Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life when her periods stop permanently, and she can no longer get pregnant naturally. The key things to know about menopause include:
What Happens During Menopause
- Menopause typically begins between the ages of 45-55. The average age is 51.
- It starts when a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, causing menstrual cycles to become less frequent and eventually stop.
- The transition can take 4-5 years on average as hormone levels rise and fall unevenly. This time is known as perimenopause.
- Common symptoms leading up to and during menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, mood changes, and urinary issues. Most symptoms last around 2-5 years.
Long-Term Health Changes After Menopause
- Postmenopausal women have a higher risk for certain health conditions, like osteoporosis and heart disease, due to the drop in estrogen.
- It's important for women to be proactive about health screenings and habits after menopause.
- Discuss options with your doctor at Balance Hormones Clinic, such as hormone therapy, medications, supplements, diet, and exercise plans to help ease this transition and stay healthy after menopause.