© Shutterstock

Menopause isn't sudden -

Menopause doesn't happen suddenly for most women. It's a process, and not a distinct point in time.

© Shutterstock

When does it happen? -

The average age for the onset of menopause is 51. The majority of women stop having periods somewhere between the ages of 45 to 55.

© Shutterstock

What’s the difference between perimenopause and menopause? -

Perimenopause is the period of time right before menopause begins. During this time, the hormone production from your ovaries begin to decline. Once you completely stop having a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months, then you've entered menopause.

© Shutterstock

Perimenopause can start in your thirties -

Perimenopause can start as early as in your thirties. It can last for four to eight years before you officially enter menopause.

© Shutterstock

Most women experience symptoms -

Menopause isn't an illness, but the hormonal changes that occur can trigger symptoms. These can range from mild to severe, sometimes leading to discomfort and distress.

© Shutterstock

The most common symptoms -

About 75% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. Some women may also experience muscle and joint pain, known as arthralgia, or mood swings.

© Shutterstock

How long does menopause last? -

Symptoms of menopause usually continue for around four years after your last period. However, some women’s symptoms continue for much longer.

© Shutterstock

When do you know you're having a hot flash? -

During a hot flash, you'll likely feel your temperature rise in the top half of your body. Your skin may even turn red. This rush of heat could lead to sweating, heart palpitations, and feelings of dizziness. You may feel cold when it's over.

© Shutterstock

Avoiding triggers may reduce hot flashes -

Some triggers to avoid include consuming alcohol, caffeine, and spicy food, feeling stressed, and being somewhere hot. Being overweight and/or a smoker may also worsen hot flashes.

© Shutterstock

A few techniques may help reduce your hot flashes -

To help with hot flashes, dress in layers so you can remove them as you start to heat up. You can also use a fan in your home or work. Breathing exercises during a hot flash may help minimize it.

© Shutterstock

What are the long-term health risks associated with menopause? -

There are several conditions that you could be at a higher risk of after menopause. But they all depend on factors like your family history, your health before menopause, and your lifestyle. Two common conditions that affect your health after menopause are osteoporosis and coronary artery disease.

© Shutterstock

How does it affect your bone health? -

The decline in estrogen production can affect the amount of calcium in your bones, which can decrease your bone density and lead to osteoporosis. It makes you more susceptible to hip, spine, and other bone fractures.

© Shutterstock

Is heart disease linked to menopause? -

Heart conditions, like those that cause dizziness or cardiac palpitations, may arise during menopause. Decreased estrogen levels can also prevent your body from retaining flexible arteries.

© Shutterstock

Weight gain during menopause -

Changes in your hormone levels may cause you to gain weight. However, aging in general can contribute to weight gain.

© Shutterstock

A healthy lifestyle is key -

Focus on maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing other healthy habits to help control your weight and decrease the chances of developing certain health conditions.

© Shutterstock

Does everyone experience the same symptoms? -

The symptoms of menopause vary from one woman to another, even in the same families. What worked for someone else doesn't necessarily have to work for you.

© Shutterstock

Menopause if you've had a hysterectomy -

If your uterus was surgically removed through a hysterectomy, you may not know you’re going through menopause unless you experience hot flashes.

© Shutterstock

Is hormone replacement a safe option for management of menopausal problems? -

There are several hormone therapies for treatment of hot flashes and prevention of bone loss. The benefits and risks vary depending on the severity of your symptoms. Talk to your doctor for more information.

© Shutterstock

Are there nonhormonal options? -

Some medical conditions may prevent you from safely being able to use hormone therapy. Or you may simply choose not to use that form of treatment.

© Shutterstock

Lifestyle changes can ease symptoms -

The good news is that changes to your lifestyle may help you relieve many of your symptoms. This may include weight loss, exercise, and a change in room temperature.

© Shutterstock

Menopause and sex -

Some women fear that menopause means they'll be less attractive or unable to enjoy a sex life. The truth is that some may experience decreased libido, but others the exact opposite. Talk to your doctor for more on sex after menopause.

© Shutterstock

The body still produces hormones -

The body doesn't stop producing estrogen after menopause. However, it will no longer come from the ovaries. Instead, the adrenal glands produce hormones called androgens and aromatase. Aromatase mainly converts androgens into estrogens.

© Shutterstock

Menopause and stress -

Many women say they have difficulty focusing and remembering things during menopause. It's sometimes called brain fog. Stress is a significant factor.

© Shutterstock

Pregnancy during perimenopause is still possible -

It's still possible to become pregnant around perimenopause. However, the chances of conceiving and having a full-term pregnancy decline as a woman approaches menopause.

© Shutterstock

Can menopause affect sleep? -

Some may experience trouble sleeping through the night and even insomnia during menopause. Hot flashes are a common culprit.

© Shutterstock

Does it affect your eyes? -

Your eyes can also be affected. One of the symptoms of the transition to menopause is dry eyes.

© Shutterstock

Does menopause affect your teeth or gums? -

Your teeth and gums are susceptible to the hormonal changes that occur during menopause.  Sensitive teeth and gums are not uncommon. You may see an increase in the development of cavities or gingivitis.

© Shutterstock

Talk to your doctor -

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about menopause. They can help you understand your symptoms and find ways to manage them.

© Shutterstock

It's a new beginning -

Menopause affects a woman’s health and well-being, but it doesn't mean that the body is failing. As life expectancy increases and attitudes to aging evolve, people are starting to see menopause as a new beginning rather than an end.

Sources: (Healthline) (Medical News Today) (Cleveland Clinic) 

See also: The biggest women's health myths

© Shutterstock