Menopause is the stage of a woman's life, typically between the ages of 45 and 55, when she stops having menstrual periods. The transition from a reproductive stage to menopause occurs naturally over a period of years, but it can also be brought on suddenly by any medical procedure that damages or removes the ovaries. Some women experience common symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings, while other women experience few or no symptoms at all.
Significance
Cleveland Clinic defines menopause as the end of a woman's reproductive period. This is the time when ovaries stop producing the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are not only responsible for reproductive health but for maintaining the health of many body systems. While many women view menopause in a positive light, as freedom from menstrual periods and the possibility of pregnancy, others approach this stage of life with apprehension and feelings of loss.
Time Frame
Natural menopause starts with perimenopause, when early symptoms of menopause begin but women still have menstrual periods. Perimenopause can begin as early as the late 30s or early 40s and can last for many years. A woman is officially in menopause when she has not had a menstrual period for a full year. The average age of menopause is 51, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The perimenopause can typically last up to five years, but for some women, the entire menopausal process may take as long as 15 years. Once periods have stopped for a year, a woman is considered to be post-menopausal.
Features
Menopause is marked by irregular menstrual periods, periods that are lighter or heavier than usual and a variety of physical and emotional changes. Other signs and symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, loss of bladder control that can result in urine leakage, vaginal dryness and dry skin, eyes and mouth. Some women experience forgetfulness and a loss of interest in sex. Body changes such as a thickening waist, loss of muscle and an increase in fat are common.
Effects
Throughout the menopausal process there is a gradual reduction in the body's production of estrogen, which causes most of the symptoms of menopause and may be associated with a woman's increased risk of developing chronic medical conditions, such as coronary artery disease and osteoporosis, after menopause. Post-menopausal women are also at increased risk of developing colon cancer and the eye diseases glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Considerations
Early menopause, or premature menopause, is defined as cessation of menstrual periods before a woman has reached the age of 40. Some forms of cancer and certain surgical treatments can cause early menopause but it can also happen naturally. Smoking can also lead to early menopause. Women who experience early menopause are not aging prematurely, but they may have many of the same symptoms and health risks as older menopausal women.
