, but the average age is 51. As a woman approaches menopause, typically in her 40s or early 50s, she may start to notice changes like:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain
This transitional time leading up to menopause is called
perimenopause. The duration of perimenopause differs from woman to woman. Once a woman has gone 12 months without a period, she has reached menopause.
Why does menopause occur?
Menopause happens because a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are responsible for ovulation and menstruation. As a woman gets older, her ovaries age and follicles (which contain immature eggs) decline in number. With fewer follicles, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone.
What are the stages of menopause?
There are three stages:
- Perimenopause - Irregular cycles start, this can last 4-8 years
- Menopause - Defined as 12 months without a cycle
- Postmenopause - Years after final period
The physical symptoms often stabilize 2-5 years after the final menstrual period. However, health risks may persist or increase after menopause, including risks for heart disease, osteoporosis, and vaginal atrophy. That's why regular health checkups are important!
For more information, you can visit Vitality Clinic.