Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life that happens when her periods stop for a full year, marking the end of her reproductive years. It usually occurs between ages 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier or later. Menopause is linked to changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, which decline throughout the transition into post menopause.
For most women, it comes with some unpleasant symptoms like hot flushes (those sudden waves of heat, often at night), night sweats, mood swings, joint pain and difficulty sleeping. Some women also experience vaginal dryness or changes in sex drive. But every woman’s experience is different—some might hardly notice it, while others might feel like they’re on a rollercoaster.
Menopause can also be split into three phases: perimenopause (the lead-up, when hormone levels start to fluctuate), menopause itself (when you haven’t had a period for 12 months), and postmenopause (everything after that year mark). Postmenopause can last for years, and while some symptoms might ease up, others may linger or show up later.
At The Claremont Clinic we are here to help you as you transition through all of the phases of mid-life. We are always ready to see you, assess our symptoms and help look at your health as a whole as you navigate this process.