Menopause
Menopause is the time for women when a decline in production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone results in an end to the monthly release of eggs by a woman's ovaries ends. Menstruation ceases, indicating the end of fertility. During a woman's productive years, these hormones, which are commonly thought of as sex or reproductive hormones, regulate her monthly cycles of ovulation and menstruation.
Menopause usually begins after a woman's menstruation ceases for twelve consecutive months. However, the biological process leading to menopause can begin years before, and symptoms can continue for several years afterward. In some women, menopause may occur suddenly. For most, periods become erratic over a period of months or years before menstruation completely ceases.
Menopause is commonly divided into two stages because this process takes place over years. It is known as perimenopause and postmenopause.
Perimenopause is the time when a woman's body begins its transition into menopause. Hormonal levels such as estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate and these fluctuations can cause a variety of symptoms such as hot flashes and erratic periods. For most people, this takes place between ages 35 and 55. It is also the time when many women seek menopause information on menopause drug treatments, natural alternative treatments, and other information needed to get through this very natural but disturbing time of life.
Postmenopause starts when twelve consecutive months have passed since a woman's last period. The years that follow are called postmenopause. At this time the ovaries produce less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone and the monthly release of eggs by a woman's ovaries ends.
By the time menopause begins--meaning when a women stops menstruation altogether--most of the acute problems a woman may have experienced should be actually over and a new hormonal balance between all hormones should be established. However, after a woman enters menopause she becomes increasingly more vulnerable to other potentially serious health problems--most notably osteoporosis, heart disease and vaginal atrophy.
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Informational note: The data presented on our health and nutrition website is for educational purposes only. Though we stive to be accurate in all of the information we present, it should not be taken as medical advice. NSC always recommends consulting your physician before beginning or modifying any diet or exercise program.
