Menopause, usually occurring after age 45, with an average occurrence age of 51 is when a woman stops having periods. In most cases, the process is natural. When this change happens, it is because the woman's body has ceased to make estrogen and progesterone, two reproductive hormones.

The symptoms associated with this phase often affect your emotional health, decrease your energy level, and cause sleep disturbances. However, the good news is that treatments as diverse as hormone therapy to lifestyle changes can help. Dry skin and thinning hair are also common symptoms.

All women will have somewhat different menopause symptoms, with some having significantly disruptive symptoms and others having more mild effects. Periods will usually get irregular in every woman before finally ending.

Even women who are going through the perimenopausal period might have their menstrual periods skip. These cycles will often run shorter, and periods could stop for a month or more, then resume. Women going through the perimenopausal stage of their life can still become pregnant, so a pregnancy test is a good idea if you are unsure of whether you have gone through menopause.

Causes.
In most cases, woman experience menopause because of the natural aging process. During your late 30's, your fertility declines because of decreases estrogen and progesterone levels. You will likely experience changes in the frequency, having, or length of your periods during your 40's. Once your ovaries' stop producing eggs by around 51, you will no longer have periods. 
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About 1% of women experience menopause before 40. This condition is known as ovarian insufficiency, which comes from lower hormone levels. The hormone levels can be caused by autoimmune conditions, genetics, or no known cause. Hormone therapy is often used to protect your bones, heart, and brain until a more typical menopausal age.

A hysterectomy will cause either immediate or delayed menopause, depending on whether your uterus and ovaries are removed, or just the uterus. When you still have your ovaries, you will still have the hormonal changes every month, even without periods.

Chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer often cause menopausal symptoms. However, these are not usually permanent, and you should still consider yourself capable of becoming pregnant.

Complications.
Women who have gone through menopause are more susceptible to certain health problems. Your risk for heart disease increases, which makes a healthy weight, diet, and exercise more important. Checking the blood pressure and cholesterol levels frequently are important.

When you've experienced menopause, you'll lose bone density at a faster rate. Fractures are more common because of bones being more brittle.

The vaginal area becomes less elastic, making you feel like you need to go to the bathroom more frequently and have a greater risk of urinary tract infections. Discomfort and a loss of sensation in this area during intercourse often happen.

Your metabolism will also slow after menopause, which increases your chances of gaining weight. More frequent exercise and eating less are necessary for many women in these circumstances.

When should you see a doctor?
‍Although most women will go through menopause with few problems, keeping regular appointments with your doctor is a good idea. You will also need to continue regular care after finishing your menstrual cycles.

Your doctor might recommend preventive health screenings, such as triglyceride screening, mammograms, and colonoscopies. Pelvic and breast exams might be typical, and thyroid testing is also recommended for some patients.

If you have vaginal bleeding after menopause, contact your doctor. This bleeding could indicate a problem that requires attention.

When you are experiencing menopause or any of the symptoms related to this phase in your life, Faith Medical Clinic in Canyon, Texas can help.