Menopause: Fast Facts
Reviewed By:
Marc Kaufman, M.D., ACOG
- Menopause occurs when a woman's body no longer releases eggs and the ovaries significantly reduce their production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
- A woman is considered menopausal when 12 consecutive months have passed without a menstrual period and there are no other causes for this change.
- Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. However, it may occur earlier or later.
- The average age at the beginning of menopause in the United States is 51.
- Natural menopause is preceded by a period of transition known as perimenopause. Irregular periods are common during this time.
- Perimenopause can begin anytime between a woman's early 30s and her late 50s. However, it usually begins in her middle to late 30s.
- Menopause-related symptoms occur because of the absence of eggs and the reduction in estrogen and progesterone levels.
- Common symptoms include hot flashes, thinning of the bones, vaginal dryness, mood changes, urinary problems, memory or concentration problems, lack of interest in sex and changes in physical appearance.
- Menopause usually occurs naturally as part of aging.
- Surgical menopause occurs as the result of an operation to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy). Symptoms usually begin immediately and are more pronounced than with natural menopause.
- Other factors may cause early menopause, such as smoking, genetic factors and some cancer treatments (such as radiation to the pelvic area).
- Early menopause may also be called premature ovarian failure (POF) or premature menopause.
- Premature menopause increases the risk for osteoporosis later in life.
- There are about 37.5 million women at or near menopause (ages 40 to 59) in the United States, according to data collected as part of the U.S. Census in 2000.
- Tests are available that can determine if a woman is in menopause. A physician may perform such tests when symptoms occur at an earlier age than expected.
- After menopause, a woman is at increased risk for a number of health problems including heart disease and osteoporosis. Before menopause, her higher levels of estrogen offered some protection from these diseases.
- Menopause leads to changes in physical appearance. Weight that previously was settled in the hips and thighs may shift to the waist. Breasts may lose their fullness, wrinkles may form and hair may thin.
- As estrogen levels drop, the small amount of testosterone that a woman produces may have more pronounced effects on her body. For instance, she may develop coarse hair on her chin, upper lip, chest and abdomen.
- Menopause cannot be prevented.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also called menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most common and usually the most effective way to treat symptoms of menopause.
- Numerous studies have been conducted recently about health risks of hormone therapy, such as blood clots and breast cancer. However, studies show that most women entering menopause can safely use HRT to relieve severe symptoms. Be sure to consult a physician about the risks and benefits of HRT.
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