Menopause Age: What to Expect, Signs, and Early Symptoms

What is Menopause?

Menopause is defined as the cessation of spontaneous menses (periods) for 12 months. Worldwide, most women enter menopause between the ages of 49 and 52 years. However, some women attain menopause at an early age. Some factors associated with an earlier menopause include;

• Smoking and alcohol.
• Lower body mass index (BMI).
• Nulliparity (having no children).
• Increased stress and anxiety.
• Unhealthy diet and nutrition.
• Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle.
• Earlier age of first childbirth.
• Genetic Predisposition.

Although menopause is often seen as a single event—correlating with the cessation of ovarian production of your hormones and eggs—the menopausal transition occurs over several years and is a dynamic period.  

Menopause describes the stage of a woman’s life when her periods stop permanently, and she can no longer get pregnant. It is not a disease or disorder—it is a normal part of ageing for women. The time leading up to menopause is called the menopausal transition or perimenopause.

Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods permanently stop due to a decrease in the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Medically, you reach menopause after you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Although it’s a natural biological process, menopause can also be accompanied by various symptoms and physical changes due to hormonal shifts.

Menopause can happen naturally or for various reasons, such as surgical removal of the ovaries or the uterus and cancer treatments like chemotherapy. 

What are the Three Stages of Menopause?

The transition from reproductive age into menopause usually starts with changes in your menstrual cycle patterns that are accompanied by hot flashes or other symptoms. Most women begin the menopausal transition between ages 45 and 55, and the process may last for several years. Women reach menopause at different ages. You will only know that you’ve reached menopause when you have not had a period or spotting for an entire year.

Menopause isn’t a single moment in time; it’s a gradual transition through three main stages:

1. Perimenopause:

Menopause doesn’t happen instantly. Perimenopause is the period of the menopausal transition, which can start anywhere from your 30s to your 40s. Slow changes are seen in your body. During perimenopause, estrogen levels start to fluctuate, leading to symptoms like irregular periods, mood swings, and hot flashes.

Perimenopause has symptoms of menopause, but your periods have not ceased yet. 

Perimenopause is said to have ended when you do not have a period for a minimum of twelve months.

Perimenopause can cause symptoms of mental disturbances 

• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Brain fog and 

It can also cause physical symptoms like hot flashes and irregular periods. These symptoms can begin several years before your periods completely stop and can continue afterwards. Perimenopause and menopause symptoms can have a significant impact on your life, including relationships and work.

2. Menopause:

Menopause begins after a time period of 12 months without periods. 

So why does menopause happen? 

During this stage, the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs, and estrogen levels are low. This causes more symptoms as your body adjusts to this new hormonal balance. To understand more about the hormonal changes in menopause, you can read this blog.

3. Postmenopause: 

Postmenopause is the period of years after menopause or a complete cessation of periods. Periods have officially ended at this stage. The risk of issues like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease rises, and many more such diseases due to lower estrogen levels. You can no longer have a child during and after his period.

Standard Age Range for Menopause

Menopausal age differs for every woman. It usually occurs between ages 45 and 55, but some women experience it earlier or later. Many women in the same family can expect a similar age of menopause as their relatives. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and specific medical treatments (like chemotherapy) can influence when menopause starts.

Can You Get Early Menopause or Premature Menopause?

Yes, premature menopause can occur before the age of 40, whereas early menopause occurs between 40 and 45. It can be due to genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, or specific medical treatments.

What are Some of the Early Signs of Menopause?

Here are some early indicators you may notice, but they can vary for everyone :

1. Changes in Menstrual Cycle

Change in the menstrual cycle is one of the first signs of menopause.

You may experience:

• Irregular periods
• Changes in flow intensity (heavier or lighter)
• Missed periods with an unpredictable schedule

These changes are due to changing hormone levels and can last months or even years before your period stops entirely.

2. Hot Flushes and Night Sweats

Hot flushes are a sudden heat sensation often accompanied by sweating and a flushed face. It can cause intense discomfort. Many clients of Nirva report that they have faced hot flashes during menopause.

These symptoms are common in early menopause and are caused by changing hormone levels, which also impact your body’s temperature regulation.

Symptoms During the Menopausal Transition

Along with menstrual changes and hot flashes, other symptoms can arise during menopause:

• Mood Swings: You may face changes in mood, irritability, or anxiety due to hormonal changes. You can go through this blog for more tips on mental health management.   
• Sleep Disturbances: Due to frequent night sweats, hot flashes, and other factors may cause poor sleep.
• Vaginal Dryness: Your vaginal tissues may become drier, thinner, and less elastic due to reduced estrogen levels and lack of vaginal discharge leading to discomfort.
• Decreased Libido: Due to hormonal changes and lack of lubrication, libido may decline. However, lifestyle factors and individual experiences vary.
• Weight Changes: You may notice an overall increase in weight. This is usually seen around the abdominal area due to hormonal changes that can affect your metabolism.
• Joint and Muscle Pain: As estrogen decreases and bones weaken, you can experience pain and stiffness. This also reduces joint mobility, which can cause pain.
• Memory Lapses or ‘Brain Fog’: You may also face difficulty with concentration, and memory can occur during menopause, though these symptoms are often temporary.

When Should You Talk to Your Doctor?

Determining if your symptoms are usual may be challenging, and you may wonder if you should discuss them with your doctor.

It’s always a good idea to seek guidance if:

• Symptoms are disrupting your daily life.
• Symptoms like irregular bleeding, heavy periods, or significant pain arise.
• You notice symptoms of early or premature menopause.

A healthcare expert can help you understand your options for managing symptoms and maintaining health, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or lifestyle modifications.

Wrapping Up 

Remember, menopause is an intimate journey, and each experience is unique. You can navigate this transition smoothly with support, education, and a proactive approach to health. Don’t hesitate to contact Nirva health experts for advice and support tailored to your needs.