Menopause Overview

Menopause officially occurs a year after a woman's last menstrual period and marks the end of fertility. This can signify any number of things to women—some find it very difficult; others view it as a cause for celebration. But regardless how you feel about reaching menopause, understand that it is not a disease or disorder. It is a naturally occurring process that every woman experiences.

In most cases, menopause is caused by aging. As you get older, your ovaries gradually decrease production of estrogen and other hormones. These hormonal changes cause many of the undesirable signs and symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and weight gain.

Most women experience natural menopause between 40 and 58 years of age. Though the majority of women experience menopause naturally, it can occur for other reasons. You can learn more about this in our causes of menopause article.

An interesting fact is that you usually experience the signs and symptoms of menopause years before it definitively occurs. Menopause is essentially a transition. It is a journey from your reproductive years to a new life stage. As such, menopause occurs in stages.

Menopause Stages

• Perimenopause: Meaning "around menopause," perimenopause occurs years before menopause actually occurs (it usually lasts 4 to 5 years, though it varies). During this stage, you'll start noticing the effects that lead up to menopause, such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. Since you haven't officially hit menopause yet, it's still possible to conceive a child during this stage. Perimenopause ends a year after your final period—or at the official start of menopause.
• Post-menopause: After you've reached menopause, the years that follow are considered post-menopause. At this point, your ovaries no longer release eggs and production of sex hormones sharply declines.

Keeping your doctor involved as you go through the stages of menopause will greatly help ease the transition. He or she will suggest treatments or lifestyle changes that may help relieve symptoms. Even more importantly, your doctor will dispel any misconceptions you might have. Menopause may mark the end of fertility, but it does not mark the end of fulfillment.