At how old do menstruation stop in women?

The period is a natural process in the lives of us of fertile age, but when does menstruation stop in women? This is a common question that many of us ask as we age and approach menopause.

Let's define what menopause is

Menopause is the term used to describe the permanent cessation of menstruation, and usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

However, it is important to note that the age at which a woman experiences menopause can vary significantly. Some women may experience it in their 30s or 40s due to a variety of reasons, such as surgical removal of the ovaries or certain medical treatments.

Additionally, there is a condition called premature menopause, which occurs when a woman experiences menopause before the age of 40.

Premature menopause can be caused by genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, among other causes.

On the other hand, some women may experience menopause later than usual. This phenomenon is known as late menopause and occurs in women over 55 years of age. In rare cases, some women may experience menopause in their 60s or 70s.

It is important to note that it is not a process that happens overnight. In general, it develops gradually over several years and is divided into three phases: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.

• You may be interested in: 10 reasons why menstruation can be delayed, according to experts

Phases of menopause

perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transition period that occurs before menopause. During this phase, levels of reproductive hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, begin to gradually decline, which can lead to changes in the menstrual cycle and symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal discharge.

menopause

Menopause occurs when a woman has had her last menstrual period. At this time, the ovaries stop producing eggs and the levels of reproductive hormones decrease significantly.

The postmenopause

Postmenopause is the period after menopause. During this phase, menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal sequelae, can persist for several years. They can also increase the risks of certain diseases, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Loss of sexual desire and choking

Menopause is a result of hormonal influence, especially a hormone known as estrogen.

This hormone plays a fundamental role in the entire process of the monthly reproductive cycle. Throughout this cycle, the development and release of an egg from the ovaries occurs each month, with the aim of facilitating fertilization. Additionally, there is an increase in the thickness of the lining of the uterus, preparing it to receive and nourish a possible fertilized egg.

However, as women age and the number of eggs decreases, ovulation, menstruation, and the possibility of pregnancy cease. Furthermore, the body stops generating estrogens that regulate this entire process.

This process does not occur instantly. Significant decline in this crucial hormone can take several years, and once a low level is reached, it remains constant.

Hormonal changes have a considerable impact on the female body. From the brain to the skin, muscles to emotions, all are influenced by declining estrogen levels.

The body can behave noticeably differently, and many women experience symptoms long before their menstrual cycle stops, in a phase known as perimenopause.

Hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, and depressed moods are common effects.

Problems related to the bladder and vaginal dryness are also normal in this process.

And when complete estrogen production stops, this has long-term consequences on bone and cardiovascular health. Bones can become brittle, increasing the likelihood of fractures, and women can become more susceptible to heart disease and stroke.

It is for this reason that women are offered the option of undergoing hormone replacement therapy (also known as HRT), in order to raise estrogen levels and contribute to the relief of symptoms.

However, not all women experience symptoms at this stage. Additionally, in all cases, the severity and duration of symptoms can vary, ranging from a few months to several years.

Humor changes

So, what causes hot flashes?

The explanation lies in estrogen deficiency. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating the body's thermostat, located in the brain.

Typically, the body tolerates temperature variations without problems, but in the absence of estrogen, the thermostat does not operate properly and the brain interprets that the body is experiencing an increase in heat, even when it is not.

A lack of estrogen can also trigger mood changes.

This hormone interacts with neurotransmitters in brain receptors that regulate emotions, and when its levels are reduced, it can result in anxiety and a decrease in mood.

Additionally, the absence of estrogen can affect the skin, leaving it feeling dry or as if there are small bugs crawling under the surface.

During menopause, other hormones such as testosterone and progesterone also play a role, although their impact on the body is not as pronounced as that of low estrogen levels.

Progesterone helps prepare the body for a possible pregnancy each month and decreases when menstruation stops.

Testosterone, produced at low levels by women, is linked to sexual desire and energy levels. After the age of 30, its levels decrease and only a few women need an increase in their production.

Other symptoms:

• Changes in the menstrual cycle: The menstrual cycle may become irregular or shorter or longer.
• Vaginal dryness: Decreased vaginal lubrication, which can cause discomfort during sexual intercourse.
• Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep or waking up frequently during the night.
• Weight changes: Weight gain or difficulty maintaining weight.
• Loss of bone density: Increased risk of osteoporosis.
• Decreased sexual desire: Lack of interest or decreased sexual desire.

What happens after the symptoms?

Estrogen levels in the body do not recover once menopause has been experienced. As life expectancy increases, women now spend more than a third of their lives with an estrogen deficiency.

However, there is no reason to feel intimidated, since according to specialists, quoted by the BBC, "women continue their working lives after this stage and maintain an amazing appearance. The perception of menopause is evolving."

She adds, "If you are facing difficulties, seek help from your primary care doctor, who is equipped with knowledge and resources. It is in women's best interest to know what symptoms to look out for."

What do doctors recommend for good health when menstruation stops in women?

• Maintain a healthy diet: It is important to follow a balanced diet rich in nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. It is also recommended to limit the consumption of processed foods and foods high in saturated fats.
• Get regular exercise: Physical exercise is important for maintaining good health during menopause, as it can help reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and depression. It is recommended to do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Weight gain is common during menopause, so it is important to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Sleep well: It is important to get enough sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule. Sleep problems can worsen menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and fatigue.
• Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, so it is recommended to quit smoking during menopause.
• See a doctor: If you are experiencing serious symptoms during menopause, such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia, it is important to see a doctor for treatment. Hormonal and non-hormonal treatments are available to help reduce menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life.

Are there treatments to treat menopause?

There are several treatments available to manage menopause symptoms. Some of them are:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): This treatment consists of the administration of estrogen and/or progesterone to compensate for the decrease in these hormones during menopause. HRT can be administered in the form of pills, patches, creams or gels.
• Non-hormonal medications: Some medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may be effective in treating menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and depression. .
• Stress and relaxation therapy: Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing, can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with menopause.
• Nutrition and exercise therapy: A healthy diet and regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of menopause, such as weight gain and osteoporosis.

It is important to speak with a health professional to evaluate the most appropriate treatment options for each person, as each case is unique and requires an individualized approach.

These articles may interest you:

• Why do I have a headache every time my period comes?
• 10 reasons that could explain why you have a late period
• The 15 best applications to keep track of your menstruation
• 25 things you should never do during your menstrual period

Frequent questions

Is it possible to bleed after menopause?

Vaginal bleeding that occurs after you have reached menopause is known as postmenopausal bleeding. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as changes in the lining of the uterus (endometrial atrophy), uterine polyps, infections, injuries, or in rarer cases, uterine cancer or other serious conditions, since for most women it is only treated of a benign problem. If you experience vaginal bleeding after menopause, it is important to see a doctor to get a proper evaluation and determine the cause. And if pelvic pain is added to this, this might interest you.

How long does menopause last?

Menopause itself is a unique event that marks the end of the reproductive stage in a woman's life. Technically, menopause is defined as the time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. However, the process of transitioning to menopause, known as perimenopause, can span several years before this point is reached. The duration of perimenopause and associated symptoms varies significantly from woman to woman. It can last on average around 4 years, but in some cases it can be shorter or longer, even up to 10 years in some cases.

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