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Health Desk. Menstruation is a natural process in women’s lives. As we age, hormonal changes occur in the body, and periods gradually become irregular. After a certain point, menstruation stops completely. This condition is called menopause. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although the timing can vary from woman to woman.

When are periods considered to have stopped completely?

When a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, and there is no other medical reason for this, it is considered menopause. In many countries, including India, the average age of menopause in women is around 50 years. Menopause does not occur suddenly. It can be preceded by several years of bodily changes, known as perimenopause.

Changes can start after the age of 40

Many women experience changes in their menstrual patterns after the age of 40. Periods may sometimes come earlier, sometimes they may be delayed by several weeks or months. Bleeding may also be heavier or lighter than usual. Fluctuating hormone levels during this time can also cause mood swings, sleep problems, or hot flashes in some women.

What are the common signs of menopause?

In addition to irregular periods, several other symptoms can also appear around menopause. These may include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and fatigue. However, not every woman will experience all of these symptoms.

What happens after periods stop?

After menopause, levels of hormones like estrogen decrease in the body. This can affect many parts of the body, including bone and heart health. The risk of osteoporosis, or weakening of the bones, also increases with age. Therefore, a balanced diet, adequate calcium and vitamin D, regular physical activity, and health checkups as recommended by a doctor are crucial at this age.

When should one consult a doctor?

Changes in periods around menopause can be normal, but not all bleeding is considered normal. If bleeding returns after 12 months of no periods, it should not be ignored and should be examined by a gynecologist.