Menopausal symptoms may not bother some women at all, and they may even feel relieved when they are no longer concerned about having painful periods or getting pregnant. Other women may have hot flashes, insomnia, sex pain, moodiness and irritability, depression, or a combination of these symptoms during the menopausal transition. Some people may choose to discuss medication or lifestyle modifications with their doctor in order to treat their symptoms.
Knowledge of the menopause transition
Twelve months following her last period, a woman begins the menopause. Menopausal transition or perimenopause refers to the years preceding that time when women may experience changes in their monthly cycles, hot flashes, or other symptoms.
Menopausal transition often starts between the ages of 45 and 55. Although it can continue up to fourteen years, it typically lasts seven years. Depending on lifestyle factors including smoking, age at onset, and race and ethnicity, the duration may change. Thus, the production of the two ovarian hormones, progesterone and estrogen, varies significantly throughout perimenopause.
In addition, each woman is affected by the menopausal transition differently and in different ways. Women may gain weight more rapidly due to changes in fat cells and in the way the body uses energy. Body structure and composition, physical function, or bone or heart health may be altered.
