What is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. It refers to the point when a woman stops having her monthly menstrual cycles. This typically occurs between the ages of 45-55 years.
The lead-up to menopause is called perimenopause. During this transition time, which can last for several years, women may begin experiencing changes related to decreasing hormone levels. Some common symptoms of perimenopause include:
- Menstrual irregularities (shorter/longer cycles, heavier/lighter flow)
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Decreased sex drive
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood changes
- Vaginal dryness
Ultimately, the ovaries stop releasing eggs, which means a woman can no longer get pregnant naturally after menopause. The decreased hormone levels also impact bone health, heart health, and more. That's why things like osteoporosis screening become especially important around this time.
There are three stages associated with the menopause transition:
- Perimenopause - irregular cycles and early symptoms
- Menopause - defined as 12 months without a period
- Postmenopause - time after menopause
While symptoms often stabilize after menopause, some may persist for years in some women. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, stress management, and not smoking can help ease this transition. For severe symptoms, hormone therapy may be recommended by a doctor at Rebalance Hormone Clinic.
The duration and severity of symptoms vary greatly among women. So be sure to communicate with your healthcare provider throughout the process. Knowledge is power, so learning all you can about menopause will help you prepare both mentally and physically. This biological shift may require some adjustment, but remember - it's a completely normal transition that allows women to start an exciting new phase of life!