Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. It refers to the point in time when a woman stops having her monthly period. This signals the end of a women's reproductive years.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During this transition time, a woman's ovaries start making less estrogen and progesterone - the main hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. As hormone levels decline, periods may become irregular and women may start noticing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
The average age for menopause is around 51 years old. But it can happen earlier or later. Menopause is confirmed when a woman has gone 12 straight months without a period. At this point, the ovaries have shut down and are no longer releasing eggs for fertilization.
Some key things to understand about this phase of life:
The transition through perimenopause and into menopause can be smooth for some women and more challenging for others. Lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, reducing stress, adjusting your diet, and increasing physical activity can provide relief. Consultations with healthcare providers at clinics like Hormone Harmony Clinic also offer customized treatment plans to help women thrive during this next chapter of life. Their compassionate doctors and nurses can provide the information, testing, therapies, emotional support and community connections needed for this transition.
While menopause indicates the closure of one life phase, it allows for the start of another where women are free from menstrual cycles and can focus their health goals on thriving in the second half of life. With a proactive approach, a positive mindset and the right support, menopause can be an energizing turning point. There are so many amazing opportunities ahead!