What is menopause?

What is Menopause?

Menopause is when 12 months have passed since a woman’s last period, marking the end of her reproductive years.

Stages of menopause

• Perimenopause/Menopause Transition is when a woman starts to experience menopausal signs and symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats and irregular periods. On average, perimenopause begins 4 years before menopause.
• Postmenopause are the years that follow menopause.

The effects of menopause on your health

Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing female hormones. This change in hormone levels can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, sleeplessness and mood swings. Even if you have no obvious symptoms, it’s important to understand the effects of menopause and aging on your overall health.

Loss of the female hormone estrogen can weaken your bones, for example, increase cholesterol levels that contribute to coronary artery disease, cause emotional changes, vaginal changes and urinary tract changes. Preventive care during these menopause years offers a huge opportunity to improve your quality of life as you age.

Our population is aging, bringing with it new healthcare challenges, especially for women. The average life expectancy for women today is 81 years. The average age at menopause is 51 years. That means women can expect to spend more than a third of their lives in menopause, facing the unique healthcare challenges that come with this stage of life.

We can help, so you can enjoy life to its fullest. Call us today at 832-826-5281.