Menopause (MEN-o-pawz)
The time of life when a woman's menstrual
periods stop permanently. Also called "change of life."
What
is Menopause?
Menopause,
a normal and natural event, is the end of menstruation. It
is usually confirmed when you have not had a period for 12
months in a row (with other causes for this change ruled out).
Menopause starts when your body's level of the hormone estrogen
falls permanently to very low levels and your menstrual periods
stop for good. Menopause is also known as "the change
of life."
This change
in your body usually doesn't happen all at once. There is
a transition period before menopause called perimenopause,
when your body starts making less of the female hormones estrogen
and progesterone. During this time, you can have symptoms
such as hot flashes and mood swings, and you may or may not
have a period. These changes usually begin between the ages
of 45 and 55, with the average at about age 51. A few women
reach natural menopause as early as their 30s (which is called
premature menopause) and as late as their
60s. Women who smoke or who used to smoke can reach menopause
one to two years earlier than nonsmokers.
Many women
wonder and worry about what will happen when they reach menopause,
but in fact, it can be a positive experience! Even though
some women have frustrating symptoms and health problems throughout
perimenopause and after menopause, it is
a chance for all women to focus more on themselves and make
changes that will improve their health. The first step is
to learn all you can about the physical and emotional changes
that may be ahead of you.
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