Menopause is the process through which a woman ceases to be fertile or menstruate. It is a normal part of life and is not considered a disease or a condition.
Symptoms may occur years before a woman's final period. Some women may experience symptoms for months or years afterward. Despite being a natural process in the body of any woman, menopause can cause drastic changes that trigger severe symptoms. Fast facts on menopause:
- • Menopause marks the end of a woman's fertility.
- • Symptoms of menopause include night sweats, hot flashes, mood fluctuations, and cognitive changes.
- • A reduction in estrogen levels can lead to the symptoms of menopause.
- • There are a number of medical treatments and home remedies that can help with symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and self-management techniques.
- • The average age of menopause in the United States (U.S.) is 51 years.
Signs and Symptoms
Menopause is a natural change in the body. It causes symptoms such as hot flashes. While menopause is not a disease or disorder, it does trigger some profound changes in a woman's body. A diagnosis of menopause is confirmed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for one year. However, the symptoms of menopause generally appear before the end of that one-year period.