What is Menopause?
Menopause is defined as the end of periods for one year in women who once had regular periods. However, you should not wait one-year until seeking treatment or evaluation of menopause. You should seek an evaluation after symptoms start (such as hot flashes) or your period is missed for more than 2 consecutive months.
The term menopause is a long complex series of changes beginning with perimenopause (early menopause) symptoms such as irregular/heavy menstrual cycles, hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia and fatigue through the stopping of menstrual periods for a full twelve months (menopause). Menopause, sometimes called the change of life , happens to all women typically between the ages of 40 to 55, but can occur as early as 35 or as late as 60. Menopause occurs when a woman has not had her menstrual period for a full 12 months.
The term menopause is a long complex series of changes beginning with perimenopause (early menopause) symptoms such as irregular/heavy menstrual cycles, hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia and fatigue through the stopping of menstrual periods for a full twelve months (menopause). Menopause, sometimes called the change of life , happens to all women typically between the ages of 40 to 55, but can occasionally occur as early as 35 or as late as 60. Menopause occurs when a woman has not had her menstrual period for a full 12 months. Once a woman has gone through menopause, her ovaries no longer release eggs each month, and she cannot become pregnant. However, changes in the balance of hormones that control the menstrual cycle begin several years before menopause. Negative FSH tests can occur at anytime during these changes. The changing hormone levels can cause a variety of symptoms associated with the stages of menopause.
