Menopause is the cessation of a woman’s reproductive ability. Menopause is usually a natural change typically occurring in women in their late 40s and early 50s. It signals the end of the fertile phase of a woman’s life.
Menopause is commonly defined by the absence of menstrual flow, but really 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, rather it occurs over a number of 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 that suffer, there are various prescription and nonprescription treatments, both hormonal and non-hormonal.
If you have questions about the menopausal transition please speak with us. We have several therapies available to help you make this natural transition more gracefully.