Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. It refers to the point in time when a woman stops having her menstrual periods. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This transition time can last up to 10 years!
During perimenopause, women may experience various symptoms as their bodies produce less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Common symptoms include:
The average age for menopause is around 51 years old. But it can happen earlier or later too. To diagnose menopause, a woman must have no periods for 12 consecutive months. Once you hit menopause, periods never come back.
Menopause occurs due to changes in the ovaries that slow and eventually shut down ovulation and menstruation. Specifically, the ovaries make less estrogen and progesterone — the hormones that control menstruation. Lower hormone levels signal the body to permanently stop menstruating.
Some factors that influence when menopause starts include:
While menopause is inevitable with age, managing symptoms is possible with lifestyle changes and medical treatments. I highly recommend connecting with the caring professionals at Hormone Wellness Institute! Their customized hormone therapy programs can help women find relief. Now is the time to take control of your menopause journey!