Menopause

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of the reproductive period of a woman's life and is indicated by the cessation of menstrual cycles. It is diagnosed after 12 months (1 year) with no menstrual period. While menopause can happen anytime in a woman's 40s or 50s, the average age for American women is 51. Women in both menopause and perimenopause (pre-menopause) can experience several signs and symptoms.

Menopause carries several physical symptoms, many of which can be treated but may take a toll on an individual's energy and emotional wellbeing. A woman may suspect the approach of menopause on her own as she experiences some menopausal symptoms. A doctor can perform a blood test for estrogen levels to confirm where she is in the menopausal process. Symptoms vary for every woman, with some women experiencing extreme symptoms and others experiencing mild to moderate symptoms.

Symptoms of Menopause

In the months or years leading up to menopause, a woman might experience:

• Irregular or missed periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Fatigue and/or sleep disturbance
• Hot flashes, chills, or night sweats
• Changes in libido
• Bladder control problems
• Depression and/or mood changes
• Weight gain and/or slowed metabolism
• Racing heart
• Headaches, joint and/or muscle aches
• Thinning hair, dry skin, and loss of breast fullness

Causes of Menopause

Menopause is a biological process that stems from the natural process of aging. All women are born with a finite number of eggs which are stored in the ovaries. The ovaries produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone which control menstruation and ovulation. Menopause begins with the cessation of menstruation when the ovaries no longer release an egg every month.

Missing periods before menopause is common and expected, and irregularity in period frequency is natural. Often, a woman may miss one menstrual period and then it will return or skip several months and then start monthly cycles again for a few months. Menstrual periods may happen on shorter cycles making them closer in frequency. Despite the predominance of irregular periods prior to menopause, pregnancy is possible. If you have missed a period but do not know where you are in the menopausal transition, consult a doctor for a pregnancy test.

Menopause is considered a normal part of aging after the age of 40, however, some women can go through menopause early, either as a result of surgery, such as hysterectomy, or damage to the ovaries, such as from chemotherapy. When menopause occurs before 40, regardless of the reason, it is called premature menopause.

When to See a Doctor

How Advanced Gynecology Can Help

Arrange and keep regular appointments with your doctor during both perimenopause and menopause for health maintenance and any medical concerns. If you believe that you may be going through menopause, you should see a doctor who can order a blood test to find out. It can also be helpful to keep track of your periods as they become irregular to help give your doctor as much information as possible and to rule out other issues.

If you are suffering from the symptoms of menopause, perimenopause or post menopause, Advanced Gynecology is here for you. Our board-certified team of women's health experts are ready to help you with diagnostic care and a range of treatment options. We will counsel you about the best options for you and your health.

The Stages of Menopause

As a woman nears her late 30s, she may experience the first stage of menopause, perimenopause. This stage lasts until menopause, typically taking place over several months or years until the ovaries stop releasing eggs altogether.

During perimenopause:

• The ovaries gradually make less estrogen
• The drop in estrogen happens quickly in the last year
• A woman may experience menopausal symptoms during this time

The second stage of menopause is menopause itself. This happens when:

• It has been 12 months (1 year) since a woman last had a menstrual period
• The ovaries have ceased releasing eggs
• The ovaries have stopped making most of their estrogen

The last stage of menopause is post menopause:

• The years following menopause
• Menopausal symptoms ease for most women
• The loss of estrogen begins to increase health risks as a woman ages.