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Menopause
Menopause is a natural part of aging and marks the end of your childbearing years. Menopause typically happens in your 40s or 50s.
Definition
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life defined by the end of her menstrual cycles. It is officially diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. The transition time leading up to menopause is often referred to as menopause, but is technically called perimenopause.
When does menopause happen?
The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55, but can happen anytime in your 40s or 50s. It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years. On average, menopause happens at age 51.
The years leading up to that point, when women may have changes in their monthly cycles, hot flashes, or other symptoms, are called the menopausal transition or perimenopause. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, age it begins, and race and ethnicity. During perimenopause, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly. Some women take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve these symptoms. HRT may also protect against osteoporosis.
What to expect during menopause or perimenopause?
In the months or years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), you might experience these signs and symptoms:
Irregular periods
Worsening of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Vaginal dryness
Hot flashes
Chills
Night sweats
Difficulty sleeping
Emotional changes
Weight gain and slowed metabolism
Thinning hair and dry skin
Loss of breast fullness
Breast tenderness
Additional Resources
Learn more from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
