Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s. Menopause is a natural biological process. Although it ends fertility, you can stay healthy, vital and sexual.
Even so, the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause may disrupt your sleep, cause hot flashes, lower your energy or — for some women — trigger anxiety or feelings of sadness and loss.
In the months or years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), you might experience these signs and symptoms: irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, Weight gain and slowed metabolism, thinning hair and dry skin and loss of breast fullness
It’s possible, but very unusual, to menstruate every month right up to your last period. More likely, you’ll experience some irregularity in your periods.
If you’ve skipped a period but aren’t sure you’ve started the menopausal transition, you may want to determine whether you’re pregnant. Skipping periods during perimenopause is common and expected. Often, menstrual periods will occur every two to four months during perimenopause, especially one to two years before menopause. Despite irregular periods, pregnancy is possible.
Menopause can result from natural decline of reproductive hormones. As you approach your late 30s, your ovaries start making less estrogen and progesterone the hormones that regulate menstruation and your fertility declines. Menopause can also be caused by hysterectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, primary ovarian insufficiency.
After menopause, your risk of certain medical conditions increases. They include heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence and weight gain.
Menopause requires no medical treatment. Instead, treatments focus on relieving your signs and symptoms and preventing or managing chronic conditions that may occur with aging.
Starting at perimenopause, schedule regular visits with your doctor for preventive health care and any medical concerns. Continue getting these appointments during and after menopause. Preventive health care can include recommended screenings at menopause, such as a colonoscopy, mammography, lipid screening, thyroid testing if suggested by your history, and breast and pelvic exams.
Always seek medical advice if you have bleeding from your vagina after menopause.
