Did you not get your periods this month? Do you think it is menopause? How to verify? Well, these questions require proper, and research-based answers. Menstruation is a biological process in a female’s body that discharges blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. In humans, the process begins at the age of 12 and 15. This is the period when a woman can be pregnant. During the age between 45 and 55, menstruation stops and is known as menopause.

What is Menopause?

Generally, after reaching the age of 40s or sometimes 50s, there is a natural decline in reproductive hormones in a woman. Thus, this eventually leads to the stopping of periods in women. This is known as menopause. Menopause is signaled by twelve months since the last menstruation. A woman can no longer be pregnant naturally, after menopause. 

When does menopause begin?

In several women, symptoms of menopause begin about four years before their last period. They often continue for the whole four years until menopause. While some women experience symptoms even 10 or 12 years following their last period. The median age for menopause is 51.

Also, certain factors determine when you will begin menopause. These include ovary health and genetics. Before menopause, perimenopause occurs. Perimenopause means a tied time when the hormones in women’s bodies begin to change to prepare for menopause. There is no certainty for perimenopause. Thus, it may occur during the 40s, or not occur at all. 

Women whose bodies begin menopause before the age of 40s are known as premature menopause. Women, who undergo menopause between the age of 40 and 45, refer to early menopause. Here are some key terms that relate to menopause:

  • Perimenopause states that the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. Periods may be late, or completely over, or more periods. The blood flow may become lighter or heavier. 
  • Menopause might lead to no menstruation for 12 months.
  • Lastly, post-menopause refers to the years after the occurrence of menopause.

Symptoms of Menopause

Every woman has a different experience during her menopause. When menopause occurs suddenly or over a short period, symptoms are usually severe. The common symptoms of menopause are the following:

Irregular Periods

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A very common symptom that takes place in every woman is the irregular occurrence of periods. They may be lighter or heavier less often or more often, or last longer or shorter. There is no regularity, thus it is very hard to predict when the next period may come or how long they might continue.

Trouble Sleeping

Most of the cases state that menopause causes problems in having a good sleep. It makes women wake up, or trouble while going to sleep. Several times these happen due to things like night sweats. If you face such a problem, you may consult a doctor.

Moody Feeling

The periods and menopause may affect your mood due to changes in hormones. More anxiety or depression may worsen the situation. The irregularity and symptoms might create a problem with your mood as well. Therefore, taking a doctor’s advice is helpful. 

Physical Changes

During the course of menopause, you can face physical changes like dry and thin hairs and skin, or gaining weight, or stiff joints. Therefore, there is a need to keep your strength and health in proper check. Other than the above changes or symptoms, you may also feel the following: 

  • Dry skin, mouth, and eyes
  • Memory problems, anxiety, or depression
  • Headaches 
  • Increased sweat problem
  • Lack of concentration, more irritation than normal, and many more.

How to get tested for Menopause?

Menopause is a biological process, thus it can be identified by scientific tests. This also includes some tests so as to protect the body from further problems. Since there is a hormonal change in the body that grows into certain harsh symptoms. However, it can be treated and maintained by visiting a doctor and getting some tests done. 

Diagnosis of the body may clear out the problem to set up. So, as to have your this time safe and painless. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are the hormones that need to function properly. Doctors perform blood tests to recognize the level of these hormones. Moreover, the PicoAMH Elisa test is the test that measures the amount of anti-Mullerian hormone in the blood. These will help you take care of yourself the right way during this time. 

Conclusion

During menopause, it may become difficult for a woman to concentrate on her body due to the many symptoms. Therefore, one may follow certain steps that can change your lifestyle. You need to stay cool and comfortable, exercising and managing weight for physical fitness. Take care of your skin, share your problems or sufferings, supplement your diet, and many more.