Menopause
Overview
This natural biological process is the permanent end of fertility. Menopause is the time when the ovaries stop producing hormones at the levels needed to allow sexual reproduction. It typically occurs around age 51.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is a term used to describe the period leading up to menopause. During this time, a woman's body begins the transition to permanent infertility. Perimenopause typically lasts from one to three years. It ends at menopause. During perimenopause, a woman's hormone levels may fluctuate. Periods may become irregular, and fertility levels decrease. A woman may experience changes in sexual function and desire. She may experience hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes, headaches and urinary issues. A woman may experience changing cholesterol levels and a loss of bone density. Her breasts may become less full, her hair may thin, and her amount of abdominal fat may increase.
Menopause
As perimenopause progresses, a woman's periods gradually cease. One year after her final menstrual period, a woman is said to have reached menopause. At this point, she is no longer fertile. A woman who has her uterus removed but retains at least one functioning ovary will still experience menopause. In this situation, menopause can be identified by a measure of the level of hormones in the blood.
Postmenopause
After a woman has reached menopause, she enters the postmenopausal stage. The symptoms experienced during perimenopause and menopause may continue for some time, or they may stop.
Other Types of Menopause
Some women experience other types of menopause. Premature menopause is menopause that occurs before age 40. Premature menopause may be caused by heredity or disease. It may also be caused by medical treatment or surgery. Induced menopause is a form of menopause caused by surgical removal of the ovaries. It can also be caused by an event that causes both ovaries to stop functioning. Induced menopause is often caused by radiation, chemotherapy or hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries.
Treatment
Although the process of menopause is natural and does not require treatment, some treatment options may help alleviate its associated symptoms. Treatment options for symptoms of menopause may include over-the-counter aids, prescription medications, hormone replacement therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.