An individual is considered to be in menopause after 12 months without a menstrual period.
Menopause comes with several changes in an individuals health.
Menopause Symptoms
Common symptoms of menopause include:
How Common Is Menopause?
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Menopause is a normal part of aging for women and those who menstruate.
Menopause by Ethnicity
Everyone who menstruates will experience menopause.
The age of menopause onset may vary by ethnicity, but the research is mixed.
Some studies have found that Black Americans experience menopause slightly earlier (six months) than White Americans.
Other studies have found no difference in the onset of menopause based on race or ethnicity.
Where you live may play a role in determining when you go through menopause.
Studies show that people in developing countries may experience natural menopause earlier than those in developed countries.
Also, people in urban areas have been found to go through menopause later than those in rural areas.
Additionally, those living at higher altitudes experience menopause 12 to 18 months earlier than those at lower altitudes.
Menopause by Age & Gender
Menopause occurs in all individuals who menstruate.
Menopause occurs most often between the ages of 50 and 52.
Its estimated that 95% of people will have their final period between the ages of 44 and 56.
Individuals who go through menopause before age 40 are inearly menopause.
Its estimated that about 5% of people will go through early menopause.
About 1% will experienceprimary ovarian insufficiency, a condition that causes early menopause.
Risk factors for early menopause include smoking and never having been pregnant.
Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your new symptoms and how long they have been occurring.
A thyroid function test may be ordered becausehypothyroidismcan cause symptoms similar to menopause.
Summary
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of menstrual cycles.
It is a normal part of the aging process for those who menstruate.
The average age of menopause onset for women in the United States is 51.
The age of onset may vary by ethnicity, but the research is mixed.
Menopause is usually diagnosed by giving a detailed medical history and undergoing a physical.
Common symptoms include absent periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and weight gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the United States, the average age of menopause onset is 51.
This age can vary significantly from person to person, and the average age span is 40 to 58.
Those who go through menopause before age 40 are in early menopause.
Most individuals in menopause have experienced irregular menstrual periods for months to years before the onset of menopause.
This time is known as perimenopause.
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