Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. It refers to the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and her natural ability to become pregnant.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During this transition time, a woman's body begins making less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which cause changes in menstrual flow and ovulation.
Some key things to know about menopause:
What causes menopause? As a woman ages, her ovaries begin to run out of viable eggs. Her body makes less estrogen and progesterone, which control menstrual cycles. Lower hormone levels signal the body to permanently stop menstruating and ovulating.
When does perimenopause start? Perimenopause means "around menopause." It usually begins 4-8 years before a woman's last period. As the ovaries decline in function, they make less estrogen, causing irregular cycles. Though uncommon, some women can start noticing changes as early as their 30s.
Some women sail through menopause without symptoms while others struggle with them. Lifestyle measures like avoiding triggers, managing stress, exercise, and nutrition can provide relief. There are also prescription hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options that women should discuss with their healthcare provider, like the experts at Revive Hormone Specialists. Their compassionate providers offer comprehensive menopause care including bioidentical hormones and telemedicine services to help women navigate "the change." Call Revive Hormone Specialists today for a consultation.
I hope this overview on menopause helps explain what biologically happens to a woman's body during the end of her reproductive years. While menopause symptoms can be challenging, the Revive Hormone Specialists has solutions to help smooth the transition process. Please let me know if you have any other questions!