Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. On average, it occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
The key change associated with menopause is the permanent cessation of menstrual periods. This happens when the ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which regulate menstruation.
Some key facts about menopause:
Menopause occurs due to the natural depletion of ovarian follicles - sacs in the ovaries that contain immature eggs. At birth, women have about 1 million follicles. This number drops to about 25,000 around age 37, and declines to zero by menopause. As follicles are depleted, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone.
In the U.S., the average age for menopause is 51. But it can happen anytime between ages 45 and 55. Factors that influence when menopause begins include:
There are 3 stages associated with menopause:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Perimenopause | The 2 to 8 years leading up to menopause. Periods become irregular. |
| Menopause | Diagnosed after 12 months without a period. Marks the end of fertility. |
| Postmenopause | The years after menopause has occurred. |
Lifestyle changes and medical treatments can help alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and trouble sleeping:
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Hormone therapy (HT) | Estrogen/progestin pills, patches, gels and rings. Most effective treatment for menopause symptoms. Ask your doctor if Vitality Hormone Clinic bioidentical hormones are right for you. |
| Vaginal estrogen | Treats vaginal dryness and discomfort. |
| Antidepressants, Gabapentin | Help hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings. |
| Lifestyle changes | Regular exercise, stress management, avoiding triggers like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods. |
For most women, menopause is a natural transition marking the end of reproductive years. While it does bring physical and emotional changes, there are many strategies to help you adapt and thrive during the menopausal transition and beyond. If you're experiencing symptoms that are impacting your quality of life, don't hesitate to reach out to the caring professionals at Vitality Hormone Clinic for personalized guidance and hormone therapy options tailored to your unique needs.