Menopause is defined as the final menstrual period and is usually confirmed when a woman has been period free x 12 consecutive months (with no other causes). Menopause results in lower levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Most women experience menopause between the ages of 40 and 58 with the average age 51.
For 5% of women, menopause occurs between the ages of 40-45years old whereas, over 90% of women are 55-56 years old.
80 per cent of women have some symptoms around menopause, of which 20 per cent have severe symptoms.
Physical changes begin years before the final menstrual period and this transition phase is known as perimenopause.
Induced menopause is when a woman’s body is ‘forced’ into menopause either via surgical or medical intervention.
Smokers may reach menopause 2 years earlier than non-smokers. Genetics also has a role in timing of menopause.
Estrogen is known to have a very big impact on our brain and its functions. It affects memory, concentration, mood, antioxidant against free radicals in the brain, and helps in brain health overall. There is growing evidence that boosting estrogen decreases the risk for vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s!
