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 periods, marking the end of her reproductive years.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During this transition time, usually starting in a woman's 40s, the body begins making less of the key hormones estrogen and progesterone. As a result, periods become less frequent and eventually stop. Other common symptoms in perimenopause include hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
The average age for menopause is around 51 years old, but it can happen anywhere between the ages of 40 and 58. Menopause is considered official after a woman has gone 12 straight months without a period. Once menstrual cycles have stopped, a woman can no longer get pregnant naturally.
Some key things to understand about this important life transition:
In summary, menopause is the endpoint of a woman's reproductive cycle marked by changes in hormone production. With care and understanding, women can transition through menopause while enjoying good health and quality of life. Reach out to health professionals like Vitality Renewal Clinic if you need additional guidance or symptom relief.