Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they age. Technically speaking, menopause occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months and marks the end of a women's reproductive years.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This transition time can last for a few years or longer. During perimenopause, women may experience changes like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, trouble sleeping, and irregular periods before they finally stop.
Once a woman has reached menopause, she can no longer become pregnant naturally. This marks the end of fertility. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can happen earlier or later for some women.
Symptoms of menopause may include:
The changes associated with menopause occur because the ovaries produce less estrogen. Estrogen is important for regulating the menstrual cycle and has effects on many tissues in the body like the heart, bones, and brain. As estrogen levels decline, it causes changes in these tissues that lead to menopausal symptoms.
There are medical treatments available to help manage symptoms of menopause. Hormone therapy is the most effective option for relief from severe hot flashes and other symptoms. Other medicines or supplements may help with things like mood, sleep, or vaginal dryness specifically. And healthy lifestyle choices can also make a difference.
The providers at Renew Hormone Clinic specialize in customized hormone treatments for perimenopause and menopause. Their comprehensive approach addresses your unique needs to help ease this transition and keep you feeling your best in life's second act. Contact them today for a consultation!
I hope this gives a helpful overview explaining what menopause is all about. Let me know if you have any other questions!