What is menopause?
Menopause is a term that describes the changes that occur to an aging woman’s body when they are near the end of their reproductive period. The symptoms of menopause are present around the time a woman stops menstruating and can carry on over several months and years. It is typically triggered by abrupt changes in the hormone levels of the body, especially estrogen and progesterone. These are the hormones that control menstruation and ovulation. When the ovaries are no longer releasing eggs each month to start menstruation, periods will end.
Menopause is a normal part of aging that can happen around the age of 40 and onward. Women who have a procedure such as a hysterectomy may experience menopause early. Others may experience premature menopause for various reasons.
What are the stages of menopause?
There are three primary stages of menopause, including:
- Perimenopause – this is the earlier stage of menopause that can begin many years before the change occurs. During this stage, estrogen drops quickly before women begin to experience the common symptoms of menopause.
- Menopause – this point of menopause is measured approximately one year since a woman has experienced her last menstrual period. The ovaries are no longer releasing eggs and stop estrogen production.
- Post menopause – the years after menopause are known as post menopause. Hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause typically ease at this point, but there are health risks for women to consider due to the loss of estrogen production. Many women seek hormone replacement therapy around this time.
Speak to a professional today who can help you through your journey through menopause
Dr. Craig Ranch in the area of McKinney, TX is an OB/GYN who can assist women in the community with their reproductive health. If you are experiencing menopause and are seeking assistance in getting through this change, we welcome you to call (214) 544-6600 to engage with a qualified doctor.
