Menopause

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Menopause is a natural event which normally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, beginning, on average, at age 51.

During menopause, ovulation (egg production) stops and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether. Once menopause is complete (called postmenopause), you can no longer become pregnant.

The symptoms of menopause are caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. As the ovaries become less functional, they produce less of these hormones and the body responds accordingly. The specific symptoms you experience and how significant (mild, moderate, or severe) varies from woman to woman.

In some women, menstrual flow comes to a sudden halt. More commonly, however, it tapers off, both in amount and duration of flow. During this time, often called perimenopause, your menstrual periods generally become either more closely or more widely spaced. This irregularity may last for 1 to 3 years before menstruation finally ends completely.

A gradual decrease of estrogen generally allows your body to slowly adjust to the hormonal changes. When estrogen drops suddenly, as is seen when the ovaries are removed surgically (called surgical menopause), symptoms can be more severe.