Menopause

Menopause is a normal part of aging for women, beginning 12 months after a woman's last period. This transition period usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55 and can last about seven years on average. It can affect every woman in various ways, causing them to experience changes in bone or heart health, body shape, or physical function.

Stages of Menopause

• Premature menopause: An early arrival of menopause, occurring before age 40.
• Perimenopause: The period leading up to menopause where the ovaries gradually stop working.
• Menopause: The official stopping of hormone production, characterized by a lack of a period for 12 months in a row.
• Postmenopause: The time following the menopausal transition, resulting in low estrogen levels.

Symptoms of Menopause

Estrogen is a primary hormone used in a woman's body to regulate several functions. As you age, estrogen levels will decrease, causing various symptoms. Symptoms can vary between women, from mild to severe. 

The following are the most common symptoms related to the menopausal transition:

• Hot flashes: A sudden feeling of heat in the upper half of your body.
• Irritability: A fluctuation in hormones can cause moodiness.
• Bladder control: Loss of control in your bladder — incontinence — during exercise, sneezing, laughing, etc.
• Insomnia: Trouble sleeping, often related to night sweats or stress.
• Depression: A mood disorder triggered by changes in the brain, causing persistent feelings of sadness.
• Abnormal bleeding: A change to your regular periods, including heavy bleeding, spotting, closeness in schedule, a duration longer than a week, and other side effects.
• Sexual dysfunction: A lack of libido or interest in sex.
• Vaginal dryness: A lack of lubrication following menopause, causing uncomfortable intercourse.

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