WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?
Menopause is a normal phase of life that women experience as they age. This term describes any of the changes a woman experiences after they stop ovulating and experiencing menstrual cycles.
Menopause occurs naturally in women around the age of 40-50, and occurs when the ovaries stop making the hormones estrogen and progesterone – which control menstruation and ovulation.
The average age of onset is 51; early menopause is 40-45 and premature menopause is at age 40 or less.
It is possible for women to enter menopause before the age of 40, due to hormonal imbalances, certain treatments for medical conditions, surgery, and more.
Each year in the US, about 2 million women become menopausal – so you are not alone.