Menopause occurs when a person goes 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It is a natural part of aging and marks the end of reproductive years. Menopause can happen in one's 40s or 50s, but the average age is 51.
Menopause is natural. However, the physical and emotional symptoms may disrupt sleep, lower energy or affect mood. Menopause happens over time. The months or years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause or the menopausal transition. During the transition, the amount of hormones your ovaries make varies. Perimenopause can last two to eight years. The average is about four years. The hormone changes can cause symptoms that include:
Menopause is natural. However, the physical and emotional symptoms may disrupt sleep, lower energy or affect mood. Menopause happens over time. The months or years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause or the menopausal transition. During the transition, the amount of hormones your ovaries make varies. Perimenopause can last two to eight years. The average is about four years. The hormone changes can cause symptoms that include:
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes
- Trouble finding words and remembering, also known as brain fog
- Dry skin, dry eyes, dry mouth
- Worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Breast tenderness
Some people might also experience symptoms that include:
- Racing heart
- Headaches
- Joint and muscle aches and pains
- Changes in libido
- Weight gain
- Hair loss or thinning
Some people have intense symptoms of menopause, while others have mild symptoms. Not everyone will have the same symptoms as they transition to menopause.
Menopause can be caused by:
Menopause can be caused by:
- A natural decline of hormones
- Surgery that removes the ovaries, also known as an oophorectomy
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Primary ovarian insufficiency
After menopause, your risk of certain medical conditions increases, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Osteoporosis
- Urinary incontinence
- Sex problems
- Weight gain
Most people can tell by the symptoms that they’ve started menopause. If you have worries about irregular periods or hot flashes, talk with your healthcare provider. Tests aren’t always needed to diagnose menopause. But sometimes, your healthcare provider may suggest tests to check your follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
Menopause doesn’t need treatment. But it can help to ease symptoms and prevent or manage ongoing conditions that may happen with aging. Treatments may include:
Menopause doesn’t need treatment. But it can help to ease symptoms and prevent or manage ongoing conditions that may happen with aging. Treatments may include:
- Hormone therapy
- Vaginal estrogen
- Nonhormonal treatments
- Prasterone
- Antidepressants
- Gabapentin
- Clonidine
- Fezolinetant
- Oxybutynin
- Medicines to prevent or treat osteoporosis
- Ospemifene
At Jamaica Hospital's Department of Women's Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life and provide a warm and welcoming environment.
To learn more about our OB/GYN services or to make an appointment, contact us at 718-291-3276.
