Menopause is a natural aspect of aging for women, signaling the end of their reproductive years. It is the point in a woman’s life when her menstrual cycle ends permanently. It is caused by a drop in estrogen levels and a decrease of ovarian follicle activity. Menopause may also be caused by surgical or medical procedures, cancer therapies, or genetics. Let’s learn about menopause in more detail.
At What Age Does Menopause Occur?
The average menopause age for women is between their 40s and 50s. Perimenopause is a period of transition that occurs before menopause. This is the starting age of menopause that can last for months or years and typically begins in your mid-to-late 40s. On average, most women go through perimenopause for four years, which is how long menopause can last, before their periods stop completely.
What Are The Symptoms of Menopause?
Your hormone levels fluctuate during perimenopause. You’ll most likely have irregular periods, along with a variety of additional symptoms. Your periods may be longer or shorter, heavier or lighter than usual. In addition, you may miss a month or two between cycles.
Perimenopause may also result in the following symptoms:
- Hot flashes
- Nighttime sweats
- Difficulties in sleeping
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
- Reduced breast fullness
The symptoms differ from woman to woman. Individuals usually do not require treatment to alleviate or control their symptoms. However, someone with more severe symptoms may require treatment.
Also read: What is Male Menopause (Andropause)?
What Characterizes Early Menopause?
Premature menopause is defined as menopause occurring before the age of 40. Early menopause is defined as menopause that occurs between the ages of 40 and 45. Approximately 5% of women normally experience early menopause.
What Are The Causes of Early Menopause?
The following can increase the probability of experiencing early menopause.
Not having children: A history of pregnancy may postpone menopause.
Smoking: Smoking can cause menopause to occur within two years.
A family history of early menopause: If women in your family went through menopause early, you’re more likely to follow suit.
Chemotherapy or pelvic radiation: These cancer treatments can harm your ovaries, causing menopause to begin earlier.
Oophorectomy and hysterectomy: These are surgical procedures that remove the ovaries and uterus, respectively. Procedures to remove your ovaries may result in menopause right away. If you have your uterus removed but not your ovaries, you may go through menopause a year or two earlier than usual.
Certain medical conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, HIV, chronic fatigue syndrome, and certain chromosomal diseases might cause menopause to occur earlier than expected.
If you believe you are having signs of early menopause, consult your doctor. They can use a variety of tests to establish whether you have entered menopause.
The PicoAMH Elisa test, which analyzes the quantity of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) in the blood, can help predict whether you have entered menopause or not.
Trying to conceive after Menopause? Click to the read the article:
Management and Treatment of Menopause
Treatment for early or premature menopause may differ based on why the menopause began earlier than usual. Given the health hazards associated with early menopause, doctors prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT), unless there is a reason why hormone therapy is unsafe (such as having breast cancer).
HRT helps your body restore some of the hormones it has lost. This helps to alleviate menopausal symptoms and side effects, as well as reduces your risk of developing health problems related to early or premature menopause. HRT is commonly prescribed by providers until a person reaches the age of 51 (when most people enter menopause).
It is critical to examine the benefits and drawbacks of hormone therapy with your doctor. If you are infertile due to early or premature menopause, talk to a fertility specialist about your options. They can help you achieve your need to become a parent.
Read more: Best treatments for menopause
Conclusion
Menopause is a normal part of the ageing process. You can expect to go through this phase around the same time your mother did.
While menopause can bring some unpleasant symptoms, there are several treatments available to help. The best way is to accept your body’s changes and welcome this new chapter of your life.
FAQs on Menopause Age
What are the 1st signs of Menopause?
The first indicator of menopause is typically a shift in the usual pattern of your cycles. You may start having unusually light or heavy periods. Your periods’ frequency may also be altered.
What is the most reliable indicator of menopause?
Menopause is best indicated by the lack of a menstrual period for 12 months in a row.
How can I tell if I’m experiencing early menopause?
Early menopause occurs between the ages of 40 and 45. It is fairly uncommon, affecting about 5% to 10% of women. A doctor or nurse can check your hormone levels to confirm early menopause.
How can I confirm menopause at home?
The most reliable technique to establish menopause is to record your menstrual cycles and go a year without them. If you have irregular periods or other symptoms, you can usually establish whether you are in perimenopause or menopause without medical testing.
Is 45 considered too early for menopause?
Early menopause occurs between the ages of 40 and 45, which is not rare.