What Is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural, biological step in the aging process that happens to every woman. Medically speaking, it is the end of a woman’s reproductive life, as it brings with it the woman’s final menstrual period. Menopause usually begins between the ages of 45–60; if it begins before age 40, it is known as premature menopause.
The Different Stages of Menopause
Menopause isn’t a single event—it encompasses several stages and can take years to complete. During each stage, the body experiences different changes that can have physical and emotional effects.
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Perimenopause: The stage leading up to the end of menstruation, when most of the symptoms that we associate with menopause occur. For most women, perimenopause begins in the mid-forties and can last from a few months up to 10 years.
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Menopause: The stage when menstruation actually comes to an end. During the years leading up to menopause, menstrual periods become erratic, so it can be difficult to tell when the last one has occurred. A woman is not officially “menopausal” until she has not had a period for one year.
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Postmenopause: The stage after the final menstrual period, which lasts for the rest of a woman’s life.
