Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. It refers to the point when a woman stops having her menstrual periods permanently.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During this transition time, usually starting in a woman's 40s, the body begins making less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This causes changes in her menstrual cycle as well as other symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
Eventually, after a woman has gone 12 months without a period, she reaches menopause. This milestone marks the end of her reproductive years. On average, women experience menopause around age 51, but it can happen earlier or later.
Some of the most common symptoms leading up to and during menopause include:
The severity of symptoms varies significantly among women. While some have moderate issues, others can be debilitated by severe hot flashes, mood swings, or sleep disruptions. Lifestyle choices and health conditions also impact a woman's experience.
In addition to bothersome symptoms, menopause causes long-term changes to a woman's health:
Hormone therapy and other treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce risk of future health complications. But every woman has to find the right solution for her own body.
At Revive Hormone Institute, we specialize in customized bioidentical hormone replacement plans to help women transition through perimenopause and menopause. Our experienced physicians and nurses provide compassionate care to address your symptoms and get you feeling like yourself again. Ask us how we can help you thrive in this next stage of your wellness journey!