When people talk about menopause, they often make it sound as if it is a sudden change that a woman goes through.  In reality, it is a very slow process that can begin when a woman is still in her 30s or in her 40s, though it can hold off until as late as the woman’s 50s or 60s as well. 

 

For many women, the signs and symptoms of menopause develop long before their periods stop. In fact, a woman is not considered to have actually reached menopause until she has not experienced a period for twelve months in a row.

Causes of Menopause

 

Since menopause is a natural process that occurs within the body, it is somewhat inappropriate to discuss the “causes” of the change.  It is not considered to be a medical illness, but is a process that occurs naturally within the ovaries as a woman ages. 

 

When the process of menopause begins, the ovaries start to make less progesterone and estrogen.  When a woman is still in her reproductive years, these hormones help her body regulate her monthly ovulation and menstruation cycle. 

 

By the time a woman reaches her late 30s, the amount of progesterone that her body produces begins to lessen.  As a result, the eggs that remain in her ovaries are less likely to become fertilized.  Over time, this causes the menstrual period to stop altogether and the woman can no longer become pregnant.  This process can take several years to complete and is divided into two stages  perimenopause and postmenopause.

 

Perimenopause

 

During perimenopause, the woman begins to experience the first signs and symptoms of the process.  Despite the fact that signs and symptoms are beginning to develop, the woman still continues to ovulate during the perimenopause stage.  At the same time, since hormone levels are rising and falling at an uneven pace, the woman may experience hot flashes as well as changes in her period cycle.  For some women, the flow may become irregular, while other women may experience lighter or heavier periods than usual.  This process is considered normal and can take place for four or five years.  For some women, it may take even longer.

 

Postmenopause

 

After a woman has gone through twelve consecutive months without experience a period, she is considered to have reached menopause.  From this point on, she is in the postmenopause stage.  At this point, the ovaries no longer produce as much progesterone or estrogen as they once did and eggs are no longer released.

 

During both the perimenopause and postmenopause stages,it is important for women to see their doctors and receive preventive health care. In addition, since women going through menopause are at a higher risk for developing certain disorders, it is important to see a doctor in order to take care of other medical conditions that may develop. Although certain health conditions are considered to be a normal part of the aging process, certain steps – including dietary and lifestyle changes - can be taken to slow down these processes.