When Does Menopause Start

Menopause or ending of menstrual cycle brings about certain bodily changes, in terms of both physical symptoms and mental health conditions. The changes in specific hormonal levels are solely responsible for causing menopause and associated symptoms. Before menopause actually happens, irregularity of periods is experienced for a few years. But, actually when does menopause start? This is a common query that lingers in the minds of women, especially who are in their mid 30s and 40s.

What Age Does Menopause Start?

So, when does menopause start? And exactly how early does menopause start? The answer to these questions is between the age 45-55, if it occurs naturally. However, prior to actual menopause, a woman goes through premenopause phase and perimenopause phase. The former may appear within the age mid 30s to 40s. Over here, mild health issues related to menopause, collectively referred to as premenopausal symptoms are experienced. This marks the gradual reduction of reproductive cycle, that were active before.

By perimenopause age, the hormonal fluctuations are more pronounced as a woman approaches menopause, resulting in notable symptoms. As expected, a string of medical problems accompanies this particular phase. Some probable menopause symptoms are water retention, frequent mood swings, depression, irritability, weight gain, cold flashes, heavy or light periods, dryness in the vaginal area and sleep disorders. Drastic changes in blood flow is also manifested in this specific age. While some may experience intense flow, others report light bleeding.

On a general note, monthly menstrual cycle becomes irregular before the onset of natural menopause. It does not mean that you will have irregular periods every month, if your menopause is near. But, menstrual cycles may be normal for some months, followed by stopping for a few months, then may resume again. So, it may be quite confusing to give an answer for when does menopause start. To make it simple, natural menopause is confirmed, if a woman doesn't experience monthly periods for 12 months consecutively. You can learn more on what age does menopause start.

The average menopause age, in which a woman can expect ending of her reproduction cycle is 52. Hereditary factors play a major role in determining natural menopause age, meaning the age at which ovulation stops permanently remains nearly the same for mother and daughter. In addition, other aspects that may influence ending of reproduction cycle in a woman are race, ethnicity, age at the start of menstruation, number of conceptions, use of contraceptives, lifestyle habits (smoking) and general health.

When Does Menopause Start after a Hysterectomy?

Besides the average age of menopause (natural) that we have discussed above, exceptions do occur, which come under early menopause, premature menopause and artificial menopause. In general, early menopause is not a concern. Over here, reproduction cycle comes to an end before age 45. Menopause is considered premature, if a woman experiences it before age 40. Artificial menopause is something to do with hysterectomy or other treatment options of underlying health issues, requiring a woman to enter menopause at an early age.

Coming to the query 'when does menopause start after a hysterectomy'? It depends on whether the woman has undergone partial or full hysterectomy. Even if, there is only one intact ovary, the ovulation cycle continues normally, and most likely the woman will experience natural menopause. On the other hand, menopause (or surgical menopause) occurs immediately for women who have been through complete hysterectomy surgery. Such a case of artificial menopause after hysterectomy is also associated with various menopausal symptoms.

With this overview guide about menopause age, I hope you got your answer to when does menopause start. The age at which natural menopause occurs hold true for all women. Also, it is usual to experience discomfort symptoms and mood swings as the reproductive years come to an end. Diagnosis for approaching menopause can be done by means of blood test and hormonal tests. If required, one can take medical help to manage inconvenient menopause symptoms effectually.