Menopause Information Series #1 - What Is Menopause?

So, what actually is menopause?

Menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life and is to be expected at some stage or another. Basically, it is the last menstrual period, signaling the end of a woman’s reproductive years, and most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55.

What often confuses women is that Menopause symptoms can come on gradually anywhere from 1 - 6 years before the arrival of your last menstrual period.

Perimenopause, is a common term and it refers to the time when periods fluctuate until they stop.

Not all women will suffer from the signs of menopause so is often hard to diagnose precisely, in fact 20 per cent have no symptoms. Approximately 60% will have mild symptoms, while only 20% will suffer severe symptoms.

Menopause before the age of 40 is called early menopause or premature menopause. It may occur:

- naturally when the ovaries have ceased functioning correctly
- surgically when a woman has her ovaries removed
- chemically from cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Women who experience early menopause are often at greater risk of such conditions as osteoporosis and heart disease because of the long-term effects of low oestrogen levels, so if you think you’re experiencing early menopause it’s important to talk to your health practitioner.

Sue