The end of a woman’s menstrual cycle, also known as menopause, is a natural progression in the reproductive system of those who ovulate. Menopause symptoms usually start in middle age, but everyone’s experience is different and begins at different ages. Depending on what stage of menopause you are in, your physical and mental symptoms will vary, so it will benefit you to know what to expect.
Perimenopause
Meaning “around menopause”, this period in your reproductive life marks the first signs of menopause. This change often occurs in your forties, though some women experience it as early as their thirties. During this time, your body’s levels of estrogen, or the “female hormone”, fluctuate–because of this, you may feel your mood and normal cycle shift. You may experience menopause-like symptoms such as:
- Hot flashes
- Missed or irregular periods
- Trouble sleeping
- Vaginal dryness
- Breast tenderness
Menopause
Once you have gone a full 12 months without a menstrual cycle, you have officially entered menopause. On average, this occurs around age 50. The age a woman becomes menopausal is thought to be linked to genetics, though medical history and factors such as smoking or exposure to radiation can also contribute. During menopause, you may experience many of the same symptoms as perimenopause. Symptoms that may also develop include:
- Crankiness
- Changes in libido
- Headaches
- Hair loss
- Weight fluctuation
- Joint pain
Postmenopause
After you have gone more than a year without a period, you have stopped ovulating and can no longer get pregnant. Side-effects like hot flashes may slow, and some may eventually find they aren’t experiencing any menopause symptoms. Lingering symptoms may still occur; this is caused by low amounts of reproductive hormones still being produced. During this time, there is a higher risk of bone loss due to decreased estrogen levels. You may lose up to 25% of your bone density after menopause, and if too much is lost, osteoporosis or bone fractures may occur more frequently.
If you have questions about menopause, or if you believe that you would benefit from a menopause treatment plan, contact us today. Our specialists are well-prepared to address any medical concern you need.
