Menopause occurs when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. A woman's menstrual cycles, hot flashes, and other symptoms may change in the years leading up to menopause, a period known as the menopausal transition. Typically, a woman will enter menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. Except in cases where a girl has her ovaries surgically removed before adolescence, every woman will eventually enter menopause. The risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and other health issues rises when menopause is brought on prematurely. Checking for menopause if you think you might be experiencing it will help you make informed decisions about your health and symptoms as soon as possible when a diagnosis is made.
