Menopause is the cessation of a woman’s reproductive ability. Menopause is usually a natural change in women in their late 40s and early 50s. It signals the end of the fertile phase of a woman’s life.
The absence of menstrual flow commonly defines menopause, but it represents the cessation of ovarian function. The ovaries stop releasing eggs and the hormones that cause changes in the uterine lining (endometrium).
The menopausal transition is normally not sudden or abrupt but occurs over several years. The term “perimenopause” reflects the time before and after a woman’s final menstrual cycle. While hormone levels are fluctuating erratically, it is important to understand that it is a normal transition, a consequence of biological aging.
Nonetheless, some women during this transition experience unpleasant symptoms that can be significant enough to disrupt their daily lives and their sense of well-being. These include lack of energy, hot flashes, and mood changes. For women who suffer, there are various prescription and nonprescription treatments, both hormonal and non-hormonal.
If you have questions about the menopausal transition, please contact us. Several therapies are available to help you make this natural transition more gracefully. You may find this informational video concerning hormonal therapies helpful: