Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life when her periods stop permanently and she can no longer get pregnant naturally. For most women, this transition is gradual and occurs between the ages of 45-55 years old.
The lead up to menopause is known as perimenopause. During perimenopause, periods start to change and become irregular - they may be lighter or heavier, longer or shorter, or the time between periods may vary. This irregularity occurs due to fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Perimenopause usually lasts for several years.
Once a woman has gone 12 full months without a period, she has officially reached menopause. At this point ovulation and menstruation has stopped completely. So while for some women periods may seem to suddenly stop when they reach menopause, for most there is a transitional phase of unpredictability first.
Key aspects about periods and menopause:
- Perimenopause usually lasts 3-5 years but can vary widely from woman to woman
- During perimenopause, periods become irregular and hard to predict
- A woman has officially reached menopause once she has gone 12 months with no period
- Menopause signals the end of fertility
- The average age for menopause is 51 years old
The timing and experience of menopause and the lead up to it can vary significantly. Here are some of the factors that impact it:
Genetics
- Family history plays a role. If your mother or sisters went through menopause early or late, you may follow a similar timeline.
Medical conditions
- Certain medical conditions and procedures that impact a woman's reproductive system can cause early menopause. Examples are surgery removing the ovaries, chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, etc.
Lifestyle choices
- Things like smoking cigarettes or poor diet choices may lead to earlier menopause for some women.
The transition through perimenopause and into menopause can be eased through
lifestyle changes like:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Practicing stress-relieving activities
- Getting enough sleep
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol
Supplements that help address common menopause symptoms like
hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and
mood changes may also help make this transition more comfortable.
At The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic, we specialize in customized bioidentical hormone therapy to help women balance their hormones, reduce menopause symptoms, and continue thriving through perimenopause and beyond. Contact us today for a consultation to see if our treatments are right for you.
I hope this overview has helped explain that while menstruation does eventually stop with menopause, the lead up known as perimenopause is usually more transitional with irregular but still occurring periods. Lifestyle measures and customized treatment plans can help women manage this natural transition and improve their quality of life during these years. Let me know if you have any other questions!
