Posts Tagged ‘Menopause Factor’
What is Menopause
Menopause is the period that ends a woman’s reproductive phase. Menopause begins at the end of menstruation. Over time, the ovaries gradually lose the ability to produce estrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. As estrogen production decreases, ovulation and menstruation occur very often, and eventually stop. Menstruation can be stopped early due to illness or a hysterectomy. In these cases we speak of induced menopause. In Europe and North America, menopause usually happens when a woman is around 51-52 years old. Menopause can happen but sometimes as early as 40. The age and menopausal symptoms also have a strong genetic influence. As a rule of thumb, women who began menstruation early is more likely to experience menopause earlier.