Menopause marks the transition from the child-bearing years to the phase when a woman is no longer fertile. Although in the past there has been a stigma associated with menopause, it is now accepted as a normal life transition. Many women find this time of their life liberating due to the cessation of the monthly menstrual period--called amenorreha--and any concern over pregnancy.
Time Frame
The average age of menopause is 51, though women can experience symptoms between the ages of 45 and 54, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The process happens gradually and a woman is not considered in menopause until she has gone for 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This stopping of the monthly cycle of ovulation and menses is called amenorrhea and when it occurs in a woman of this age group, it is called menopause.
Early Stage--Perimenopause
The process of menopause is gradual and a woman will begin to see changes in her monthly cycle three to five years before menopause, which is called perimenopause, meaning "around" menopause. The Maryland Medical Center estimates that women are approximately 40 to 44 years of age, although some women may be younger. This stage is marked by changes in the flow and days of menstruation. Some women experience a much heavier menstrual flow, caused by surges in estrogen or lower levels of progesterone, according to Menopauseandu.ca.
Late Stage--Perimenopause
In the later stage of perimenopause, a woman may begin to skip a month or two of periods. Then she may have a normal cycle the next month. This can continue for years before the actual menopause occurs. About six months before menopause, women will experience a drop in estrogen that brings with it the symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes. When 12 consecutive months have gone by with no period, a woman is officially in menopause.
Final Stage--Menopause
The final stage in this transition is called menopause. Menstruation has not only paused but it has stopped. The ovaries stop producing progesterone and estrogen and a woman is no longer fertile. However, the ovaries continue to produce some testosterone, which can be converted to estrogen, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The adrenal gland will also produce a hormone that is converted to estradiol and estrone. But the amount of estrogen produced is much less than during the reproductive years.
Post-Menopause
These are the years after menopause. There should be no menstrual bleeding during this phase. If a woman experiences bleeding she should contact a medical doctor. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, this may be a sign of cancer.
