Menopause is usually a natural change. It is also known as the climacteric, when menstrual periods stop permanently in most women’s lives and they are no longer able to bear children.
This is due to decrease in hormone production by the ovaries. In those who have had surgery to remove their uterus but still have ovaries, menopause may be viewed to have occurred at the time of the surgery or when their hormone levels fell. Following the removal of the uterus, symptoms typically occur earlier, at an average of 45 years of age.
Menopause typically occurs between 49 and 52 years of age. Gynecologists often define menopause as having occurred when a woman has not had any vaginal bleeding for a year.
Before menopause, a woman’s periods might become irregular, During this time, women often experience hot flashes; these typically last from 30 seconds to ten minutes and may be associated with sweating, and reddening of the skin. Hot flashes often stop occurring after a year or two. Other symptoms may include vaginal dryness, sleeping difficulties, and mood swinging. The severity of symptoms varies between women.
