Every woman, whether she realizes it or not, will undergo menopause. There are various stages of the process and some women will experience all of them, while others may experience only a few. True, natural menopause occurs when a woman transitions between her fertile and non-fertile years, generally around age 50. Menopause culminates with the cessation of menses and a woman no longer releases any eggs.

As a general guideline, natural menopause is defined as a year since the last period. Most women experience a hormonal shift during this time and may experience a variety of symptoms. As a woman approaches menopause, her supply of eggs and follicles begin to sharply decline. This period right before menopause is called perimenopause, and typically lasts between five and fifteen years.

During this time, a woman’s brain continues to send hormones which are meant to stimulate ovarian follicle development. This can cause significant fluctuations with a woman’s menses, as her ovaries respond erratically, often creating some of the more frequently observed symptoms of perimenopause.

As the ovaries lose their ability to produce an egg, the levels of ovarian estrogen begin to decrease and they no longer produce progesterone. The lining of the uterus begins to thin since there is no longer estrogen to stimulate egg production and release. Eventually a woman’s monthly menses stops completely and menopause happens.

During this transition, a woman may experience a variety of symptoms as her body changes. Each woman is different and so is her experience with menopause. There are options for dealing with menopause symptoms and each woman should work with her gynecologist or health provider to develop a plan which works for her.

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