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.