Menopause Age:
Menopause refers to the stage of a person’s life during which their period stops. An individual has entered menopause if at least 12 article source months have passed since their last period. Some menopause symptoms might be harder to talk about than others ‘ but don’t wait.
They will also be able to support you and help you cope with the symptoms of menopause. While the average age of menopause is 52, there is a vast range of what is considered ‘normal’ for when menopause could begin. For some via people, menopause starts in their forties; for others, it occurs well into their fifties. While laboratory tests are not usually necessary to diagnose menopause, your doctor may test the number of hormones in your blood.
Your healthcare provider can also prescribe estrogen or non-estrogen hormones to treat the vaginal tissue. They can prescribe this in a low-dose cream, pill or vaginal ring. The possibility of pregnancy disappears once you’re postmenopausal. However, you can get pregnant during the menopause transition (perimenopause).
Keep reading to learn about the 11 things every woman should know about menopause. Although menopause affects various tissues at a microscopic level, the focus here will be mainly on the gynecologic manifestations of the condition. This article will use the terms ‘male,’ ‘female,’ or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. There’s no way to know your exact menopause age until it happens, but genetics seems to play a strong role.
When these attacks occur unexpectedly or suddenly, they can indicate panic disorder. This may happen due to hormonal changes or the fear of feeling anxious itself. During menopause, hair loss or thinning is another result of ovarian hormonal fluctuations. This causes the hair follicles to shrink, meaning that hair grows more slowly and sheds more easily.
The ability to predict when menopause will occur could also help with managing menopause symptoms or deciding which type of birth control to use, adds Faubion. If you reach menopause before age 40, that is considered premature menopause, says Faubion. After menopause you will no longer be able to get pregnant and you will no longer get a period. If you have any type of vaginal bleeding after menopause, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Vaginal bleeding after menopause is not normal and can mean that you have a serious health problem. You can’t get pregnant after menopause, but anyone who has sex can get sexually transmitted infections (STIs, or STDs) (PDF, 187 KB).
Some people also refer to it as an ‘overactive bladder.’ This symptom is common during menopause, as changes in hormone levels can cause the bladder and pelvic muscles to become weaker. As with concentration and focus, menopause can also affect memory. Again, this could be a direct result of lower estrogen levels or compromised sleep. Some people may notice changes in their sense of taste, with stronger flavors, during menopause. They may also experience a dry mouth, which can lead to a higher risk of developing gum disease or cavities.
All of these factors can disrupt your life and even cause tension in your relationship(s). In addition to these changes, the lower levels of estrogen in your body can cause a decrease in the blood supply to your vagina. When you don’t have the right amount of lubrication in your vagina, it can lead to painful intercourse. Discuss all past medical conditions and your family history with your healthcare provider to understand the risks versus benefits of hormone therapy. Physical changes can also happen as your body adapts to different levels of hormones.
Post-menopause signals the end of your reproductive years, and you’ll be in this stage for the rest of your life. While your ovaries are still making low levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, you are no longer ovulating (releasing eggs), so you can’t become pregnant. Menopause is technically one full year without bleeding, and perimenopause is the stage before the final menstrual period, also known as the menopausal transition.
If you experience any of the symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider. During your conversation, your provider will tell you about different types of treatment super fast reply and check to make sure there isn’t another medical condition causing your depression. Your teeth and gums are susceptible to the hormonal changes that occur during menopause.
The severity of symptoms varies greatly around the world and by race and ethnicity. This begins when you hit the year mark from your final period. Once that happens, you’ll be referred to as postmenopausal for the rest of your life. Keep in mind that after more than 1 year of no menstrual periods due to menopause, vaginal bleeding isn’t normal, so tell your doctor if you have any ASAP. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to talk to your doctor. Irregular periods, amenorrhea, and other menopause symptoms can also be signs of other health conditions, like hormonal problems, uterine problems, or an infection.
Testosterone production in men declines about 1% per year ‘ much more gradually than estrogen production in women. Healthcare providers often debate calling this slow decline in testosterone ‘menopause’ since it’s not as drastic of a hormone shift and doesn’t carry the same intensity of side effects as menopause in women. Some men won’t even notice the change because it happens over many years or decades. Other names for the male version of menopause are age-related low testosterone, male hypogonadism or androgen deficiency.
If you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, your treatment options could include estrogen therapy. As menopause nears, your ovaries no longer release eggs, and you’ll have your last menstrual cycle. The average age of menopause in the United States is approximately 51 years old. However, the transition to menopause usually begins in your mid-40s.