What is the menopause

The menstrual cycle follows a constant pattern during the reproductive years. However, this changes prior to the menopause when menstrual cycles become more irregular as ovulation occurs less frequently. This time is called perimenopause and begins with the first symptoms of approaching menopause i.e. vasomotor symptoms and menstrual irregularities, and ends 12 months after a woman’s final menstrual period.

When no menstrual periods have occurred for over a year, a woman is said to have become postmenopausal. Her body produces comparatively little oestrogen. The ovaries are the major source of oestrogen before the menopause, however levels drastically decline after the menopause. For women in the Europe and the United States the menopause occurs at about fifty years of age.