Menopause: Ensuring a tranquil transition

The average age for menopause in the U.S. is 51. For some women, menopause can be challenging, but a greater understanding of the symptoms and treatments can help smooth this natural transition.

Here are answers to common questions women have about menopause:

How do I know if what I’m experiencing is menopause?

Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual periods. It’s triggered by a natural decline in female hormones released by the ovaries, surgical removal of the ovaries, lack of sufficient reproductive hormones, or sometimes by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A woman has officially entered menopause after she hasn’t had her menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

Some women confuse perimenopause with menopause. Perimenopause generally begins years before women reach menopause and can include irregular menstrual periods and other common menopause symptoms.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Aside from the end of menstruation, some women have no additional symptoms. For others, symptoms may include:

— Decreased libido

— Hot flashes

— Irregular or missed menstrual periods

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