Every woman will experience the menopause phase, which is a period when women stop menstruating. In this phase, women become unable to reproduce, as their ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones. Some women experience theirs earlier than the estimated menopause age for women while some later.
Menopause takes a toll on women, as they experience various symptoms that affect them physically, emotionally, and mentally. As a woman, you should educate yourself about menopause, menopause symptoms, and the age at which this usually begins. You should also know that this phase will surely come to an end, so if you are a woman experiencing those symptoms, rest assured it will surely end!
What is Menopause in Women?
Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life when she stops her period permanently. This is diagnosed after 12 months of no menstruation, vaginal bleeding or spotting.
This marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle which occurs between the ages of 45 and 51, with the average being around 51. Menopause is a completely natural occurrence that will happen to every woman.
When Does Menopause Start? Menopause Age for Women
While there is no precise age for menopause, most times, it starts between ages 45 and 55. There are rare cases of menopause coming as early as age 20 or before 48 years old (premature menopause). Some individuals may experience a decline in their ovary function years prior to their menstrual cycle.
There are suggestions that from your family history, you can tell when menopause starts but these are just speculations as body system varies from person to person. You might experience menopause earlier if you have never had children because pregnancy, especially more than one, might delay menopause. Hence there is no menopause age calculator to predict menopause age for women.
Stages in which Menopause Occurs
Various changes happen before the onset of menopause, and even after it. They include:
Premenopause
This, also known as perimenopause, is a stage where a woman starts experiencing some symptoms before menopause. This phase begins between 8 to 10 years before menopause when the ovaries start to release less estrogen.
Menopause
At this point, the woman must have stopped menstruating. At this stage, there is no menstruation and her ovaries no longer produce eggs.
Postmenopause
This is the phase after menopause, where women remain for the rest of their lives. In this phase, some symptoms of menopause might ease while others, although mild, can continue for life.
Menopause Symptoms
If you experience any of the symptoms highlighted below, it only means one thing; you are transitioning into the menopause phase as a woman.
Irregular Periods
This is when periods are heavier or lighter than usual.
Hot Flashes
This is a sudden feeling of heat over the body resulting in heavy sweating and sometimes cold shivering.
Sleeping Difficulty
During menopause, one can find it hard to sleep or stay asleep.
Physical and Emotional Changes
These include; weight gain, breast tenderness, dry skin, depression, and mood swings.
The Takeaway
Menopause is a natural phase, and all women go through it. At this stage, it is important to have a healthy diet plan, exercise more, and avoid triggers to hot flashes. You do not necessarily need to be on medications unless prescribed by your doctor. With all the right information, transitioning into menopause can turn out easier than you imagined.