What Is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural part of aging. It marks the time when a person stops having menstrual periods. This change happens because the body produces fewer hormones. It is not a disease or a health problem. It is a life transition that almost everyone who has periods will experience.¹

This article explains why menopause happens, who it affects, and how the body changes during this time. Understanding these changes helps people manage their health as they age.

Biological causes and why it occurs

The primary cause of menopause is a change in the ovaries. The ovaries are the organs that store eggs and make hormones. These hormones include estrogen and progesterone. They regulate the menstrual cycle and impact various parts of the body. As a person grows older, the ovaries start to run out of eggs. When this happens, the levels of hormones in the body decrease. ¹

Estrogen is a very important hormone for people who can get pregnant. It helps keep the skin, bones, and heart healthy. When estrogen levels fall, the body must adjust to a new balance. This shift marks the end of menstrual periods and the onset of menopause. Menopause is officially reached when a person has gone 12 months in a row without a period. ²

Understanding the transition’s signs and symptoms

Menopause does not happen all at once. Most people go through a transition period called perimenopause. This phase can last for 7 to 14 years. During perimenopause, hormone levels go up and down like a roller coaster. This fluctuation is often the cause of many physical symptoms and changes.^1-3

The most common sign of the transition is a change in the menstrual cycle. Periods may become much heavier or much lighter. They might happen more often or less often. These changes are normal as the body transitions into menopause.^1-3

It is important to know that it is still possible to get pregnant throughout this transition until you have formally reached menopause. It is recommended to continue current birth control methods until a full 12 months have passed since the last episode of bleeding or spotting.^1,3

Many people also experience hot flashes during this time. A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat in the body. It can cause the face and neck to become red or blotchy.^1-3

Other symptoms of the transition include night sweats and trouble sleeping. Some people may notice changes in their mood. It is very common to notice more feelings of anxiety, sadness, and irritation. It is also common to experience brain fog or trouble focusing. Difficulty sleeping can amplify these mood swings and brain fog. These symptoms happen because the brain is adjusting to lower levels of estrogen.^1-3

Loss of estrogen often has significant effects on the vagina and vulva. These areas of the body need estrogen to thrive, so as estrogen drops, it is common to experience vaginal dryness or changes in the appearance of the vulva. These changes can also cause increased bladder infections, known as UTIs, and urinary incontinence.²

Estrogen is also very important for bone and cardiac health. As a person progresses through menopause, the bones lose density, and fractures can be common. Loss of estrogen can also increase cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.²

Once a person has gone 12 months without a period, they are in the stage called postmenopause. People stay in this stage for the rest of their lives.^1-3

Who it affects and the typical age ranges

Most people experience menopause as a result of natural aging. In the United States, the average age for this transition is 51. Most people will reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. However, some people may experience it earlier or later than the average. This range is considered normal for a natural transition.^1,4

Some people go through menopause before the age of 45. This is called early menopause. If it happens before the age of 40, it is called premature menopause. Early or premature menopause can happen for many reasons. It might be due to a family history of early menopause. It can also be caused by certain medical conditions or autoimmune diseases.⁴

Menopause can also be induced. Induced menopause happens when medical treatments cause the ovaries to stop working. This occurs if a person has surgery to remove their ovaries. This surgery is called an oophorectomy. It can also happen because of treatments like chemotherapy or radiation for cancer. When menopause is induced, symptoms often start very suddenly. This is because the body does not have years to adjust to the lower hormone levels.⁴

Next steps

Menopause is a natural biological process driven by the loss of eggs in the ovaries. This leads to a decrease in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Whether it happens naturally with age or because of a medical procedure, it marks the end of a person’s reproductive years.

Transitioning through perimenopause can be a long process with many different symptoms. There may be complex emotions around menopause including relief, anxiety, or sadness. Knowing what to expect and having support can make the journey easier to manage. If you have concerns about your symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can help you find ways to manage symptoms through lifestyle changes and treatment options.³