Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. Specifically, menopause refers to the point in time when a woman stops menstruating permanently, marking the end of her reproductive years.
The lead up to menopause is a transitional stage called perimenopause, which can begin up to 10 years before a woman's final period. During perimenopause, estrogen levels fluctuate and start to decline, which causes common symptoms like:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes
- Sleep disruptions
- Irregular periods
Many women start to notice these symptoms in their late 40s or early 50s. But the average age of menopause is actually
51 years old, according to research.
When a woman hits menopause, her ovaries completely stop releasing eggs. And her body produces much less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This shift in hormones causes the symptoms of menopause.
Over time, the reduced estrogen levels also cause changes like:
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Slowed metabolism
The transition through perimenopause and into menopause can last for several years. And women may experience symptoms to different degrees. Lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, managing stress, and adding soy foods to your diet can help. But some women also find relief by taking menopause hormone therapy or using vaginal estrogen.
If you need further assistance or have additional questions, please consult with the healthcare professionals at Renew Wellness.