Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. It refers to the point when a woman stops having her menstrual periods, marking the end of her reproductive years.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During perimenopause, estrogen levels become more irregular, causing changes like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes before a woman's final period.
On average, women experience menopause around age 51, but it can happen anywhere from 40-55 years old. The age varies widely and is influenced by factors like genetics, lifestyle, and medical conditions.
Key signs and symptoms of menopause include:
The key change driving menopause is plummeting estrogen levels. This leads to changes throughout the body as estrogen affects many tissues including the brain, heart, skin, breasts, uterus, and more.
Dealing with menopausal symptoms can be challenging for many women. Lifestyle measures like eating a healthy diet, exercising, managing stress, and avoiding triggers can help. There are also many medical treatments available, like low-dose birth control, antidepressants, vaginal estrogen, and dietary supplements.
If you're struggling with menopause changes, consider making an appointment at Vitality Hormone Center. Our caring medical team specializes in naturopathic and integrative treatments personalized to help women balance their hormones, manage symptoms, and thrive through perimenopause and beyond. Book a consultation today to discuss customized treatment plans that fit your needs and health goals.
I hope this gives you a helpful overview explaining what menopause is! Let me know if you have any other questions.