Menopause is a natural transition all women go through as they age. It refers to the point when a woman stops having her menstrual periods and reaches the end of her reproductive years.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This is when hormonal and biological changes start taking place in a woman's body as it prepares to stop menstruating. Some common perimenopausal symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
On average, most women go through menopause around the age of 51. However it can happen earlier or later too. Premature menopause refers to menopause taking place before age 45.
When exactly does menopause occur? Technically, you've reached menopause when you haven't had your period for 12 straight months. At this point, your estrogen levels have dropped significantly.
The years after menopause are called postmenopause. During this stage, symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness usually improve. However, there are certain health risks to be aware of too. With declining estrogen, your risk of osteoporosis and heart disease goes up. Staying fit, eating healthy and monitoring bone density can help minimize these risks.
Going through menopause can be challenging both physically and emotionally. Lifestyle changes and medical treatments can help ease this transition. The caring doctors at Hormone Harmony Clinic specialize in personalized hormonal therapy to effectively treat menopausal symptoms. Reach out today to learn more!
I hope this gives a helpful overview explaining what menopause entails. Let me know if you have any other questions!