When does menopause usually start?

Menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's menstrual cycle. It's typically confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. This transition usually occurs in women in their 40s or 50s, but the age can vary.

During menopause, the ovaries produce fewer hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, leading to various physical and emotional changes. Menopause impacts each woman differently, and while some might experience mild symptoms, others may face more severe discomfort affecting their daily lives. The duration and severity of symptoms can also vary widely.

Beyond the physical changes, menopause can affect bone health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and might impact heart health and other aspects of overall well-being. However, many women navigate this phase with manageable symptoms and lead fulfilling lives post-menopause.

Menopause symptoms

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Mood swings

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Irregular periods

• Vaginal dryness

• Changes in libido

• Weight gain

• Joint pain

• Cognitive changes

If you suspect you have menopause or are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with a St. Joseph Health provider for a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.

What are the stages of menopause?

• Perimenopause: This stage begins several years before menopause. Hormone levels fluctuate, leading to irregular periods and various symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes.

• Menopause: Menopause itself is identified by 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Hormone levels decrease significantly, causing symptoms to stabilize, although some might persist.

• Postmenopause: This phase starts after menopause and lasts throughout the rest of a woman's life. Symptoms like hot flashes might reduce, but health risks associated with lowered estrogen levels might increase, such as osteoporosis or heart disease.

Menopause treatment options

Treating or managing menopause involves various approaches:

• Lifestyle changes: This includes a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, and avoiding triggers like caffeine and spicy foods that can worsen symptoms.

• Hormone therapy: This treatment involves estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone to alleviate severe symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. However, it's not suitable for everyone and has potential risks.

• Natural remedies: Some women opt for alternative therapies like herbal supplements (e.g., black cohosh, evening primrose oil), acupuncture, or yoga to manage symptoms.

• Medications: Non-hormonal medications like antidepressants or medications specifically designed for certain symptoms (e.g., vaginal estrogen for dryness) might be prescribed.

• Regular health checks: Women going through menopause should have regular check-ups to monitor their health, including bone density tests and screenings for conditions that become more common after menopause, such as heart disease and osteoporosis.

Each person's situation is unique, and consulting with a St. Joseph Health provider can provide valuable insights and options tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.