When does start menopause

When the ovaries are removed, symptoms will begin to show immediately. Certain medical conditions like autoimmune diseases have also been associated with early menopause. How long does menopause last? Typically, menopause symptoms last two to seven years postmenopause, but they can last longer for some women. A specialist like an OB-GYN or certified nurse-midwife can work with you to determine whether your symptoms are related to menopause, or another reason such as hormonal disorders or other health conditions.

Around the age of 45 many women enter premenopause and start to notice the first signs that menopause is coming. For some women, the symptoms are mild and short-lasting. For others, menopause symptoms can be disruptive and long-lasting. Period changes are usually the first signs of menopause. For example, your period may start to happen every six to eight weeks. Or you may miss a couple months before it comes back again.

You may also have a heavier flow or a lighter flow from time to time. So, continue to use birth control in the lead up to menopause as you normally would. As your hormone levels change, you may find yourself more irritable, anxious, sad or forgetful than usual.

Your sex drive libido can also decrease or increase. These changes are very typical as your body approaches menopause. You may find it difficult to get to sleep, or you may wake up in the middle of the night. Sleep trouble can contribute to a constant feeling of tiredness, which can make you moodier.

The good news is that sleep issues like insomnia can be treated. Lifestyle changes such as cutting back on caffeine, limiting screen-time before bed and exercise can be extremely helpful. There are over-the-counter medications and supplements like melatonin that can help — but ask your doctor for a recommendation before you start taking something. Sleep medicine is an option, too. Ready to talk menopause? Barrier methods condoms, diaphragm, spermicide —condoms are the only method than provides some protection from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

With POI, younger women under 40 have no or only occasional periods and elevated FSH levels, which signify fewer eggs in their ovaries. Some women with POI may have typical menopause-related symptoms, others may not.

Trip Tip: POI means lower estrogen levels, which means negative effects on your bone density and possibly your brain and sexual function. Timely diagnosis is key. So if this sounds like you, the next stop should be your healthcare provider. Arriving at Destination: Natural Menopause And here we are—natural menopause, the spontaneous, permanent ending of menstruation that is not caused by any medical treatment. Menopause is a normal, natural event. Women in North America will likely experience natural menopause between ages 40 and 58, averaging around age Some women, however, reach this phase in their 30s, others in their 60s.

Typically, women reach menopause around the same age as their mothers and sisters. Trip Tip: Smokers may get there about two years earlier than nonsmokers, while race, age at first period, use of birth control pills or fertility medications do not seem to be determining factors. Recalculating: Postmenopause The final stop along our midlife tour is postmenopause. They can usually confirm whether you're menopausal based on your symptoms, but a blood test to measure your hormone levels may be carried out if you're under Your GP can offer treatments and suggest lifestyle changes if you have severe menopausal symptoms that interfere with your day-to-day life.

Your GP may refer you to a menopause specialist if your symptoms do not improve after trying treatment or if you're unable to take HRT.

The menopause is caused by a change in the balance of the body's sex hormones, which occurs as you get older. It happens when your ovaries stop producing as much of the hormone oestrogen and no longer release an egg each month. Premature or early menopause can occur at any age, and in many cases there's no clear cause. Sometimes it's caused by a treatment such as surgery to remove the ovaries oophorectomy , some breast cancer treatments, chemotherapy or radiotherapy , or it can be brought on by an underlying condition, such as Down's syndrome or Addison's disease.

Page last reviewed: 29 August Next review due: 29 August