Menopause

Menopause is when women stop having periods (menstruating) and can no longer get pregnant.

Menopause usually happens after age 40. In the United States, the average age for menopause is about 52.

• Some symptoms, such as irregular periods and hot flashes, may appear years before you go through menopause

• Your bones may weaken after menopause

• Some doctors may give you medicines to help with your symptoms

Menopause doesn't happen all at once. Over time, your periods happen less often. Menopause is complete when you haven’t had a period for a full year. It is possible to get pregnant before then. If you don't want to get pregnant, use birth control until you've gone a year without any periods.

Menopause is normal and happens as your body ages.

For several years before menopause, your body gradually makes less estrogen and progesterone. These are sex hormones that are needed for menstruation (getting your period) and pregnancy. With less of these hormones, your ovaries stop releasing eggs, and your periods stop.

Menopause that happens before age 40 is called premature menopause. Premature menopause is uncommon and can be caused by many different medical problems.

Menopause doesn't happen all of a sudden. At first you may notice:

• Irregular periods

• Hot flashes (when you suddenly feel hot and sweaty, even thought it isn't hot)—hot flashes last from 30 seconds to about 5 minutes

• Waking up covered with sweat (night sweats, which are hot flashes that occur at night)

At the same time, many women also have symptoms like:

• Mood changes

• Depression

• Irritability

• Worry

• Sleep problems

• Loss of focus

• Headache

• Tiredness

Vaginal Mucosa (Before and After Menopause)

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These symptoms often go on for a year or more. Eventually your periods stop completely, and the symptoms usually get better. Sometimes hot flashes go on longer.

Symptoms after menopause are due to lower levels of sex hormones. You may have:

• A dry vagina

• Less interest in having sex

• Painful sex, because of a drier and thinner vagina

• Difficulty having an orgasm

• More urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• A need to urinate more urgently or incontinence (urinating without meaning to)

• Thinner, drier, more delicate skin

• Weaker bones

• Higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL)

• Higher chance of heart disease

Usually, menopause needs no tests. If it begins too early, doctors may check for other diseases that can make your periods stop.

Understanding menopause may help you cope with your symptoms. Talking with other women who have gone through menopause or with your doctor may also help you decide what treatment can work for you.

Because your symptoms are caused by low hormone levels, taking hormones (hormone replacement therapy) is the most effective way to relieve symptoms. However, hormone replacement has risks so doctors usually try other things first.

Hot flash treatments may include:

• Dressing in removable layers of clothes

• Wearing clothing that breathes or wicks moisture, such as cotton and sports clothes

• Avoiding hot environments and bright lights

• Certain medicines that aren't hormones

Incontinence treatments may include:

• Exercises to strengthen the muscles that stop and start urination

Dry vagina treatments may include:

• Vaginal lubricant or moisturizer

• Continuing to have sex—this increases blood flow to the vagina

Some women take medicinal herbs and other supplements to relieve symptoms. There are many different supplements. Most of them don’t work well, and none are reviewed for safety the way prescription medicines are. Also, some herbs and supplements can interfere with other medicines you take. If you’re thinking about taking supplements, discuss them with your doctor.