Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life when her periods stop permanently and she can no longer get pregnant. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During perimenopause, estrogen levels become erratic, causing irregular menstrual cycles and various symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
The medical definition of menopause is when a woman has not had her period for 12 consecutive months. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can happen anywhere between the ages of 40-55. Every woman's experience is different.
What causes menopause?
Menopause occurs due to changes in a woman's reproductive hormones. During a woman's childbearing years, her ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, which stimulate the monthly release of eggs. As a woman ages, her ovaries start making less estrogen and progesterone, causing changes in her menstrual cycle and fertility. Eventually, the ovaries stop releasing eggs altogether (a point called ovarian failure).
Common symptoms of menopause:
- Hot flashes - sudden feelings of intense body heat, flushing of skin
- Vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse
- Mood changes - irritability, anxiety, depression
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Bladder control issues
- Heart palpitations
- Joint pain
The duration and severity of symptoms varies widely between women. Proper self-care, a healthy lifestyle, and in some cases hormone therapy can help manage troublesome symptoms.
Long term health effects of menopause:
- Osteoporosis - decreased bone density since there is less estrogen. Weight-bearing exercise and calcium can help strengthen bones.
- Cardiovascular disease - heart disease risk increases after menopause.
- Certain cancers - increased risk of ovarian, breast and uterine cancers.
- Urinary incontinence - weakened pelvic muscles can cause leakage when coughing/sneezing. Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor can help.
The key is managing menopausal symptoms while promoting long-term health with proper nutrition, activity, stress relief practices, and regular checkups. Every woman deserves compassionate care as she navigates this transitional time. Support from loved ones also makes a big difference.
While menopause marks the end of fertility, it opens the door to new beginnings. Many women feel a sense of freedom with less worry about pregnancy, more time focusing on their goals and relationships, and learning to embrace this stage of life on their own terms.