Menopause Facts and Tips
Written by Kelly M. Rehan
Reviewed by Daniel J. Toft MD, PhD
- Menopause is not a disease or disorder. It is a naturally occurring process that every woman experiences.
- Most women experience natural menopause between 40 and 58 years of age; the average age is 51.
- Most women experience menopause's signs and symptoms 5-7 years before it definitively occurs.
- Menopause officially occurs a year after a woman's last menstrual period.
- Menopause is usually a result of the natural aging process, but certain medical procedures (such as a total hysterectomy) and primary ovarian sufficiency can also trigger it.
- There are three main menopause stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
- Perimenopause is when you'll experience most of the signs and symptoms associated with menopause.
- Hot flashes, irregular menstrual periods, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and mood swings are common menopause symptoms.
- A small amount of women—about 1%—reach menopause before age 40.
- Your risk for more serious complications increases after you reach menopause—during the postmenopause stage. Heart disease, osteoporosis, and weight gain are common complications of menopause.
- Hormone therapy (also known as estrogen plus progestogen therapy) is widely considered the best treatment for moderate to severe hot flashes.
- Healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise, balanced eating, and not smoking are effective ways to reduce—even eliminate—menopause symptoms.
Last updated on 07/06/10
First published on 01/22/10
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