Menopause is a natural transition that most women experience between the ages of 45-55. During this time, a woman stops having monthly menstrual periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, when hormone levels become irregular but periods may still occur.
Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This happens because the ovaries gradually produce fewer follicles - sacs in the ovaries that contain the eggs or ova. Over time, the ovaries simply run out of follicles and estrogen/progesterone production declines.
The most common symptoms associated with menopause include:
Some women also experience other effects like memory issues, weight gain, slowed metabolism, and even hair loss or dry skin. The severity of symptoms varies significantly between women.
Since estrogen plays a protective role in bone and heart health, dropping estrogen levels can increase risks for osteoporosis and heart disease. Lower estrogen also contributes to changes in cholesterol levels and body fat distribution from the hips to the waistline. All of these factors combine to increase a woman's risk profile after menopause.
Getting through menopause can be challenging. But the good news is that symptoms can often be well-managed through lifestyle adjustments like proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, and in some cases, hormone therapy or medications. With the right support, most women are able to transition through menopause gracefully while minimizing unpleasant symptoms. Maintaining health protective behaviors is the key to thriving in the post-menopausal years.
For more information and support, visit Harmony Health.