The average age for menopause is 51 years old, but it can occur anywhere between the ages of 40 and 58. There is no single "right" age, as many factors influence when a woman will go through menopause.
Key things to know:
- Perimenopause - The transition period leading up to menopause, which can last up to 10 years. Symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances often emerge during this time.
- Early menopause - Menopause occurring before age 40. This affects about 5% of women.
- Premature menopause - Menopause occurring before age 45. This affects about 1% of women.
- Induced menopause - Menopause caused by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatments.
What impacts when menopause occurs?
- Genetics - Women often experience menopause around the same age as their mother and sisters. Genes influence the rate at which eggs are depleted.
- Smoking - Smokers tend to undergo menopause 1-2 years earlier on average.
- Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and others may contribute to earlier menopause.
- Ethnicity - On average, Caucasian women enter menopause later (after age 50) while Hispanic and African-American women experience menopause a bit earlier.
- Body weight - Women with lower body weights tend to have menopause earlier. Those overweight may experience menopause slightly later.
What happens during the menopausal transition?
Perimenopause begins when the ovaries gradually make less
estrogen. This fluctuation leads to changes throughout the body:
Once ovulation ceases completely,
menopause is said to have occurred.
Postmenopause is the phase that follows, when hormone levels stabilize at lower levels.
While menopause marks the end of fertility, women still need to be concerned about their health after menopause occurs:
- There is an increased risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures without sufficient estrogen. Weight-bearing exercise and calcium supplements may help manage this.
- Heart disease risk increases after menopause as well. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key.
- Vaginal health issues may require treatment to improve comfort and intimacy.
At Renewal Hormone Clinic, we provide specialized care to support women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Our compassionate providers offer the latest therapies including:
- Hormone therapy
- Vaginal estrogen treatment
- Osteoporosis prevention
- Personalized nutrition and fitness guidance
- Stress reduction techniques
- Supplements to ease hot flashes and mood changes
With individualized care plans focused on improving quality of life, we help women thrive during this transition and live their healthiest lives possible. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation.
